Northwest Natural Holding (NYSE:NWN) Given Average Rating of “Hold” by Analysts

Shares of Northwest Natural Holding (NYSE:NWN) have been given a consensus recommendation of “Hold” by the four brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $45.20.

Separately, Janney Montgomery Scott initiated coverage on shares of Northwest Natural in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $39.00 price objective for the company.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Northwest Natural

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Quarry LP purchased a new position in shares of Northwest Natural in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new position in Northwest Natural during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its position in Northwest Natural by 185.7% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 820 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 533 shares during the last quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in Northwest Natural during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $54,000. Finally, Clarity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Northwest Natural during the 4th quarter worth approximately $63,000. 75.13% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Northwest Natural Stock Up 3.0 %

Shares of NWN opened at $36.66 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.10, a P/E/G ratio of 4.29 and a beta of 0.57. Northwest Natural has a 12-month low of $34.95 and a 12-month high of $49.08. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $37.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $37.93.

Northwest Natural (NYSE:NWN) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 23rd. The utilities provider reported $1.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.31 by ($0.10). Northwest Natural had a net margin of 7.84% and a return on equity of 7.52%. The company had revenue of $355.71 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $368.78 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.36 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Northwest Natural will post 2.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Northwest Natural Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were issued a $0.488 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $1.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.32%. Northwest Natural’s dividend payout ratio is presently 75.00%.

Northwest Natural Company Profile

Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the United States. The company operates a mist gas storage facility contracted to other utilities, third-party marketers, and electric generators; offers natural gas asset management services; and operates an appliance retail center.