Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. Trims Position in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE)

Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. lessened its stake in shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) by 5.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,994 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock after selling 107 shares during the period. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc.’s holdings in ESCO Technologies were worth $265,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Wellington Management Group LLP acquired a new stake in shares of ESCO Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth about $19,412,000. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,054,039 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock worth $135,950,000 after purchasing an additional 49,577 shares during the last quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 28.7% during the 3rd quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC now owns 180,352 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock worth $23,262,000 after purchasing an additional 40,268 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC increased its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 340.9% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 44,413 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock worth $5,728,000 after purchasing an additional 34,340 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 67.3% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 72,858 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock worth $7,653,000 after purchasing an additional 29,308 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.70% of the company’s stock.

ESCO Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of ESE opened at $131.27 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $138.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $128.88. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.69 and a 52-week high of $154.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The company has a market capitalization of $3.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.32 and a beta of 1.13.

ESCO Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd were given a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 2nd. ESCO Technologies’s payout ratio is currently 8.12%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently issued reports on ESE shares. Benchmark reissued a “buy” rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research report on Friday, November 15th. StockNews.com raised ESCO Technologies from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, January 20th.

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.