Pettyjohn Wood & White Inc., a prominent institutional investor, has recently adjusted its portfolio, signaling a notable shift in its approach to the healthcare sector. In a move that has captured market attention, the firm significantly reduced its stake in the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (IYH) during the first quarter, as disclosed in its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The detailed SEC disclosure reveals that Pettyjohn Wood & White Inc. pared down its holdings in the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF by a precise 2.0%. This reduction involved the sale of 1,525 shares, leaving the institutional investor with a total of 75,710 shares. As of its most recent filing, these substantial holdings were valued at an impressive $4,610,000, constituting approximately 0.15% of the ETF’s total shares.
While Pettyjohn Wood & White Inc. scaled back, other large institutional investors have demonstrably increased their exposure to the same healthcare ETF. Lazari Capital Management Inc., for instance, bolstered its position by 4.1% in the first quarter, adding 196 shares to now own 5,028 shares valued at $306,000, reflecting a positive outlook on the sector’s prospects.
Further reinforcing this trend of increased institutional confidence, Moors & Cabot Inc. augmented its stake in the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF by 2.0%, acquiring an additional 204 shares to bring its total to 10,553 shares, worth $643,000. Similarly, PFG Advisors expanded its investment by 4.2%, purchasing 220 more shares, now holding 5,506 shares valued at $335,000, underscoring varied investment strategy decisions among major players.
The momentum continued with Scotia Capital Inc., which increased its position by 1.1% in the fourth quarter, adding 222 shares for a total of 19,647 shares valued at $1,145,000. Worth Financial Advisory Group LLC also participated, boosting its stake by 1.5% in the first quarter, acquiring 235 additional shares to reach 15,682 shares, valued at $955,000, indicating diverse strategies for ETF performance.
Beyond specific institutional movements, the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF itself exhibits key financial metrics reflecting its market standing. The ETF recently opened at $54.85, showcasing its current valuation. Over the past year, the healthcare ETF has navigated a price range between a 1-year low of $53.35 and a 1-year high of $66.59, providing a clear picture of its volatility and growth potential.
With a robust market capitalization of $2.64 billion and a PE ratio of 21.05, the fund demonstrates significant scale within the stock market analysis. Its beta of 0.71 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, making it an attractive consideration for those seeking stability in their portfolio. The ETF’s fifty-day moving average stands at $56.15, while its two-hundred-day moving average is $58.26, crucial indicators for investment strategy.
The iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF, formerly known as iShares Dow Jones U.S. Healthcare Sector Index Fund, operates as a non-diversified exchange-traded fund. Its primary objective is to closely mirror the price and yield performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Health Care Index, before accounting for fees and expenses, solidifying its role as a sector-specific investment vehicle.
These recent financial filings offer invaluable insights into how large institutional investors are positioning themselves within the dynamic healthcare sector. Observing these shifts, both reductions and increases, is fundamental for understanding broader market sentiment and potential future trends impacting the healthcare ETF landscape.
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