Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd Makes New $1.98 Million Investment in Waters Co. (NYSE:WAT)

Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Waters Co. (NYSE:WAT) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 5,347 shares of the medical instruments supplier’s stock, valued at approximately $1,984,000.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WAT. Kennebec Savings Bank acquired a new position in shares of Waters during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust acquired a new position in shares of Waters during the fourth quarter worth approximately $34,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in Waters in the third quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its holdings in Waters by 235.7% in the fourth quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 94 shares of the medical instruments supplier’s stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Finally, R Squared Ltd acquired a new position in Waters in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $63,000. 94.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on WAT shares. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of Waters from $363.00 to $410.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Bank of America cut their target price on shares of Waters from $430.00 to $410.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 13th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Waters from $415.00 to $420.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, February 13th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Waters from a “sector perform” rating to a “sector outperform” rating and increased their target price for the stock from $430.00 to $450.00 in a report on Thursday, February 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Waters from $340.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Waters currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $390.40.

Waters Stock Performance

NYSE WAT opened at $381.31 on Wednesday. Waters Co. has a 52-week low of $279.24 and a 52-week high of $423.56. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $389.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $366.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.94. The company has a market capitalization of $22.64 billion, a PE ratio of 35.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 1.01.

Waters (NYSE:WAT) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 12th. The medical instruments supplier reported $4.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.02 by $0.08. Waters had a net margin of 21.56% and a return on equity of 46.31%. On average, research analysts predict that Waters Co. will post 12.86 EPS for the current year.

Waters Company Profile

Waters Corporation provides analytical workflow solutions in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through two segments: Waters and TA. The company designs, manufactures, sells, and services high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, as well as mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products, and post-warranty service plans.