ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) Stake Lowered by Royce & Associates LP

Royce & Associates LP lessened its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE - Free Report) by 15.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 555,951 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock after selling 100,852 shares during the quarter. ESCO Technologies accounts for 0.7% of Royce & Associates LP's portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest position. Royce & Associates LP owned 2.16% of ESCO Technologies worth $71,707,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ESE. Moody National Bank Trust Division grew its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 4.4% during the second quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 2,827 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $297,000 after buying an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 7,222 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $759,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in ESCO Technologies by 43.0% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 469 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 17.9% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 990 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $128,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 13,000 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $1,366,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. 95.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

ESCO Technologies Trading Up 3.1 %

Shares of ESCO Technologies stock traded up $4.30 during trading on Friday, hitting $144.30. The stock had a trading volume of 304,666 shares, compared to its average volume of 126,431. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a 1 year low of $96.69 and a 1 year high of $154.00. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $127.36 and a 200 day simple moving average of $117.09. The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The company has a market capitalization of $3.72 billion, a PE ratio of 37.38 and a beta of 1.08.

ESCO Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be given a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.22%. ESCO Technologies's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.29%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ESE has been the subject of a number of research reports. Benchmark restated a "buy" rating and issued a $150.00 target price on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research note on Friday. Stephens increased their target price on ESCO Technologies from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Friday, September 27th.

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.