Bae Systems (OTCMKTS:BAESY) Shares Gap Up - Time to Buy?

Key Points

• Bae Systems shares saw a significant increase, opening at $104.24 after closing at $100.20, reflecting a growing interest from investors.
• Recent analyst ratings show a mixed sentiment with Bank of America upgrading Bae Systems to a "buy" while Kepler Capital Markets downgraded it to a "reduce," resulting in a consensus rating of "Hold."
• Institutional investors have increased their positions in Bae Systems significantly, with First Horizon Advisors Inc. growing their stake by 49.4% in the first quarter.

Bae Systems PLC (OTCMKTS:BAESY - Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $100.20, but opened at $104.24. Bae Systems shares last traded at $104.69, with a volume of 31,276 shares traded.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on BAESY shares. Bank of America upgraded Bae Systems from an "underperform" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 10th. Kepler Capital Markets lowered Bae Systems from a "hold" rating to a "reduce" rating in a report on Monday, July 7th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Bae Systems from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, August 1st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bae Systems has a consensus rating of "Hold".

Bae Systems Stock Up 6.0%

The company's 50 day moving average price is $98.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $94.33. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bae Systems

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BAESY. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its position in Bae Systems by 49.4% in the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 620 shares of the aerospace company's stock valued at $51,000 after buying an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bae Systems by 116.9% during the 1st quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,900 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $156,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares in the last quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bae Systems during the 1st quarter worth $185,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Bae Systems by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,260 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $186,000 after buying an additional 466 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in shares of Bae Systems by 19.6% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 5,485 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $451,000 after buying an additional 897 shares in the last quarter. 0.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bae Systems Company Profile

BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, Air, Maritime, and Cyber & Intelligence. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance capabilities, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems.

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