Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT) Receives Average Recommendation of “Reduce” from Brokerages

Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT) has received an average rating of “Reduce” from the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $37.75.

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on VSNT shares. Seaport Research Partners started coverage on Versant in a research report on Tuesday, March 31st. They issued a “buy” rating and a $45.00 target price for the company. Zacks Research downgraded Versant from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Versant in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $34.00 target price for the company. Wall Street Zen raised Versant to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, January 24th. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on Versant in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. They issued a “hold” rating and a $32.00 target price for the company.

Insider Transactions at Versant

In related news, Director Gerald L. Hassell bought 10,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 9th. The stock was bought at an average price of $36.07 per share, with a total value of $360,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 12,680 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $457,367.60. This represents a 373.13% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director David C. Novak bought 143,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 5th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $36.85 per share, with a total value of $5,269,550.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 158,560 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,842,936. This trade represents a 919.02% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders purchased 154,350 shares of company stock valued at $5,679,039 over the last quarter.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of VSNT. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA acquired a new position in shares of Versant in the fourth quarter worth about $24,134,000. Cheviot Value Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Versant in the fourth quarter worth about $795,000. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Versant in the fourth quarter worth about $646,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new position in shares of Versant in the fourth quarter worth about $203,000. Finally, Barclays PLC acquired a new position in shares of Versant in the fourth quarter worth about $112,000.

Versant Price Performance

VSNT stock opened at $41.14 on Monday. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $37.59. Versant has a 12-month low of $27.17 and a 12-month high of $59.00. The company has a quick ratio of 4.02, a current ratio of 4.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09.

Versant Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 22nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 1st were given a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, April 1st.

About Versant

Versant Corporation is a provider of data management software. The Company designs, develops, markets and supports database management system products that companies use to solve data management and data integration issues. It also provides related product support, training and consulting services to assist users of the Company’s products in developing and deploying software applications based on its products. The Company’s Versant Object Database product is used primarily by enterprises, which have data management requirements, such as technology providers, telecommunications carriers, Government defense agencies, defense contractors, healthcare companies and companies in the financial services and transportation industries.