National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG) Shares Sold by Wells Fargo & Company MN

Wells Fargo & Company MN decreased its position in National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Free Report) by 2.1% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 256,872 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock after selling 5,524 shares during the quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN owned 0.28% of National Fuel Gas worth $15,587,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of National Fuel Gas in the fourth quarter worth $67,393,000. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in National Fuel Gas during the 4th quarter worth about $16,906,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in National Fuel Gas in the 4th quarter valued at about $9,067,000. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of National Fuel Gas by 5.6% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,199,787 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock valued at $146,502,000 after buying an additional 117,351 shares during the period. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of National Fuel Gas by 3.4% during the fourth quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,584,155 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock worth $156,807,000 after buying an additional 85,950 shares in the last quarter. 73.96% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

National Fuel Gas Stock Up 0.4 %

NYSE:NFG traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $79.01. 603,566 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 550,193. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. National Fuel Gas has a fifty-two week low of $52.66 and a fifty-two week high of $80.14. The company has a market capitalization of $7.15 billion, a PE ratio of -564.32 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $75.64 and a 200 day simple moving average of $67.55.

National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.22. National Fuel Gas had a positive return on equity of 15.96% and a negative net margin of 0.53%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.46 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that National Fuel Gas will post 6.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

National Fuel Gas Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 15th. Investors of record on Monday, March 31st were paid a dividend of $0.515 per share. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 31st. National Fuel Gas's dividend payout ratio is currently -1,471.43%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NFG has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com cut shares of National Fuel Gas from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a report on Monday, April 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of National Fuel Gas from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Thursday, March 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $74.67.

About National Fuel Gas

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.