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Highlights
- FirstGroup (FGP) crossed above its 200-day moving average during Thursday's trading session.
- The stock reached a high of GBX 170 before settling at GBX 161.20.
- Trading activity saw a volume of 767,834 shares, reflecting increased market interest.
FirstGroup plc (LON:FGP) achieved a notable milestone during Thursday’s trading, with its share price moving above the 200-day moving average of GBX 154.96. The stock peaked at GBX 170 during the session before closing at GBX 161.20, marking a positive shift in its technical performance. The trading volume for the day was 767,834 shares, signaling a significant increase in activity compared to usual levels. This movement also aligns with the broader trends observed in LON industrials stocks, which have seen heightened interest in recent sessions.
The company, which operates public transport services in the United Kingdom, has a market capitalization of £968.65 million. It currently carries a price-to-earnings ratio of -8,060.00 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.21, reflecting its unique financial dynamics. FirstGroup’s beta of 1.59 highlights its slightly higher volatility compared to the broader market.
The stock’s recent movement aligns with its 50-day moving average of GBX 160.18 and its 200-day moving average of GBX 154.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.74, indicating its ability to manage short-term liabilities effectively, despite a debt-to-equity ratio of 256.40.
In its last earnings report, FirstGroup posted earnings per share (EPS) of GBX 8.50 for the quarter. The company recorded a negative return on equity of 0.53% and a marginally negative net margin of 0.34%. For the current fiscal year, analysts estimate earnings per share to be 17.3782772, highlighting potential areas of improvement.
FirstGroup also recently declared a dividend, which was distributed on December 31. Shareholders on record as of November 28 received a dividend of GBX 1.70 per share, representing a yield of 1.24%. The dividend payout aligns with the company’s financial framework, despite its challenging payout ratio of -30,000.00%.
FirstGroup operates through its First Bus and First Rail segments. The First Bus division manages a fleet of approximately 4,900 buses across the United Kingdom, offering local bus services. Meanwhile, the First Rail segment oversees a comprehensive passenger rail network, including long-distance, commuter, regional, and sleeper services. It operates notable franchises such as Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, and Avanti West Coast, alongside Hull Trains and Lumos.
The company's performance reflects its strong presence in the UK transportation sector and its ability to navigate financial and operational challenges. FirstGroup’s diverse portfolio in bus and rail services positions it as a significant player in the public transport domain, with recent stock movements pointing to growing interest in its trajectory.
