XPS Pensions Group (LON:XPS) Stock Price Up 11.1% - Should You Buy?

XPS Pensions Group plc (LON:XPS) has seen a significant increase in its stock price, rising by 11.1% during mid-day trading on Saturday. The shares peaked at GBX 397 ($5.00) and were last seen trading at GBX 385.45 ($4.85). This surge in trading activity included approximately 3,388,795 shares changing hands, marking a substantial increase of 125% compared to the average daily volume of 1,504,858 shares. Prior to this rise, the stock had closed at GBX 347 ($4.37).

Market Reactions and Analyst Opinions

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

XPS Pensions Group has recently been the focus of multiple research analyses. On Thursday, November 21st, Shore Capital maintained a "hold" rating on the company's shares. Just a day later, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a "buy" rating while setting a target price of GBX 435 ($5.48). Canaccord Genuity Group also echoed this sentiment by restating a "buy" rating with a target price of GBX 401 ($5.05) on the same day.

Out of the investment analysts covering XPS, one has issued a hold rating, while four have given the stock a buy rating. According to MarketBeat data, XPS now holds an average rating of "Moderate Buy" alongside a consensus price target of GBX 356.50 ($4.49).

Performance Metrics

XPS Pensions Group Price Performance

The stock has recorded a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 343.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 331.16. XPS Pensions Group has a market capitalization of £795.95 million, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 3.10, and a beta value of 0.57. Its financial stability is reflected in its debt-to-equity ratio of 17.52, a quick ratio of 1.51, and a current ratio of 1.27.

XPS Pensions Group announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 21st, reporting an earnings per share (EPS) of GBX 9.40 ($0.12) for the quarter. The company also achieved a remarkable return on equity of 156.24% and an impressive net margin of 128.13%.

Dividend Changes

XPS Pensions Group Cuts Dividend

Recently, the company declared a dividend that was paid out on Friday, February 7th, to stockholders on record as of Thursday, January 9th. The dividend was valued at GBX 3.70 ($0.05), resulting in a yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date was also set for Thursday, January 9th. Currently, XPS Pensions Group has a dividend payout ratio of 8.03%.

Insider Activity

Insider Transactions at XPS Pensions Group

In recent insider news, Alan Bannatyne, one of the company's insiders, purchased 13,033 shares on Thursday, November 21st. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 349 ($4.39), totaling a value of £45,485.17 ($57,250.06). It is noteworthy that corporate insiders own about 5.14% of XPS Pensions Group's stock.

About XPS Pensions Group

XPS Pensions Group Company Profile

XPS Group is a prominent consulting and administration firm in the UK, focusing on pensions and the insurance sectors. As a member of the FTSE 250, XPS combines industry knowledge with advanced technology and analytics, servicing the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes as well as their sponsoring employers.

Investment Considerations

Should You Invest $1,000 in XPS Pensions Group Right Now?

While XPS Pensions Group enjoys a current "Moderate Buy" rating among analysts, prospective investors may want to consider alternative options. Research shows that several top-rated analysts have pinpointed other stocks as better investment choices at this time. It might be worth exploring these alternatives before making an investment decision with XPS Pensions Group.

Stock, Investment, Analysis