Cerity Partners LLC has reduced its stake in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI) by 4.0% during the fourth quarter, as reported in the company's most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. After selling 725 shares during the period, Cerity Partners now holds 17,316 shares of the communications equipment giant, worth approximately $7.9 million.
In addition to Cerity, several other institutional investors have made moves in Motorola Solutions’ stock. Trek Financial LLC, for example, acquired a new position valued at about $717,000, while FMR LLC increased its holdings by 12.4%, purchasing an additional 334,639 shares during the fourth quarter. This brought their total holding to 3,030,915 shares, valued at $1.4 billion. Other noteworthy changes include Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd, which added a new position worth $183,000, and Federated Hermes Inc., which raised its holdings by 1.5%, bringing its total to 136,702 shares valued at $63.2 million. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position by 33%, acquiring an additional 75,629 shares, resulting in a total of 304,948 shares worth $141 million. Institutional investors now own 84.17% of the company's stock.
Motorola Solutions’ stock opened at $421.61 on Friday, and the company holds a market cap of $70.39 billion. Its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 45.73, while the price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio is 3.82. The company’s beta is 0.94, with a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.13, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.30. The stock has seen fluctuations, with a 50-day moving average of $430.81 and a 200-day moving average of $457.27. Motorola Solutions also experienced a 1-year low of $332.98 and a 1-year high of $507.82.
In terms of recent earnings, Motorola Solutions reported an EPS of $3.75 for the fourth quarter, which was below the consensus estimate of $3.85 by $0.10. Despite this, the company showed a strong return on equity of 197.59% and a net margin of 14.58%. Quarterly revenue reached $3.01 billion, which exceeded analyst estimates of $3 billion. Analysts expect Motorola Solutions to post an EPS of 13.55 for the current year.
The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $1.09 per share, payable on April 15th to investors of record as of March 14th. This dividend represents an annualized payout of $4.36 and yields 1.03%, with a payout ratio of 47.29%.
Meanwhile, several analysts have adjusted their price targets on Motorola Solutions. Morgan Stanley raised its target from $495.00 to $505.00, maintaining an "equal weight" rating. StockNews.com downgraded the stock from a "buy" to a "hold" rating, while Barclays reduced its target price from $529.00 to $527.00, setting an "overweight" rating. Overall, two analysts have a "hold" rating on the stock, and seven analysts have rated it a "buy." The consensus rating is "Moderate Buy," with an average price target of $505.88.
Motorola Solutions, Inc. is a global provider of public safety and enterprise security solutions, operating primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other international markets. The company has two main segments: Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The former includes infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security solutions, alongside their integration for government, public safety, and commercial clients who manage private communications networks and mobile workforces.