Zacks Research Downgrades Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) to Hold

Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) was downgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note issued on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Arete Research upgraded shares of Versant to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Versant in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. They set a “hold” rating and a $32.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings began coverage on shares of Versant in a research report on Thursday, March 12th. They set a “sell (d)” rating on the stock. Raymond James Financial began coverage on shares of Versant in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. They set a “market perform” rating on the stock. Finally, Seaport Research Partners began coverage on shares of Versant in a research report on Tuesday, March 31st. They set a “buy” rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $37.75.

Versant Stock Performance

Versant stock opened at $40.88 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 4.02, a quick ratio of 4.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Versant has a 1 year low of $27.17 and a 1 year high of $59.00. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $37.14.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director David C. Novak acquired 143,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $36.85 per share, for a total transaction of $5,269,550.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 158,560 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,842,936. This trade represents a 919.02% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Gerald L. Hassell acquired 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 9th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $36.07 per share, for a total transaction of $360,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 12,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $457,367.60. This represents a 373.13% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders have bought 154,350 shares of company stock worth $5,679,039.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Versant

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Citizens National Bank Trust Department purchased a new position in shares of Versant during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Versant during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Advocate Investing Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Versant during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt purchased a new position in shares of Versant during the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, AdvisorNet Financial Inc purchased a new position in shares of Versant during the 1st quarter valued at $37,000.

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.