Judges Scientific (LON:JDG) Share Price Breaks Below 200-Day Moving Average - Time to Sell?

Key Points

• Judges Scientific shares fell below their 200-day moving average, trading as low as GBX 3,550 and last changing hands at GBX 3,610, versus a 200-day average of GBX 4,364.32.
• Despite the technical weakness, analysts maintained a positive view: the stock has an overall “Buy” consensus rating and a consensus price target of GBX 6,490, including Berenberg’s GBX 5,600 target.
• The company reported quarterly earnings of GBX 39 per share, while financial metrics included a £240.46 million market capitalization, a 44.35 P/E ratio and debt-to-equity of 76.68. Insiders also bought shares in July, and insiders own 9.92% of the company.

Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG - Get Free Report) crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday. The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 4,364.32 and traded as low as GBX 3,550. Judges Scientific shares last traded at GBX 3,610, with a volume of 122,738 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on JDG shares. Shore Capital Group reaffirmed a "house stock" rating on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Thursday, July 23rd. Berenberg Bank reissued a "buy" rating and issued a GBX 5,600 price target on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Wednesday, September 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of GBX 6,490.

Judges Scientific Stock Performance

The company's fifty day simple moving average is GBX 4,079.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 4,364.32. The stock has a market capitalization of £240.46 million, a P/E ratio of 44.35, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 2.62, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 76.68.

Judges Scientific (LON:JDG - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 23rd. The company reported GBX 39 earnings per share for the quarter. Judges Scientific had a negative net margin of 0.46% and a negative return on equity of 0.72%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Judges Scientific plc will post 402.5824271 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Judges Scientific news, insider Bradley Leonard Ormsby purchased 63 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 4,917 per share, with a total value of £3,097.71. Also, insider Ralph Elman purchased 122 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 17th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 4,917 per share, with a total value of £5,998.74. 9.92% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Judges Scientific Company Profile

Judges Scientific plc AIM: JDG, is a group focused on acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector. The Group now consists of 23 businesses acquired since 2005. The acquired companies are primarily UK-based with products sold worldwide to a diverse range of markets including: higher education institutions, scientific research facilities, manufacturers and regulatory authorities. The UK is a recognised centre of excellence for scientific instruments. The Group has received five Queen's Awards for innovation and export. The Group's companies predominantly operate in global niche markets, with long term growth fundamentals and resilient margins. Judges Scientific maintains a policy of selectively acquiring businesses that generate sustainable profits and cash.

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