PulteGroup Target of Unusually High Options Trading (NYSE:PHM)

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM) was the target of unusually large options trading on Wednesday. Investors acquired 9,941 call options on the company. This represents an increase of 1,498% compared to the typical daily volume of 622 call options.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of PulteGroup in a report on Thursday, March 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of PulteGroup from $149.00 to $131.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of PulteGroup from $111.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citizens Jmp started coverage on PulteGroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a “market outperform” rating and a $145.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Evercore increased their price objective on PulteGroup from $134.00 to $143.00 in a report on Friday, January 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $142.71.

PulteGroup Stock Performance

Shares of PHM opened at $117.75 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $131.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $127.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.56 billion, a PE ratio of 10.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. PulteGroup has a 52-week low of $88.07 and a 52-week high of $144.49.

PulteGroup Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. PulteGroup’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.35%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Todd N. Sheldon sold 14,220 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.01, for a total transaction of $1,919,842.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 69,753 shares in the company, valued at $9,417,352.53. The trade was a 16.93% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Kevin A. Henry sold 5,173 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.03, for a total value of $729,548.19. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 14,673 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,069,333.19. The trade was a 26.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 149,952 shares of company stock worth $20,162,165. 0.76% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PulteGroup

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Rachor Investment Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of PulteGroup in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in PulteGroup during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. DV Equities LLC acquired a new position in PulteGroup during the fourth quarter worth about $32,000. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. acquired a new position in PulteGroup during the fourth quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Rexford Capital Inc. bought a new stake in PulteGroup in the second quarter worth about $35,000. 89.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About PulteGroup

PulteGroup, Inc (NYSE: PHM) is a U.S.-based residential homebuilder that designs, constructs and sells single-family homes and develops master-planned communities. The company operates multiple national and regional brands that target different buyer segments, including first-time buyers, move-up buyers and active-adult customers. Its operations encompass land acquisition and development, home design and construction, community amenities and ongoing customer service and warranty programs.

PulteGroup markets homes under several well-known brands, such as Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb, among others, offering a range of product types from entry-level detached homes to larger, higher-end residences and age-restricted active-adult communities.