Ferguson (NASDAQ:FERG) Reaches New 12-Month Low - What's Next?

Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG - Get Free Report)'s stock price hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as $168.15 and last traded at $168.15, with a volume of 21914 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $169.75.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FERG has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. UBS Group restated a "neutral" rating and issued a $193.00 target price (down from $230.00) on shares of Ferguson in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Ferguson from $220.00 to $215.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 17th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Ferguson from an "underperform" rating to a "buy" rating and lifted their target price for the company from $185.00 to $225.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Berenberg Bank increased their price target on shares of Ferguson from $224.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Ferguson from $245.00 to $234.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $222.40.

Ferguson Stock Up 0.3 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $34.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.24. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $194.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $198.65. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89.

Ferguson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 20th will be paid a $0.83 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 20th. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.95%. This is a positive change from Ferguson's previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. Ferguson's payout ratio is currently 39.86%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ferguson

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FERG. Asset Dedication LLC bought a new position in Ferguson in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. True Wealth Design LLC grew its holdings in Ferguson by 1,350.0% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 145 shares of the company's stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the period. Capital Performance Advisors LLP bought a new stake in shares of Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Ferguson in the 3rd quarter worth $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.98% of the company's stock.

Ferguson Company Profile

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States and Canada. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, commercial, civil/infrastructure, and industrial end markets. The company also provides expertise, solutions, and products, including infrastructure, plumbing, appliances, fire, fabrication, and others, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products under the Ferguson brand name.