AlphaQuest LLC has significantly reduced its stake in Fortive Corporation, a move that reflects a broader trend among institutional investors adjusting their portfolios. According to the most recent Form 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, AlphaQuest decreased its holdings in the technology company by 93.8% during the first quarter. Following the sale of 10,414 shares, the firm now owns 694 shares valued at approximately $51,000.
Several other hedge funds have also modified their positions in Fortive (NYSE:FTV) during the same period. For instance, American National Bank & Trust and Accent Capital Management LLC both acquired new stakes in Fortive, each worth about $26,000. Additionally, Global X Japan Co. Ltd. increased its holdings by 114.2%, bringing its total ownership to 377 shares valued at $28,000. Park Square Financial Group LLC also entered a new position in the fourth quarter, valued at around $30,000. Capital Analysts LLC increased its stake by 41.0%, now holding 523 shares worth $38,000. Overall, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 94.94% of Fortive’s stock.
Fortive’s Stock Performance and Financial Strategies
On Thursday, shares of Fortive opened at $46.98. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $50.59 and a 200-day moving average of $64.46. Over the past year, Fortive’s stock has fluctuated between a low of $46.34 and a high of $83.32. The company currently reports a market capitalization of $15.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.16, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28.
In a recent development, Fortive’s Board of Directors authorized a share buyback program on May 27, 2024, allowing the company to repurchase up to 15,630,000 shares. Such programs are often viewed as a signal that the company’s leadership believes its stock is undervalued.
In addition to buybacks, Fortive announced a quarterly dividend to be paid on September 26, 2024. Shareholders on record as of September 12, 2024, will receive a dividend of $0.06 per share, translating to an annualized amount of $0.24 and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The company’s dividend payout ratio stands at 14.41%.
Analyst Ratings and Market Outlook
Recent commentary from equity research analysts indicates a cautious outlook on Fortive shares. The Royal Bank Of Canada lowered its price target from $58.00 to $56.00 while maintaining a “sector perform” rating. Meanwhile, Melius Research upgraded Fortive to a “hold” rating. Other analysts, such as those from BNP Paribas and Wells Fargo & Company, have adjusted their ratings and price targets, with Wells Fargo reducing its estimate from $72.00 to $55.00.
The consensus among analysts is predominantly neutral, with four ratings classified as “Buy” and fourteen marked as “Hold.” According to data from MarketBeat, Fortive has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $62.79.
Fortive Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and services a range of professional and engineered products, software, and services across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities. The company operates through three primary segments: Intelligent Operating Solutions, Precision Technologies, and Advanced Healthcare Solutions.
For additional information on hedge fund activities related to Fortive, interested parties can visit HoldingsChannel.com for the latest 13F filings and insider trades.
