Horizon Investments LLC Boosts Stake in Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO)

Horizon Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) by 15.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,237 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 1,214 shares during the period. Horizon Investments LLC’s holdings in Diageo were worth $1,174,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in DEO. Brooklyn Investment Group purchased a new stake in Diageo during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Eastern Bank boosted its stake in shares of Diageo by 107.8% during the 4th quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 241 shares of the company’s stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Modus Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Diageo during the fourth quarter worth about $35,000. Kestra Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Diageo in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Heck Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Diageo during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $47,000. 8.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have commented on DEO. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Diageo from $124.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group raised Diageo from a “sell” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Diageo from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, March 3rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Diageo from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $129.00.

Diageo Stock Down 1.6 %

Shares of NYSE DEO opened at $106.40 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $59.19 billion, a PE ratio of 15.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $113.22 and a 200-day moving average of $123.00. Diageo plc has a 52-week low of $105.23 and a 52-week high of $149.44.

Diageo Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 28th will be given a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 28th. Diageo’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.42%.

Diageo Profile

Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaça, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavored malt beverages. It also provides Chinese, Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as flavored malt beverages, ready to drink, and non-alcoholic products.