Rentokil Initial (NYSE:RTO) has been assigned a “hold (C-)” rating by Weiss Ratings, as detailed in a report released on Wednesday. This rating follows a series of recent assessments from various research firms that have differing opinions on the company’s stock performance.
In a notable shift, Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Rentokil Initial from an “underperform” rating to an “outperform” rating earlier this week. Conversely, Berenberg Bank issued a “strong sell” rating on September 29, reflecting a more cautious outlook. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft maintained a “buy” rating on July 21. Currently, one analyst has classified the stock as a Strong Buy, while two others have given it a Buy rating. Additionally, one analyst has issued a Hold rating and another a Sell rating. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock now holds an average rating of “Moderate Buy.”
Stock Performance and Market Insights
On Wednesday, Rentokil Initial’s shares opened at $27.84, marking a slight increase of 0.9%. The company boasts a market capitalization of $14.06 billion with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.44. The stock also has a price/earnings to growth (PEG) ratio of 4.80 and a beta of 0.95, indicating its volatility relative to the market.
Rentokil Initial has demonstrated a twelve-month trading range, with a low of $19.60 and a high of $27.96. The company’s 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages stand at $24.90 and $23.83, respectively, providing additional context for its recent market performance.
Investor Activity and Institutional Holdings
Recent activity among institutional investors reflects a growing interest in Rentokil Initial. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings by an impressive 416.9% during the second quarter, now owning 1,132 shares valued at $27,000. Similarly, IFP Advisors Inc. boosted its stake by 115.5%, resulting in ownership of 1,282 shares worth $31,000.
Brooklyn Investment Group also significantly increased its holdings by 668.3% in the first quarter, now possessing 1,598 shares valued at $37,000. Additionally, State of Wyoming acquired a new position during the same period, approximating $46,000. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. raised its position by 67.4%, bringing its total to 2,519 shares valued at $58,000.
Currently, approximately 9.91% of Rentokil Initial’s stock is held by institutional investors and hedge funds, indicating a significant level of interest from larger investment entities.
Rentokil Initial plc operates globally, providing a range of pest control services for commercial customers in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The company’s services include management for rodents and various insect species, making it a key player in the pest control industry.
As the market continues to evolve, Rentokil Initial remains a focal point for investors and analysts alike, with varying perspectives on its future performance.
