Navigator (NYSE:NVGS) Sees Large Volume Increase - Here's What Happened

Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 333,887 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 83% from the previous session's volume of 181,977 shares.The stock last traded at $17.23 and had previously closed at $17.05.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

NVGS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $20.00 target price on shares of Navigator in a research note on Friday, November 22nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Navigator from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Finally, Alliance Global Partners initiated coverage on shares of Navigator in a research report on Monday, October 28th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $21.60.

Navigator Trading Up 2.6 %

The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The company has a market capitalization of $1.24 billion, a PE ratio of 15.05 and a beta of 1.45. The stock's 50 day moving average is $15.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $15.99.

Navigator Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Monday, November 25th were paid a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 25th. Navigator's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.70%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its position in Navigator by 9.1% during the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 8,221 shares of the shipping company's stock valued at $132,000 after purchasing an additional 684 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its position in shares of Navigator by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 26,913 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $413,000 after buying an additional 1,540 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP raised its stake in shares of Navigator by 61.0% during the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 4,383 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 1,661 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its stake in Navigator by 10.7% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 19,640 shares of the shipping company's stock valued at $316,000 after acquiring an additional 1,895 shares in the last quarter. Finally, R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in Navigator in the fourth quarter worth $31,000. 18.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Navigator

Navigator Holdings Ltd. engages in owning and operating a fleet of liquefied gas carriers worldwide. It provides international and regional seaborne transportation services of petrochemical gases, liquefied petroleum gases, and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users, and commodity traders. The company also offers ship shore infrastructure and consultancy services.