The Royal Bank of Canada has reduced its stake in Plexus Corp. (NASDAQ: PLXS) by 4.6% during the first quarter of 2023, according to Holdings Channel. The Canadian financial institution sold 9,395 shares, bringing its total holdings to 192,854 shares. As of the end of the reporting period, Royal Bank of Canada’s investment in Plexus was valued at approximately $24.71 million.
This move is part of a broader trend where several institutional investors have adjusted their positions in Plexus. Notably, BNP Paribas Asset Management Holding S.A. increased its stake by 0.6%, acquiring an additional 6,257 shares to reach a total of 975,612 shares, valued at around $125 million. Similarly, American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings by 24.7% during the same period, now owning 678,222 shares worth approximately $86.9 million.
Nuveen Asset Management LLC and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. also saw increases in their investments. Nuveen lifted its stake by 6.6%, adding 21,911 shares to own a total of 351,557 shares, valued at $55 million. Fuller & Thaler made a significant increase of 120.4%, acquiring 190,360 shares to bring its total to 348,510 shares, worth around $44.66 million. Invesco Ltd. also ramped up its position by 66.1%, now owning 211,741 shares valued at $27.13 million. Collectively, institutional investors own approximately 94.45% of Plexus stock.
Plexus Corp. Stock Performance and Insights
As of the latest trading session, shares of Plexus Corp. opened at $138.97. The company has experienced a market capitalization of about $3.75 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.67 and a beta of 0.82. Over the past year, the stock has fluctuated between a low of $103.43 and a high of $172.89. The stock’s 50-day moving average price stands at $133.31, while the two-hundred day moving average is $129.79. Plexus also reported a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.74, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06.
Recent insider transactions have also made headlines. Chief Operating Officer Oliver K. Mihm sold 2,102 shares on August 15, 2023, at an average price of $130.43, totaling approximately $274,164. Following the sale, Mihm retains 21,155 shares, valued at around $2.76 million. Furthermore, Chief Executive Officer Todd P. Kelsey sold 1,500 shares on September 2, 2023, at an average price of $134.54, bringing in about $201,810 and leaving him with 70,714 shares valued at approximately $9.51 million. A total of 14,356 shares were sold by insiders in the last quarter, representing around 1.76% of the company’s stock.
Analyst Ratings and Market Sentiment
Recent equity analyst reports indicate a mixed sentiment towards Plexus. Analysts at Wall Street Zen downgraded the stock from a “strong-buy” to a “buy” rating on August 16, 2023. Needham & Company LLC adjusted their target price from $162.00 to $158.00 while maintaining a “buy” rating. In contrast, Sidoti upgraded Plexus from “neutral” to “buy” and increased their target price from $135.00 to $150.00. Benchmark reiterated a “buy” rating with a price target of $160.00, while Stifel Nicolaus set a target price of $140.00.
At present, three investment analysts have assigned a “buy” rating to Plexus, whereas two have issued a “hold” rating. The consensus rating is categorized as a “Moderate Buy” with an average price target of $152.00, according to MarketBeat.
Plexus Corp. specializes in electronic manufacturing services, providing design, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, industrial, aerospace, and communications. The company operates both in the United States and internationally, serving a diverse clientele in rapidly evolving markets.
