Navigator (NYSE:NVGS) Trading 3.8% Higher - Should You Buy?

Shares of Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) were up 3.8% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $12.82 and last traded at $12.92. Approximately 64,192 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 220,981 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.45.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $20.00 price objective on shares of Navigator in a research note on Wednesday, March 12th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Navigator has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $21.60.

Navigator Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $13.51 and a 200-day moving average of $15.11. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $882.05 million, a P/E ratio of 11.25 and a beta of 1.07.

Navigator (NYSE:NVGS - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 12th. The shipping company reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.01. Navigator had a return on equity of 7.40% and a net margin of 14.48%. The business had revenue of $144.03 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $120.87 million. Equities analysts predict that Navigator Holdings Ltd. will post 1.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Navigator Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 24th were issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 24th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.57%. Navigator's dividend payout ratio is currently 16.67%.

Institutional Trading of Navigator

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. R Squared Ltd bought a new stake in Navigator during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. New Age Alpha Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Navigator during the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in Navigator by 18.5% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,638 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $194,000 after purchasing an additional 1,976 shares during the last quarter. Aristides Capital LLC raised its holdings in Navigator by 10.5% during the 4th quarter. Aristides Capital LLC now owns 15,034 shares of the shipping company's stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 1,428 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Corton Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Navigator during the 4th quarter worth about $270,000. 18.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Navigator Company Profile

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.