Vermilion Energy Sees Unusually High Options Volume (NYSE:VET)

Vermilion Energy Inc. (NYSE:VET - Get Free Report) TSE: VET saw some unusual options trading on Monday. Stock investors purchased 4,027 call options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 117% compared to the typical daily volume of 1,860 call options.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Desjardins downgraded Vermilion Energy from a "moderate buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. Atb Cap Markets lowered shares of Vermilion Energy from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 13th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Vermilion Energy from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Saturday, March 15th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vermilion Energy

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. LM Asset IM Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Vermilion Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $18,806,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new stake in Vermilion Energy during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $10,866,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Vermilion Energy by 14.5% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 7,293,449 shares of the oil and gas company's stock valued at $68,608,000 after purchasing an additional 921,230 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its holdings in shares of Vermilion Energy by 72.8% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 1,040,076 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $10,162,000 after purchasing an additional 438,200 shares during the period. Finally, Royce & Associates LP increased its position in shares of Vermilion Energy by 49.3% during the 4th quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 918,240 shares of the oil and gas company's stock valued at $8,643,000 after purchasing an additional 303,370 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 31.91% of the company's stock.

Vermilion Energy Price Performance

Vermilion Energy stock traded up $0.35 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $6.09. 1,248,852 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,144,306. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Vermilion Energy has a 12 month low of $5.14 and a 12 month high of $12.78. The stock's fifty day moving average is $7.99 and its 200-day moving average is $9.15. The stock has a market cap of $940.92 million, a P/E ratio of -1.63 and a beta of 1.43.

Vermilion Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 15th. Investors of record on Monday, March 31st will be issued a $0.0903 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 31st. This is a positive change from Vermilion Energy's previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.94%. Vermilion Energy's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -163.64%.

Vermilion Energy Company Profile

Vermilion Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas. The company has properties in West Central Alberta, southeast Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and West Pembina in Canada; Wyoming in the United States; southwest Bordeaux and Paris Basin in France; the Netherlands; Germany; Ireland; Croatia; Slovakia; and Australia.