Suncor Energy Target of Unusually Large Options Trading (NYSE:SU)

Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU) (TSE:SU) was the target of some unusual options trading on Wednesday. Stock traders purchased 28,315 put options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 2,998% compared to the typical volume of 914 put options.

Suncor Energy Stock Performance

Suncor Energy stock opened at $40.19 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company has a market capitalization of $50.02 billion, a PE ratio of 11.65, a P/E/G ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 1.12. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $37.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $38.64. Suncor Energy has a twelve month low of $32.64 and a twelve month high of $41.94.

Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU) (TSE:SU) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.07. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 11.80% and a return on equity of 15.37%. Research analysts expect that Suncor Energy will post 3.42 EPS for the current year.

Suncor Energy Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 4th will be paid a dividend of $0.399 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.97%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 4th. Suncor Energy’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.67%.

Institutional Trading of Suncor Energy

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SU. Eastern Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Suncor Energy during the third quarter worth about $25,000. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Suncor Energy by 62.1% during the fourth quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 848 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares during the period. Crowley Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Suncor Energy during the fourth quarter worth about $35,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Suncor Energy during the fourth quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Suncor Energy during the fourth quarter worth about $39,000. 67.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on SU shares. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. raised shares of Suncor Energy from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, February 10th. Desjardins raised shares of Suncor Energy from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, November 14th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Suncor Energy from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and set a $66.00 price target on shares of Suncor Energy in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, Cibc World Mkts upgraded shares of Suncor Energy from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $58.00.

About Suncor Energy

Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products.