APA Co. (NASDAQ:APA) Shares Bought by National Bank of Canada FI

National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in APA Co. (NASDAQ:APA - Free Report) by 50.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 202,962 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 67,788 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI owned about 0.05% of APA worth $4,964,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its stake in APA by 386.7% in the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,358 shares of the company's stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 1,079 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new position in shares of APA in the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Huntington National Bank lifted its position in shares of APA by 48.8% in the third quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,710 shares of the company's stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 561 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in shares of APA by 164.2% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,581 shares of the company's stock worth $63,000 after acquiring an additional 1,604 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of APA during the second quarter worth approximately $76,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.01% of the company's stock.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Juliet S. Ellis acquired 4,391 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 12th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $22.78 per share, for a total transaction of $100,026.98. Following the purchase, the director now owns 12,436 shares of the company's stock, valued at $283,292.08. This represents a 54.58 % increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.30% of the company's stock.

APA Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of APA stock traded down $0.08 on Friday, hitting $22.86. The stock had a trading volume of 3,993,826 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,266,290. The company's 50 day moving average price is $23.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $26.65. APA Co. has a 1 year low of $20.95 and a 1 year high of $37.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 3.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.24 and a quick ratio of 1.24.

APA Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 22nd. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.37%. APA's dividend payout ratio is presently 14.12%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

APA has been the topic of several recent research reports. Bernstein Bank lowered their target price on shares of APA from $30.00 to $28.00 in a research note on Friday, October 18th. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of APA from $36.00 to $33.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of APA from $29.00 to $24.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 26th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on APA from $49.00 to $47.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price target on APA from $39.00 to $33.00 and set an "in-line" rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 30th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, APA currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $32.52.

About APA

APA Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. It has oil and gas operations in the United States, Egypt, and North Sea. The company also has exploration and appraisal activities in Suriname, as well as holds interests in projects located in Uruguay and internationally.