Rentokil Initial (NYSE:RTO) Hits New 52-Week Low - Time to Sell?

Key Points

• Rentokil Initial shares fell to a new 52-week low of $23.22, below both its 50-day moving average of $27.23 and 200-day moving average of $30.19.
• Analyst sentiment remains mixed but leans positive, with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating and an average price target of $31.90; ratings range from Strong Buy to Strong Sell.
• The company reported a $0.224 dividend payment, while institutional investors hold approximately 9.91% of its outstanding shares.

Shares of Rentokil Initial PLC (NYSE:RTO - Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $23.22 and last traded at $23.2650, with a volume of 150942 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $23.44.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have commented on RTO shares. BNP Paribas Exane cut Rentokil Initial from an "outperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $26.70 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, July 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Rentokil Initial from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Monday, July 6th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Rentokil Initial from a "hold (c)" rating to a "hold (c-)" rating in a report on Thursday, August 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a "hold" rating on shares of Rentokil Initial in a research note on Monday, August 3rd. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Rentokil Initial from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a report on Monday, June 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Rentokil Initial has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $31.90.

Rentokil Initial Trading Up 0.1%

The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The company has a 50 day moving average of $27.23 and a 200-day moving average of $30.19.

Rentokil Initial Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 14th will be given a $0.224 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 188.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rentokil Initial

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its holdings in Rentokil Initial by 222.2% in the fourth quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,163 shares of the company's stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 802 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC bought a new position in Rentokil Initial in the 4th quarter worth $39,000. Continuum Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rentokil Initial in the 2nd quarter worth about $42,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Rentokil Initial by 84.5% in the 1st quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 1,395 shares of the company's stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares during the period. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc lifted its position in shares of Rentokil Initial by 53.8% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,972 shares of the company's stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 690 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 9.91% of the company's stock.

About Rentokil Initial

Rentokil Initial PLC is a global business services company specializing in pest control, hygiene and workwear services. Headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom, the company delivers outsourced solutions designed to protect people, preserve assets and enhance workplaces for both commercial and residential customers.

Under the Rentokil Pest Control brand, the company offers services ranging from routine inspections and treatment of insects, rodents and birds to specialised programmes for food manufacturing and healthcare environments.

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