Associated British Foods (LON:ABF) Reaches New 1-Year Low - Here's Why

Associated British Foods plc (LON:ABF - Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 2,156 ($27.36) and last traded at GBX 2,165 ($27.47), with a volume of 1129542 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,188 ($27.77).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Associated British Foods to a "sell" rating and dropped their price target for the company from GBX 2,290 ($29.06) to GBX 2,190 ($27.79) in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. Shore Capital reissued a "buy" rating on shares of Associated British Foods in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Associated British Foods Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of £15.93 billion, a PE ratio of 1,391.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.24. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 2,290.08 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 2,453.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.71.

Associated British Foods Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of GBX 69.30 ($0.88) per share. This is a boost from Associated British Foods's previous dividend of $20.70. This represents a dividend yield of 3.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 12th. Associated British Foods's dividend payout ratio is presently 3,483.87%.

Insider Activity at Associated British Foods

In other news, insider Loraine Woodhouse purchased 4,164 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 2,389 ($30.32) per share, with a total value of £99,477.96 ($126,241.07). 58.08% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Associated British Foods Company Profile

Associated British Foods plc operates as a diversified food, ingredients, and retail company worldwide. It operates through five segments: Grocery, Ingredients, Agriculture, Sugar, and Retail. The Grocery segment manufactures and sells grocery products, including hot beverages, sugar and sweeteners, vegetable oils, balsamic vinegars, bread and baked goods, cereals, ethnic foods, and meat products to retail, wholesale, and foodservice businesses.