Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT) Given Consensus Rating of "Hold" by Brokerages

Key Points

• Consensus "Hold": Seven analysts give Versant a consensus rating of "Hold" (2 sells, 3 holds, 1 buy, 1 strong buy) with an average 1-year price target of $37.75.
• Significant insider buying: Company directors bought a combined 154,350 shares over the last 90 days (including 143,000 shares by David C. Novak and 10,000 by Gerald L. Hassell), totaling about $5.68 million.
• Shares opened at $40.83, trading within a 52-week range of $27.17–$59.00, while the company shows strong liquidity (current and quick ratios of 4.02) and low leverage (debt-to-equity 0.09); a $0.375 dividend was paid on April 22.

Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT - Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of "Hold" from the seven analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $37.75.

A number of analysts recently commented on VSNT shares. Weiss Ratings started coverage on shares of Versant in a report on Thursday, March 12th. They set a "sell (d)" rating on the stock. Arete Research raised shares of Versant to a "strong sell" rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Zacks Research raised shares of Versant from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, April 1st. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Versant to a "hold" rating in a report on Saturday, January 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Versant in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. They set a "neutral" rating and a $34.00 price objective on the stock.

Versant Price Performance

VSNT stock opened at $40.83 on Monday. Versant has a 52 week low of $27.17 and a 52 week high of $59.00. The business's 50-day moving average is $36.93. The company has a current ratio of 4.02, a quick ratio of 4.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09.

Versant Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 22nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 1st were issued a dividend of $0.375 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, April 1st.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Gerald L. Hassell acquired 10,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $36.07 per share, with a total value of $360,700.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 12,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $457,367.60. This represents a 373.13% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director David C. Novak acquired 143,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $36.85 per share, for a total transaction of $5,269,550.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 158,560 shares of the company's stock, valued at $5,842,936. This represents a 919.02% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 154,350 shares of company stock valued at $5,679,039.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Versant

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Versant during the first quarter worth about $28,000. Advocate Investing Services LLC acquired a new position in Versant during the first quarter worth about $33,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc acquired a new position in Versant during the first quarter worth about $37,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new position in Versant during the first quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S acquired a new position in Versant during the first quarter worth about $42,000.

About Versant

Versant Corporation is a provider of data management software. The Company designs, develops, markets and supports database management system products that companies use to solve data management and data integration issues. It also provides related product support, training and consulting services to assist users of the Company's products in developing and deploying software applications based on its products. The Company's Versant Object Database product is used primarily by enterprises, which have data management requirements, such as technology providers, telecommunications carriers, Government defense agencies, defense contractors, healthcare companies and companies in the financial services and transportation industries.

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