Shell Asset Management Co. has increased its investment in Agilent Technologies, Inc. by 6.5% during the second quarter of 2023. According to the latest Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the institutional investor now owns 20,772 shares of the medical research company, following the purchase of an additional 1,271 shares. As of the most recent filing, Shell Asset Management’s holdings in Agilent are valued at approximately $2.45 million.
Several other institutional investors have also made adjustments to their positions in Agilent Technologies. Godsey & Gibb Inc. raised its stake by 19.8%, acquiring a total of 166,664 shares, now valued at $19.67 million after adding 27,520 shares. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its holdings by 1.8%, bringing its total to 103,849 shares worth $12.26 million following the acquisition of 1,800 shares. Similarly, KPP Advisory Services LLC boosted its position by 11.5%, now owning 3,741 shares valued at $442,000.
Fenimore Asset Management Inc. and DAVENPORT & Co LLC also increased their stakes by 2.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Fenimore now holds 180,880 shares worth $21.35 million, while DAVENPORT’s 9,869 shares are valued at $1.17 million.
Agilent Technologies Stock Overview
As of Thursday, Agilent Technologies stock opened at $140.81, and the company boasts a market capitalization of $39.92 billion. The stock’s price-to-earnings ratio stands at 33.05, with a P/E/G ratio of 4.52 and a beta of 1.26. Over the past year, Agilent has experienced a low of $96.43 and a high of $153.84.
The company’s financial health is reflected in its ratios, with a quick ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 2.25, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The stock has also shown promising performance, with a 50-day simple moving average of $124.07 and a 200-day simple moving average of $116.81.
Additionally, Agilent Technologies announced a quarterly dividend of $0.248 per share, scheduled for payment on October 22, 2023. Shareholders of record as of September 30, 2023 will receive this dividend, which equates to an annualized dividend of $0.99 and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The company’s payout ratio is currently 23.24%.
Analyst Insights on Agilent Technologies
Recent analyses of Agilent Technologies’ stock have brought notable upgrades and ratings. Evercore ISI raised its price target from $128.00 to $140.00, maintaining an “in-line” rating. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold” rating, while UBS Group significantly upgraded Agilent from “neutral” to “buy,” increasing its price target from $130.00 to $170.00.
Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage with a “buy” rating, setting a target of $165.00. Barclays also raised its price objective from $125.00 to $150.00, assigning an “equal weight” rating. Currently, eight analysts have rated the stock as a “buy,” while six have issued “hold” ratings, resulting in a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a price target of $147.92, according to MarketBeat.
Agilent Technologies, Inc. provides specialized solutions in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets globally. The company operates through three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab, offering a range of products including chromatography systems, mass spectrometry instruments, and laboratory automation solutions.
For further updates and information on Agilent Technologies, investors can refer to their latest SEC filings and market analyses.
