Short Interest in Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS) Drops By 36.7%

Key Points

• Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS) experienced a significant decline in short interest, dropping 36.7% to 1,520,000 shares as of September 15th.
• The company's stock price rose 2.5% to $15.74, with a 50-day moving average of $16.10 and a 200-day moving average of $14.65.
• Navigator recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05, yielding 1.3%, and analysts maintain a consensus rating of "Buy" with an average price target of $22.33.

Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,520,000 shares, a decrease of 36.7% from the August 31st total of 2,400,000 shares. Currently, 4.7% of the company's stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 459,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 459,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.3 days. Currently, 4.7% of the company's stock are sold short.

Navigator Stock Up 2.5%

NVGS traded up $0.38 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $15.74. 444,591 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 228,325. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. Navigator has a 12-month low of $10.55 and a 12-month high of $17.52. The firm has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.39 and a beta of 0.63. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $16.10 and a 200 day moving average of $14.65.

Navigator (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 12th. The shipping company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.22). The firm had revenue of $129.64 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $126.73 million. Navigator had a return on equity of 6.56% and a net margin of 15.57%. Analysts predict that Navigator will post 1.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Navigator Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 28th were paid a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 28th. Navigator's dividend payout ratio is currently 15.75%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on NVGS shares. Jefferies Financial Group restated a "buy" rating and set a $19.00 target price on shares of Navigator in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Navigator in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $24.00 target price for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a "buy (b-)" rating on shares of Navigator in a report on Saturday, September 27th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $22.33.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Navigator

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. California State Teachers Retirement System acquired a new position in Navigator in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Legal & General Group Plc acquired a new position in shares of Navigator during the second quarter worth about $42,000. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. purchased a new position in Navigator during the second quarter worth about $47,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its position in Navigator by 21,406.3% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 3,441 shares of the shipping company's stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 3,425 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Navigator in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $59,000. 18.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Navigator Company Profile

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.

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