The Sage Group (LON:SGE) Trading Up 14.3% - Still a Buy?

The Sage Group plc (LON:SGE - Get Free Report) shares shot up 14.3% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 1,320 ($16.70) and last traded at GBX 1,231.45 ($15.58). 141,714,766 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 2,699% from the average session volume of 5,063,677 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,077 ($13.63).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on The Sage Group from GBX 1,300 ($16.45) to GBX 1,250 ($15.82) and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of GBX 1,173 ($14.84).

The Sage Group Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of £12.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4,925.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 115.72. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 1,018.27 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 1,049.92.

The Sage Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 9th will be issued a GBX 13.50 ($0.17) dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 9th. This represents a yield of 1.25%. This is a positive change from The Sage Group's previous dividend of $6.95. The Sage Group's dividend payout ratio is presently 7,692.31%.

The Sage Group Company Profile

The Sage Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides technology solutions and services for small and medium businesses in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It offers cloud native solutions, such as Sage Intacct, a cloud accounting software product and financial management software; Sage People, a HR and people management solution; Sage 200, a finance and business management solution; Sage X3, a business management solution; Sage Accounting, a solution for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers to manage customer data, accounts, and people; Sage Payroll for small businesses manage their payroll; and Sage HR for small and mid-sized businesses for record management, leave management, staff scheduling, and expenses services.