Navigator (NYSE:NVGS) Shares Down 4.3% - Here's Why

Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) shares dropped 4.3% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $13.90 and last traded at $13.91. Approximately 440,537 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 69% from the average daily volume of 261,429 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.53.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group restated a "buy" rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of Navigator in a research note on Wednesday, March 12th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Navigator from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $21.60.

Navigator Trading Down 0.8%

The business's 50 day simple moving average is $13.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $14.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The company has a market capitalization of $974.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.89 and a beta of 0.79.

Navigator (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 14th. The shipping company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.06. Navigator had a return on equity of 7.83% and a net margin of 15.42%. The business had revenue of $151.41 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $128.26 million. Research analysts anticipate that Navigator Holdings Ltd. will post 1.25 EPS for the current year.

Navigator Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 17th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 29th were issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 29th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.42%. Navigator's dividend payout ratio is currently 15.63%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Navigator

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Aristides Capital LLC raised its position in Navigator by 10.5% in the fourth quarter. Aristides Capital LLC now owns 15,034 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,428 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its holdings in Navigator by 6.1% in the fourth quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 26,913 shares of the shipping company's stock valued at $413,000 after purchasing an additional 1,540 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC grew its holdings in Navigator by 18.5% in the fourth quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,638 shares of the shipping company's stock valued at $194,000 after purchasing an additional 1,976 shares during the last quarter. New Age Alpha Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Navigator in the fourth quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Navigator by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 130,616 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $1,738,000 after buying an additional 2,911 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 18.95% of the company's stock.

About Navigator

Navigator Holdings Ltd. engages in owning and operating a fleet of liquefied gas carriers worldwide. It provides international and regional seaborne transportation services of petrochemical gases, liquefied petroleum gases, and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users, and commodity traders. The company also offers ship shore infrastructure and consultancy services.