Wellington Management Group LLP Makes New Investment in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE)

Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new stake in shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE - Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 150,503 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock, valued at approximately $19,412,000. Wellington Management Group LLP owned 0.58% of ESCO Technologies at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 4.9% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,054,039 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $135,950,000 after buying an additional 49,577 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its stake in ESCO Technologies by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 2,477 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $320,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. PDT Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 26.7% during the 3rd quarter. PDT Partners LLC now owns 27,016 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $3,485,000 after purchasing an additional 5,690 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 19.2% in the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 9,108 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $1,175,000 after purchasing an additional 1,470 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its stake in ESCO Technologies by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 60,978 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $7,865,000 after acquiring an additional 821 shares during the last quarter. 95.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

ESCO Technologies Stock Down 1.6 %

NYSE:ESE traded down $2.32 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $140.07. The company's stock had a trading volume of 105,951 shares, compared to its average volume of 124,336. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a 1 year low of $96.69 and a 1 year high of $154.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $136.79 and a 200-day moving average of $122.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.61 billion, a PE ratio of 35.55 and a beta of 1.11.

ESCO Technologies Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 17th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.23%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. ESCO Technologies's payout ratio is currently 8.12%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on ESE shares. Stephens increased their price target on shares of ESCO Technologies from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Friday, September 27th. Benchmark reiterated a "buy" rating and set a $150.00 target price on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of ESCO Technologies from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Friday.

About ESCO Technologies

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.