Rentokil Initial (NYSE:RTO) received a “hold (C-)” rating from Weiss Ratings, as detailed in a report released on Wednesday. This assessment comes amid a flurry of recent evaluations from various research firms regarding the company’s stock performance.
On Tuesday, Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Rentokil Initial from an “underperform” rating to an “outperform” rating. In contrast, Berenberg Bank assigned a “strong sell” rating in a research note published on September 29. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a “buy” rating on July 21, indicating a mix of perspectives among analysts.
Currently, one analyst has given the stock a Strong Buy rating, while two have categorized it as a Buy. One analyst maintains a Hold rating, and another has issued a Sell rating. According to MarketBeat.com, the overall average rating for Rentokil Initial is “Moderate Buy.”
Stock Performance and Market Position
On Wednesday, Rentokil Initial’s stock opened at $27.84. The company boasts a market capitalization of $14.06 billion and reports a P/E ratio of 18.44. The stock’s PEG ratio stands at 4.80, with a beta of 0.95. Over the past twelve months, the stock has fluctuated between a low of $19.60 and a high of $27.96. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $24.90, while the 200-day simple moving average is $23.83.
Investor Insights
Recent shifts among large investors indicate growing interest in Rentokil Initial. Parallel Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake by 416.9% during the second quarter, acquiring an additional 913 shares, bringing its total holdings to 1,132 shares valued at approximately $27,000. Similarly, IFP Advisors Inc. raised its position by 115.5%, now holding 1,282 shares worth around $31,000.
Brooklyn Investment Group made an even more substantial move, boosting its holdings by 668.3% in the first quarter, acquiring 1,598 shares valued at $37,000. The State of Wyoming also entered the picture with a new position worth approximately $46,000. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. increased its stake by 67.4%, owning 2,519 shares valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 1,014 shares in the last quarter.
Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 9.91% of Rentokil Initial’s stock, reflecting a growing interest in the company’s market potential.
Rentokil Initial plc, along with its subsidiaries, provides route-based services across multiple regions, including North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The company specializes in pest control services, addressing issues related to rodents, insects, and wildlife management for various commercial clients.
As the market continues to evolve, the diverse evaluations from analysts and the increased activity among large investors may play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of Rentokil Initial.