47,193 Shares in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) Purchased by Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC

Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE - Free Report) in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 47,193 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock, valued at approximately $6,287,000. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC owned about 0.18% of ESCO Technologies as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ESE. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of ESCO Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in shares of ESCO Technologies by 747.1% in the fourth quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 288 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank lifted its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 150.0% during the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 305 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of ESCO Technologies by 627.1% during the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 429 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 370 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in ESCO Technologies by 378.8% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 565 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $75,000 after acquiring an additional 447 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.70% of the company's stock.

ESCO Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of ESE opened at $158.15 on Monday. The stock's 50-day simple moving average is $156.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $144.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 2.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.12 and a beta of 1.07. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a 52-week low of $101.32 and a 52-week high of $171.28.

ESCO Technologies (NYSE:ESE - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 6th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.34. ESCO Technologies had a net margin of 10.44% and a return on equity of 9.91%. Research analysts forecast that ESCO Technologies Inc. will post 5.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ESCO Technologies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, April 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 2nd were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 2nd. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.20%. ESCO Technologies's dividend payout ratio is currently 7.51%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ESE has been the topic of several recent research reports. Benchmark upped their price objective on shares of ESCO Technologies from $150.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, February 11th. Stephens restated an "overweight" rating and set a $175.00 price target on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research note on Thursday, February 27th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of ESCO Technologies from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, March 21st.

ESCO Technologies Company Profile

ESCO Technologies Inc produces and supplies engineered products and systems for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Test & Measurement. The Aerospace & Defense segment designs and manufactures filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements and fluid control devices used in commercial aerospace applications; filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites; and custom designed filters for manned aircraft and submarines.

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