1,819 Shares in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) Purchased by Johnson Investment Counsel Inc.

Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. bought a new stake in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE - Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 1,819 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock, valued at approximately $289,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in ESCO Technologies during the first quarter worth about $35,000. CX Institutional acquired a new position in ESCO Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 747.1% in the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 288 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 254 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank grew its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 150.0% during the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 305 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sterling Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 627.1% during the fourth quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 429 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company's stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 370 shares during the period. 95.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

ESCO Technologies Price Performance

Shares of ESE traded up $2.82 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $193.15. The company had a trading volume of 318,381 shares, compared to its average volume of 138,241. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 2.05 and a quick ratio of 1.33. The company's 50-day moving average is $175.57 and its 200-day moving average is $156.93. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a twelve month low of $101.42 and a twelve month high of $193.41. The company has a market capitalization of $4.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.36 and a beta of 1.22.

ESCO Technologies (NYSE:ESE - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.10. ESCO Technologies had a net margin of 11.01% and a return on equity of 10.56%. The business had revenue of $265.52 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $264.96 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.09 EPS. The firm's quarterly revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that ESCO Technologies Inc. will post 5.65 EPS for the current year.

ESCO Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 2nd. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.17%. ESCO Technologies's dividend payout ratio is 7.02%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ESE shares. Benchmark lifted their price target on shares of ESCO Technologies from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Stephens reiterated an "overweight" rating and set a $175.00 target price on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research report on Thursday, February 27th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of ESCO Technologies from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, March 21st.

ESCO Technologies Profile

ESCO Technologies Inc produces and supplies engineered products and systems for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Test & Measurement. The Aerospace & Defense segment designs and manufactures filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements and fluid control devices used in commercial aerospace applications; filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites; and custom designed filters for manned aircraft and submarines.