Essentra (LON:ESNT) Hits New 12-Month Low - Here's What Happened

Key Points

• Essentra fell to a new 52-week low, trading as low as GBX 86.90 and last at GBX 87.80 on volume of 857,620 shares, remaining below its 50- and 200-day moving averages (~GBX 99 and GBX 100).
• Despite the decline, five analysts maintain a Buy consensus with an average target of GBX 164, although several firms have trimmed targets recently (e.g., Deutsche Bank to GBX 150, RBC to GBX 130).
• Insider buying was reported in mid-March—notably 40,000 shares at GBX 93 and 10,977 at GBX 91—with insiders purchasing 61,871 shares over the last 90 days, indicating management confidence amid the weakness.

Essentra plc (LON:ESNT - Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 86.90 and last traded at GBX 87.80, with a volume of 857620 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 90.60.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ESNT has been the topic of several research reports. Jefferies Financial Group restated a "buy" rating on shares of Essentra in a research report on Friday, March 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Essentra from GBX 165 to GBX 150 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Berenberg Bank restated a "buy" rating and issued a GBX 160 target price on shares of Essentra in a research report on Thursday, March 19th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on Essentra to GBX 130 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 18th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Essentra currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of GBX 164.

Essentra Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of £249.66 million, a PE ratio of 125.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.67. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 99.31 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 100.14.

Essentra (LON:ESNT - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 17th. The company reported GBX 6.10 EPS for the quarter. Essentra had a return on equity of 0.79% and a net margin of 0.70%. Equities analysts predict that Essentra plc will post 524.137931 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Steve Good acquired 40,000 shares of Essentra stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 93 per share, for a total transaction of £37,200. Also, insider Rowan Baker acquired 10,977 shares of Essentra stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 17th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 91 per share, for a total transaction of £9,989.07. Over the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 61,871 shares of company stock worth $5,710,261. 0.48% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Essentra

Essentra plc is a leading global provider of essential components and solutions, focusing on the manufacture and distribution of plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Essentra's global network extends to 28 countries worldwide and includes c.3,000 employees, 14 manufacturing facilities, 26 distribution centres and 37 sales & service centres serving c.64,000 customers with a rapid supply of low cost but essential products for a variety of applications in industries such as equipment manufacturing, automotive, fabrication, electronics, medical and renewable energy.

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