Service Co. International (NYSE:SCI) Cut to “Sell” at StockNews.com

StockNews.com downgraded shares of Service Co. International (NYSE:SCI) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on SCI. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Service Co. International from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Service Co. International from $86.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, December 13th. Finally, Raymond James increased their price objective on Service Co. International from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Service Co. International presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $88.50.

Service Co. International Stock Up 0.8 %

NYSE:SCI opened at $81.10 on Wednesday. Service Co. International has a 52 week low of $67.19 and a 52 week high of $89.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.70 billion, a PE ratio of 22.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.87. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $78.53 and a 200-day moving average of $79.81. The company has a current ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.83.

Service Co. International (NYSE:SCI) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 12th. The company reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.06. Service Co. International had a return on equity of 32.18% and a net margin of 12.39%. Analysts predict that Service Co. International will post 3.84 EPS for the current year.

Service Co. International Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 14th will be given a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. This is an increase from Service Co. International’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 14th. Service Co. International’s dividend payout ratio is 36.06%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Service Co. International

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Service Co. International in the fourth quarter worth approximately $25,000. Quarry LP lifted its position in Service Co. International by 359.8% in the fourth quarter. Quarry LP now owns 469 shares of the company’s stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 367 shares during the period. Mizuho Bank Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Service Co. International during the 4th quarter valued at $40,000. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Service Co. International during the 4th quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Vision Financial Markets LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Service Co. International during the 4th quarter valued at $52,000. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Service Co. International

Service Corp. International engages in the provision of funeral goods and services. It operates through the Funeral and Cemetery segments. The Funeral segment offers services related to cremations, including the use of home facilities and motor vehicles, arranging and directing services, removal, preparation, embalming, memorialization, and catering.