Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) Sets New 12-Month Low - Time to Sell?

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS - Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $143.85 and last traded at $144.88, with a volume of 343574 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $151.73.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Zoetis from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, March 7th. Barclays lifted their target price on Zoetis from $242.00 to $244.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research note on Friday, February 14th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Zoetis from $243.00 to $238.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 14th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Zoetis from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Zoetis from $210.00 to $180.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Zoetis currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $215.90.

Zoetis Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market cap of $66.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a 50 day moving average of $162.51 and a 200 day moving average of $171.39.

Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 13th. The company reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.03. Zoetis had a return on equity of 53.82% and a net margin of 26.86%. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.30 billion. Equities research analysts predict that Zoetis Inc. will post 6.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Zoetis Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, April 21st will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, April 21st. Zoetis's dividend payout ratio is 36.56%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Willie M. Reed sold 1,210 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.14, for a total transaction of $201,029.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,245 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,868,244.30. This trade represents a 9.71 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Roxanne Lagano sold 326 shares of Zoetis stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $55,420.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 15,781 shares in the company, valued at $2,682,770. This trade represents a 2.02 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,862 shares of company stock worth $312,254 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.16% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Zoetis

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Zoetis by 482.8% in the fourth quarter. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 169 shares of the company's stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares in the last quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. increased its holdings in Zoetis by 5,533.3% during the fourth quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 169 shares of the company's stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. Navigoe LLC bought a new stake in Zoetis during the fourth quarter worth $30,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp bought a new position in shares of Zoetis in the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, Asset Planning Inc acquired a new position in shares of Zoetis during the 4th quarter worth about $58,000. Institutional investors own 92.80% of the company's stock.

Zoetis Company Profile

Zoetis Inc engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of animal health medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products and services in the United States and internationally. The company commercializes products primarily across species, including livestock, such as cattle, swine, poultry, fish, and sheep and others; and companion animals comprising dogs, cats, and horses.