National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG) Rating Lowered to "Sell" at StockNews.com

National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a report issued on Tuesday.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on NFG. Argus upgraded shares of National Fuel Gas to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. Bank of America assumed coverage on National Fuel Gas in a research report on Monday, October 28th. They set an "underperform" rating and a $62.00 target price for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on National Fuel Gas from $65.00 to $64.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, National Fuel Gas presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $69.00.

National Fuel Gas Price Performance

NYSE:NFG traded up $0.70 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $61.07. 119,971 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 521,175. The business's 50-day moving average price is $61.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $59.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The company has a market cap of $5.55 billion, a PE ratio of 75.40 and a beta of 0.63. National Fuel Gas has a 12-month low of $45.32 and a 12-month high of $65.06.

Insiders Place Their Bets

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 value of $103,309.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 8,203 shares in the company, valued at $498,496.31. This trade represents a 17.17 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Donna L. Decarolis sold 10,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.58, for a total transaction of $625,800.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 81,519 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $5,101,459.02. The trade was a 10.93 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 31,232 shares of company stock valued at $1,945,367 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.55% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On National Fuel Gas

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NFG. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new position in National Fuel Gas in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National Fuel Gas in the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Venturi Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of National Fuel Gas in the third quarter worth $35,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of National Fuel Gas by 38.6% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 696 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 194 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLC bought a new position in National Fuel Gas during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Institutional investors own 73.96% of the company's stock.

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.