Ambev S.A. (NYSE:ABEV – Get Rating) was the recipient of some unusual options trading on Monday. Stock traders purchased 3,384 put options on the company. This represents an increase of 60% compared to the average daily volume of 2,118 put options.

Institutional Trading of Ambev

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ritholtz Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Ambev in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. QP Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Ambev in the 4th quarter valued at about $153,000. Veracity Capital LLC increased its position in Ambev by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Veracity Capital LLC now owns 85,773 shares of the company's stock valued at $233,000 after acquiring an additional 4,272 shares during the period. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in Ambev by 103.4% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 68,775 shares of the company's stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 34,962 shares during the period. Finally, Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Ambev in the 4th quarter valued at about $50,000. 8.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently issued reports on ABEV. UBS Group upgraded Ambev from a "sell" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, January 12th. TheStreet upgraded Ambev from a "c+" rating to a "b" rating in a report on Friday, December 9th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Ambev in a report on Thursday, January 12th. They set a "buy" rating for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Buy".

Ambev Stock Performance

Ambev (NYSE:ABEV – Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 27th. The company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.03 by $0.01. Ambev had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 16.58%. The business had revenue of $3.93 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.87 billion. Research analysts forecast that Ambev will post 0.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ambev Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 21st were issued a $0.1457 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 20th. Ambev's payout ratio is currently 75.00%.

Ambev Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Ambev SA, through its subsidiaries, produces, distributes, and sells beer, draft beer, carbonated soft drinks, other non-alcoholic beverages, malt, and food products. The company operates through four segments: Brazil; Central America and the Caribbean; Latin America South; and Canada. It offers beer primarily under the Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Brahva, Brahva Gold, Extra, Bud Light, Beck, Leffe and Hoegaarden, Bucanero, Cristal, Mayabe, Cacique, Presidente, Brahma Light, Presidente Light, Presidente Golden Light, Bohemia, The One, Corona, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, and Budweiser, Quilmes Clásica, Paceña, Taquiña, Huari, Becker, Cusqueña, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Pilsen, Ouro Fino, Banks, Deputy, Patricia, Labatt Blue, Alexander Keith's, and Kokanee brands.

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