Central Puerto (NYSE:CEPU) Shares Down 3.2% - Here's Why

Shares of Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE:CEPU - Get Free Report) were down 3.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $13.25 and last traded at $13.24. Approximately 127,363 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 74% from the average daily volume of 497,237 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.67.

Central Puerto Trading Down 2.9 %

The company has a quick ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The company has a market capitalization of $2.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.20 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $14.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.21.

Central Puerto (NYSE:CEPU - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 11th. The company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.39 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $185.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $200.26 million. Central Puerto had a return on equity of 22.76% and a net margin of 56.44%. Research analysts predict that Central Puerto S.A. will post 0.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Central Puerto Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a -- dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 29th were paid a $0.3954 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 29th. This is a boost from Central Puerto's previous -- dividend of $0.07. Central Puerto's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.90%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Central Puerto

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in shares of Central Puerto by 62.4% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,694 shares of the company's stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 1,420 shares in the last quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. bought a new position in Central Puerto in the third quarter worth $34,000. Verition Fund Management LLC acquired a new stake in Central Puerto during the third quarter worth $121,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new stake in Central Puerto in the 3rd quarter valued at $122,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Central Puerto in the 3rd quarter valued at $157,000. 2.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Central Puerto Company Profile

Central Puerto SA engages in the electric power generation in Argentina. It operates through three segments: Electric Power Generation from Conventional Sources, Electric Power Generation from Renewable Sources, and Natural Gas Transport and Distribution. The company generates energy through thermal, hydroelectric, and wind farms.