Investors Surge in Put Options for Vertiv (NYSE:VRT)

On Wednesday, Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT - Get Free Report) witnessed notable activity in options trading, particularly with put options. A total of 53,036 put options were purchased, reflecting a significant uptick of about 21% compared to the usual volume of 43,792 put options.

Analyst Price Target Updates

Several research analysts have recently provided their insights on Vertiv shares. Citigroup has increased its price target from $141.00 to $155.00 and maintained a "buy" rating in a report dated December 9. Conversely, Melius downgraded Vertiv from a "buy" to a "hold" rating, setting a price target of $125.00 in its report on January 28. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Vertiv on January 6, issuing an "overweight" rating with a price target of $150.00. Melius Research reaffirmed a "hold" rating and set its target at $125.00 again on January 28. Fox Advisors began coverage, awarding Vertiv with an "equal weight" rating. At present, four analysts have rated Vertiv as a hold while eleven have recommended it as a buy. According to MarketBeat.com, the consensus rating for Vertiv is "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $135.33.

Stock Performance Overview

During trading on Wednesday, shares of Vertiv (NYSE:VRT) dropped by $9.12, landing at $82.46. The trading volume reached 8,093,818 shares, slightly below the average of 8,511,471. Key financial metrics include a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 1.02, and a current ratio of 1.65. Vertiv's one-year low and high are $62.40 and $155.84, respectively. Its 50-day moving average is $106.11, while the two-hundred day moving average is $111.68. The company's market capitalization stands at $31.40 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 64.66 and a P/E growth ratio of 1.07. Additionally, the stock has a beta of 1.71.

Dividend Announcement

Vertiv recently declared a quarterly dividend, scheduled for payment on Thursday, March 27. Shareholders registered by Tuesday, March 18 will receive a dividend of $0.0375. This annualizes to $0.15, providing a yield of 0.18%. The ex-dividend date is also set for March 18, with a current dividend payout ratio of 11.72%.

Institutional Investor Activity

A number of large institutional investors have adjusted their stakes in Vertiv. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its holdings by 8.1% in the fourth quarter, owning 1,126 shares valued at $128,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC raised its position by 2.4% with 3,695 shares worth $420,000 after buying 85 extra shares. Accurate Wealth Management LLC enhanced its position by 4.1%, now holding 2,234 shares valued at $254,000. Horizon Investment Services LLC also increased its holdings by 4.1%, owning 2,410 shares valued at $274,000. Lastly, Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC grew its position by 3.1%, now owning 3,226 shares worth $367,000. Overall, 89.92% of Vertiv's stock is held by institutional investors.

About Vertiv Holdings Co

Vertiv Holdings Co, along with its subsidiaries, specializes in designing, manufacturing, and servicing essential infrastructure technologies and lifecycle services targeted at data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Investors, Options, Trading