Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has seen notable changes in its shareholder base, especially during the first quarter of the year. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft, for instance, reduced its stake in the communications giant by 46.2%. After selling 2,251 shares, the firm now holds 2,617 shares, valued at $1.14 million as of the latest SEC filing.
This move comes amid a flurry of investment activity surrounding Motorola Solutions. In the fourth quarter, several institutional investors increased their holdings. For example, Perennial Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake by 14.4%, acquiring 104 additional shares to bring its total to 828 shares, valued at $383,000. Similarly, Revolve Wealth Partners LLC entered the fold, acquiring shares worth approximately $208,000, while Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its stake by a staggering 130.8%, now holding 1,013 shares worth $468,000 after a 574-share purchase.
In addition, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC and Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. increased their positions, with CIBC adding 587 shares to bring their total to 14,472, valued at $6.7 million. Hazlett Burt & Watson expanded their stake by 22.5%, now holding 136 shares worth $63,000. In total, institutional investors and hedge funds control 84.17% of Motorola Solutions’ stock.
As of Wednesday, the company’s stock opened at $433.71, reflecting a 1-year range of $388.90 to $507.82. The firm’s market capitalization stands at a solid $72.39 billion, with a P/E ratio of 36.20 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.70. Motorola Solutions has also maintained strong financials, boasting a net margin of 18.67% and an impressive return on equity of 160.93%.
In terms of financial performance, the company recently reported its quarterly earnings for the period ending May 1st. The communications equipment provider posted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.18, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimate of $3.01. Motorola Solutions also generated revenue of $2.53 billion, exceeding the expected $2.52 billion. This represents a solid 5.8% year-over-year growth.
Moreover, Motorola Solutions announced a quarterly dividend of $1.09 per share, which was paid on July 15th. Stockholders who were on record as of June 13th received the payment, marking a 1.01% dividend yield, based on the annualized rate of $4.36.
Several analysts have recently adjusted their views on the stock. Barclays revised its target price from $527 to $511, maintaining an "overweight" rating. JPMorgan Chase & Co. also lowered its target from $570 to $515 while keeping the "overweight" stance. UBS Group initiated coverage on the stock with a "buy" rating and a $490 target, while Wall Street Zen downgraded Motorola Solutions from "buy" to "hold". Despite these shifts, the consensus remains positive, with three analysts rating the stock as "hold" and nine giving it a "buy" recommendation. The average target price among analysts is $510.67.
On the insider trading front, Motorola Solutions’ Chief Accounting Officer, Katherine A. Maher, sold 1,073 shares of the company's stock on May 29th, with the transaction amounting to $449,243.64. Following the sale, Maher retained 804 shares in the company, worth approximately $336,618.72. This sale marks a significant 57.17% reduction in her position.
Motorola Solutions continues to provide critical infrastructure, devices, accessories, and security solutions to both public safety and commercial sectors. With a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Canada, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support government, public safety, and enterprise customers in operating private communications networks, video security systems, and mobile workforce management.