Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVNW) Stock Now Rated “Moderate Buy” by Wall Street Analysts

Shares of Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVNW) have received a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from the ten ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and eight have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $32.71.

Several equities analysts have commented on AVNW shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Aviat Networks from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, October 3rd. Rafferty Capital Markets began coverage on Aviat Networks in a research note on Tuesday, June 30th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $36.00 target price on the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of Aviat Networks from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 7th. Craig Hallum initiated coverage on shares of Aviat Networks in a research note on Tuesday, June 30th. They set a “buy” rating and a $36.00 price objective for the company. Finally, B. Riley Financial reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $33.00 target price (up from $28.00) on shares of Aviat Networks in a report on Friday, August 28th.

Aviat Networks Stock Down 2.4%

Aviat Networks stock opened at $20.28 on Tuesday. Aviat Networks has a fifty-two week low of $13.92 and a fifty-two week high of $27.02. The stock has a market cap of $260.80 million, a PE ratio of 106.74 and a beta of 0.68. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $20.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a current ratio of 1.97.

Aviat Networks (NASDAQ:AVNW) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 27th. The communications equipment provider reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $120.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $110.12 million. Aviat Networks had a net margin of 0.58% and a return on equity of 5.85%. Research analysts predict that Aviat Networks will post 2.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Aviat Networks

In other news, CEO Pete A. Smith sold 14,264 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Monday, August 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.69, for a total transaction of $280,858.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 367,840 shares in the company, valued at $7,242,769.60. The trade was a 3.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, VP Erin Boase sold 1,347 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, August 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.69, for a total transaction of $26,522.43. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 28,275 shares in the company, valued at approximately $556,734.75. The trade was a 4.55% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 16,240 shares of company stock valued at $319,766. Insiders own 5.70% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aviat Networks

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Aviat Networks by 1,026.8% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,893 shares of the communications equipment provider’s stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 1,725 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp bought a new position in Aviat Networks in the 1st quarter worth about $53,000. Ancora Advisors LLC bought a new position in Aviat Networks in the 2nd quarter worth about $55,000. State of Wyoming bought a new position in Aviat Networks in the 1st quarter worth about $207,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Aviat Networks by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 12,050 shares of the communications equipment provider’s stock valued at $268,000 after acquiring an additional 692 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.62% of the company’s stock.

Aviat Networks Company Profile

Aviat Networks, Inc (NASDAQ: AVNW) provides wireless networking solutions for communications service providers, private networks, government agencies, utilities, transportation organizations, and other critical infrastructure operators. The company specializes in connecting locations where fiber is unavailable, impractical, or requires a complementary wireless link.

Its portfolio includes microwave and millimeter-wave wireless transport systems, packet-based networking equipment, routers, wireless access products, network management software, and related installation, support, and professional services.