Geode Capital Management LLC Increases Stock Holdings in J.Jill, Inc. (NYSE:JILL)

Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of J.Jill, Inc. (NYSE:JILL) by 28.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 140,762 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock after purchasing an additional 31,265 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.93% of J.Jill worth $3,473,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new position in shares of J.Jill during the second quarter worth about $81,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in J.Jill during the second quarter worth approximately $301,000. Anchor Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in J.Jill during the second quarter worth approximately $1,020,000. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of J.Jill by 13.8% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 7,676 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $268,000 after acquiring an additional 930 shares during the period. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of J.Jill during the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 40.71% of the company’s stock.

Insider Transactions at J.Jill

In other news, CEO Claire Spofford sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.98, for a total value of $134,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 151,812 shares in the company, valued at $4,095,887.76. This trade represents a 3.19 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Mark W. Webb sold 6,740 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.54, for a total transaction of $192,359.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 97,188 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,773,745.52. This trade represents a 6.49 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 18,341 shares of company stock valued at $517,038. Corporate insiders own 6.70% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a “market perform” rating and issued a $31.00 price target on shares of J.Jill in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $38.17.

J.Jill Price Performance

Shares of NYSE JILL opened at $27.88 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $26.47 and a 200 day moving average price of $29.35. J.Jill, Inc. has a 1-year low of $23.06 and a 1-year high of $40.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.44. The company has a market cap of $427.68 million, a PE ratio of 9.85 and a beta of 0.69.

J.Jill Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 26th will be given a dividend of $0.07 per share. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 26th. J.Jill’s payout ratio is 9.89%.

J.Jill Company Profile

J.Jill, Inc operates as an omnichannel retailer for women's apparel under the J.Jill brand in the United States. It offers apparel, footwear, and accessories, including scarves and jewelry. The company markets its products through retail stores, website, and catalogs. J.Jill, Inc was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts.