Empowered Funds LLC Raises Stock Holdings in Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:BHE)

Empowered Funds LLC lifted its position in Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:BHE - Free Report) by 11.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 193,183 shares of the technology company's stock after purchasing an additional 19,289 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC owned about 0.54% of Benchmark Electronics worth $8,771,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. KBC Group NV boosted its position in Benchmark Electronics by 125.3% during the 3rd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 1,534 shares of the technology company's stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 853 shares during the period. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Benchmark Electronics by 54.2% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,706 shares of the technology company's stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Benchmark Electronics by 161.3% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,255 shares of the technology company's stock worth $100,000 after purchasing an additional 1,392 shares during the last quarter. Highland Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Benchmark Electronics in the third quarter worth about $234,000. Finally, Glenmede Trust Co. NA purchased a new position in Benchmark Electronics during the 3rd quarter valued at about $238,000. Institutional investors own 92.29% of the company's stock.

Insider Activity at Benchmark Electronics

In related news, SVP Rhonda R. Turner sold 6,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.98, for a total transaction of $281,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 47,991 shares of the company's stock, valued at $2,254,617.18. This trade represents a 11.11 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 2.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Benchmark Electronics Stock Up 0.2 %

Benchmark Electronics stock traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $41.70. 177,864 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 248,440. Benchmark Electronics, Inc. has a one year low of $27.44 and a one year high of $52.57. The firm's 50-day moving average price is $45.76 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $44.76. The company has a current ratio of 2.32, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market cap of $1.50 billion, a PE ratio of 24.11 and a beta of 0.99.

Benchmark Electronics (NYSE:BHE - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The technology company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.56 by ($0.01). Benchmark Electronics had a return on equity of 6.68% and a net margin of 2.38%.

Benchmark Electronics Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st were given a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.63%. Benchmark Electronics's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.31%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have weighed in on BHE. StockNews.com upgraded Benchmark Electronics from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on Benchmark Electronics from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, January 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $43.00.

Benchmark Electronics Profile

Benchmark Electronics, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers product design, engineering services, technology solutions, and manufacturing services in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The company provides engineering services and technology solutions, including new product design, prototype, testing, and related engineering services; and custom testing and technology solutions, as well as automation equipment design and build services.