In a significant move within the financial sector, Nicolet Advisory Services LLC has substantially increased its position in Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO) shares, marking a notable shift in institutional investment strategies for the business services provider.
According to its latest disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Nicolet Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings by an impressive 14.8% during the first quarter. This strategic acquisition saw the institutional investor add 1,075 shares, bringing its total ownership to 8,345 shares of Exponent, Inc. stock.
The value of Nicolet Advisory Services LLC’s stake in Exponent reached $659,000 by the close of the most recent financial quarter, underscoring a strong vote of confidence in the company’s market performance and future outlook. This increase aligns with broader trends of institutional investors expanding their portfolios.
Nicolet is not alone in its heightened interest; other prominent institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently engaged in significant share purchases. For instance, Whipplewood Advisors LLC dramatically raised its stake in Exponent by an astounding 5,333.3% during the first quarter, now owning 326 shares valued at $26,000.
Further reinforcing this trend, UMB Bank n.a. escalated its position by 859.1%, acquiring 633 shares worth $51,000, while Bessemer Group Inc. more than doubled its holdings with a 103.3% increase, leading to 681 shares valued at $55,000. These substantial share purchases highlight a widespread institutional belief in Exponent’s stability and growth potential.
Beyond these increases, Johnson Financial Group Inc. initiated a new stake worth approximately $59,000 in the fourth quarter, and LRI Investments LLC expanded its position by 30.4%, reaching 1,460 shares valued at $130,000. Collectively, institutional investors and hedge funds now command a significant 92.37% of the company’s stock, reflecting strong institutional confidence in this corporate finance entity.
Conversely, recent insider trading activity has seen some notable sales. A Vice President of Exponent sold 2,000 shares on May 23rd at an average price of $76.32, totaling $152,640. This transaction represents a 6.41% reduction in their direct ownership, leaving them with 29,204 shares valued at over $2.2 million.
Another key executive, VP Bradley A. James, also executed a sale of 2,694 shares on May 20th for a total value of $214,226.88 at an average price of $79.52. In the last ninety days alone, insider sales have accumulated to 6,267 shares, amounting to $489,120, with company insiders currently owning 1.60% of the stock, offering a glimpse into shareholder activity.
On the earnings front, Exponent delivered a strong earnings report for its latest quarter, announcing $0.52 earnings per share, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.04. The business also exceeded revenue expectations, reporting $132.87 million against an anticipated $130.82 million, marking a 7.3% year-over-year increase in revenue. The company’s robust financial health is further evidenced by a 24.24% return on equity and an 18.35% net margin, with sell-side analysts projecting a promising 1.98 earnings per share for the current year, indicating positive stock market trends.
