Kieckhefer Group LLC Invests $694,000 in Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG)

Kieckhefer Group LLC acquired a new position in Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 4,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $694,000. Ferguson accounts for about 0.4% of Kieckhefer Group LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 25th largest position.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in FERG. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC lifted its position in Ferguson by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC now owns 3,307 shares of the company’s stock worth $657,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC grew its position in Ferguson by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC now owns 2,035 shares of the company’s stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in Ferguson by 3.2% in the third quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,952 shares of the company’s stock valued at $388,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Ferguson by 0.4% in the fourth quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,834 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,137,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the period. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Ferguson by 33.8% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 364 shares of the company’s stock valued at $72,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.98% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

FERG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group restated a “neutral” rating and set a $193.00 price objective (down previously from $230.00) on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Citigroup cut their price objective on Ferguson from $221.00 to $189.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $219.00 price objective on shares of Ferguson in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Barclays dropped their price target on Ferguson from $245.00 to $234.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price target on shares of Ferguson from $230.00 to $225.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ferguson currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $222.40.

Ferguson Price Performance

NASDAQ FERG traded down $0.82 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $168.93. 687,599 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,252,076. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $194.66 and its 200-day moving average is $198.81. The company has a market capitalization of $33.78 billion, a PE ratio of 20.28, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.24. Ferguson plc has a 52-week low of $167.27 and a 52-week high of $225.63.

Ferguson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.83 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 20th. This is a boost from Ferguson’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.97%. Ferguson’s dividend payout ratio is currently 39.86%.

Ferguson Company Profile

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States and Canada. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, commercial, civil/infrastructure, and industrial end markets. The company also provides expertise, solutions, and products, including infrastructure, plumbing, appliances, fire, fabrication, and others, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products under the Ferguson brand name.