Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG - Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday following a weaker than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $165.56, but opened at $155.88. Ferguson shares last traded at $158.64, with a volume of 516,674 shares.
The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.58 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $6.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.76 billion. Ferguson had a net margin of 5.68% and a return on equity of 34.63%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.74 EPS.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group reiterated a "neutral" rating and set a $193.00 price target (down previously from $230.00) on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Ferguson from $234.00 to $211.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Berenberg Bank raised their price target on Ferguson from $224.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Zelman & Associates lowered Ferguson from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an "outperform" rating and issued a $219.00 price target on shares of Ferguson in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $217.73.
Read Our Latest Report on Ferguson
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ferguson
A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in Ferguson by 906.7% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 151 shares of the company's stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC raised its position in Ferguson by 1,350.0% in the third 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. LGT Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Ferguson by 106.3% in the fourth quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 198 shares of the company's stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. Berbice Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Ferguson during the fourth quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Capital Performance Advisors LLP bought a new position in shares of Ferguson in the third quarter worth $37,000. 81.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.
Ferguson Price Performance
The business's 50-day moving average price is $177.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $191.51. The company has a market capitalization of $31.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83.
About Ferguson
(
Get Free Report)
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.
See Also
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest and most accurate reporting. This story was reviewed by MarketBeat's editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.
Before you consider Ferguson, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Ferguson wasn't on the list.
While Ferguson currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Nuclear energy stocks are roaring. It's the hottest energy sector of the year. Cameco Corp, Paladin Energy, and BWX Technologies were all up more than 40% in 2024. The biggest market moves could still be ahead of us, and there are seven nuclear energy stocks that could rise much higher in the next several months. To unlock these tickers, enter your email address below.
Get This Free Report
Like this article? Share it with a colleague.
Link copied to clipboard.
