Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) Shares Rose While Makaira Partners Cut by $832,248 Its Stake; Vector Group LTD (VGR) Stake Has Increased by American National Insurance Company

December 29, 2017 - By Michael Collier

American National Insurance Company increased its stake in Vector Group Ltd (VGR) by 329.79% based on its latest 2017Q3 regulatory filing with the SEC. American National Insurance Company bought 58,373 shares as the company’s stock declined 7.30% while stock markets rallied. The institutional investor held 76,073 shares of the farming and seeds and milling company at the end of 2017Q3, valued at $1.56 million, up from 17,700 at the end of the previous reported quarter. American National Insurance Company who had been investing in Vector Group Ltd for a number of months, seems to be bullish on the $3.04B market cap company. The stock increased 0.45% or $0.1 during the last trading session, reaching $22.51. About 411,715 shares traded. Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE:VGR) has risen 4.55% since December 29, 2016 and is uptrending. It has underperformed by 12.15% the S&P500.

Thomas Bancroft decreased its stake in Zebra Technologies Corp (ZBRA) by 0.64% based on its latest 2017Q3 regulatory filing with the SEC. Makaira Partners Llc sold 7,706 shares as the company’s stock rose 14.52% with the market. The hedge fund run by Thomas Bancroft held 1.20M shares of the industrial machinery and components company at the end of 2017Q3, valued at $130.64M, down from 1.21M at the end of the previous reported quarter. Makaira Partners Llc who had been investing in Zebra Technologies Corp for a number of months, seems to be less bullish one the $5.55 billion market cap company. The stock increased 0.09% or $0.09 during the last trading session, reaching $104.37. About 73,821 shares traded. Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) has risen 101.68% since December 29, 2016 and is uptrending. It has outperformed by 84.98% the S&P500.

Among 10 analysts covering Zebra Tech (NASDAQ:ZBRA), 8 have Buy rating, 0 Sell and 2 Hold. Therefore 80% are positive. Zebra Tech had 21 analyst reports since August 12, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. The firm earned “Buy” rating on Thursday, October 5 by Robert W. Baird. Northcoast downgraded Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) on Wednesday, June 29 to “Neutral” rating. The company was upgraded on Wednesday, November 8 by Wellington Shields. The company was maintained on Friday, May 13 by Barrington Research. Imperial Capital maintained it with “Outperform” rating and $75 target in Monday, October 10 report. On Wednesday, August 26 the stock rating was initiated by Barrington Research with “Outperform”. On Wednesday, August 12 the stock rating was upgraded by Robert W. Baird to “Outperform”. The company was upgraded on Wednesday, November 29 by Imperial Capital. The stock of Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) has “Outperform” rating given on Wednesday, December 9 by Imperial Capital. The stock has “In-Line” rating by Imperial Capital on Monday, February 27.

Since August 15, 2017, it had 0 buys, and 2 insider sales for $4.85 million activity. Shares for $2.65 million were sold by GUSTAFSSON ANDERS on Tuesday, August 15.

Investors sentiment increased to 1.64 in Q3 2017. Its up 0.52, from 1.12 in 2017Q2. It is positive, as 19 investors sold ZBRA shares while 72 reduced holdings. 45 funds opened positions while 104 raised stakes. 46.92 million shares or 0.23% less from 47.03 million shares in 2017Q2 were reported. State Treasurer State Of Michigan has 20,000 shares. 2,682 were accumulated by Verition Fund Limited Liability Co. Stevens Cap Mngmt Lp has invested 0.14% in Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA). Iberiabank Corporation invested in 2,685 shares. Brown Advisory Inc stated it has 0% in Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA). Qs Lc reported 6 shares stake. Suntrust Banks accumulated 34,312 shares. Jacobs Levy Equity owns 122,171 shares for 0.26% of their portfolio. Rowland Inv Counsel Adv reported 21,958 shares. Assetmark holds 0% or 68 shares in its portfolio. Duncker Streett holds 140 shares. Koch Industries holds 0.08% or 2,902 shares in its portfolio. Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania School Empls Retrmt Sys, a Pennsylvania-based fund reported 7,747 shares. Profund Advisors Limited Liability accumulated 6,086 shares. California Public Employees Retirement System has 118,408 shares for 0.02% of their portfolio.

Analysts await Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) to report earnings on February, 22. They expect $1.98 EPS, up 8.79% or $0.16 from last year’s $1.82 per share. ZBRA’s profit will be $105.31M for 13.18 P/E if the $1.98 EPS becomes a reality. After $1.74 actual EPS reported by Zebra Technologies Corporation for the previous quarter, Wall Street now forecasts 13.79% EPS growth.