National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG) Raised to Hold at StockNews.com

National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

A number of other research firms also recently issued reports on NFG. Bank of America initiated coverage on National Fuel Gas in a research note on Monday, October 28th. They issued an "underperform" rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on National Fuel Gas from $65.00 to $64.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Finally, Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of National Fuel Gas from $80.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a "sector outperform" rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th.

National Fuel Gas Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE NFG traded up $0.73 during trading on Friday, reaching $64.24. 735,290 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 522,850. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $61.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.44. National Fuel Gas has a 52-week low of $45.32 and a 52-week high of $64.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.87 billion, a PE ratio of 79.31 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77.

Insider Buying and Selling at National Fuel Gas

In related news, General Counsel Michael W. Reville sold 1,700 shares of National Fuel Gas stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.77, for a total transaction of $103,309.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 8,203 shares in the company, valued at approximately $498,496.31. The trade was a 17.17 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 1.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On National Fuel Gas

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Welch Group LLC bought a new stake in National Fuel Gas during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $526,000. Energy Income Partners LLC raised its position in shares of National Fuel Gas by 2.4% during the first quarter. Energy Income Partners LLC now owns 2,595,437 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock valued at $139,427,000 after buying an additional 62,009 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of National Fuel Gas during the second quarter valued at approximately $718,000. Legacy Bridge LLC purchased a new position in shares of National Fuel Gas in the third quarter worth $1,066,000. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of National Fuel Gas by 34.2% during the second quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 44,898 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock worth $2,433,000 after acquiring an additional 11,437 shares during the last quarter. 73.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

National Fuel Gas Company Profile

National Fuel Gas Company operates as a diversified energy company. It operates through four segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment explores for, develops, and produces natural gas and oil. The Pipeline and Storage segment provides interstate natural gas transportation services through an integrated gas pipeline system in Pennsylvania and New York; and owns and operates underground natural gas storage fields.

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