Short Interest in ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) Rises By 30.0%

ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in November. As of November 15th, there was short interest totalling 342,300 shares, an increase of 30.0% from the October 31st total of 263,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 113,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.0 days. Currently, 1.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

ESCO Technologies Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of ESE traded down $0.22 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $148.19. 936 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 126,314. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. ESCO Technologies has a 1-year low of $96.69 and a 1-year high of $154.00. The company has a market cap of $3.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.67 and a beta of 1.08. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $133.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $120.47.

ESCO Technologies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.22%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. ESCO Technologies’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.12%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have issued reports on ESE. Stephens raised their price target on ESCO Technologies from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, September 27th. Benchmark reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $150.00 target price on shares of ESCO Technologies in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of ESCO Technologies from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of ESCO Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new position in ESCO Technologies in the second quarter worth $50,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in ESCO Technologies by 43.0% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 469 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 17.9% during the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 990 shares of the scientific and technical instruments company’s stock valued at $128,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in ESCO Technologies during the second quarter worth about $205,000. 95.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

ESCO Technologies Company 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.