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In a recent transaction, Marc Vandiepenbeeck, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (EVP and CFO) of Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) International plc (NYSE:JCI), sold a total of 186 ordinary shares of the company. The transaction, which took place on September 3, 2024, was executed at a price of $72.75 per share, resulting in a total sale value of $13,531.
The sale was conducted under a prearranged trading plan, known as a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which Vandiepenbeeck had adopted on August 8, 2023. Such plans allow company insiders to sell a predetermined number of shares at a predetermined time to avoid accusations of trading on non-public information.
Following the sale, Vandiepenbeeck continues to have a substantial stake in Johnson Controls, with 83,888.25 shares still in his possession. The transaction was made public through a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which insiders of publicly traded corporations use to report their trading activities.
Investors often monitor insider sales as they may provide insights into an executive's perspective on the company's current valuation or future prospects. However, sales made under 10b5-1 plans are often seen as less indicative of insider sentiment, as they are planned trades set up in advance.
Johnson Controls International plc is a global leader in building products and technology, integrated solutions, and energy storage. The company is incorporated in Ireland, with operational headquarters in Cork, and has a significant presence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In other recent news, Johnson Controls International plc has reported robust financial performance for the third quarter of 2024, with a 3% organic sales growth and a segment margin of 17.9%. The company also revealed a 10% increase in its backlog, reaching $12.9 billion. Amid these financial developments, Johnson Controls announced strategic changes, including the divestiture of its Residential and Light Commercial HVAC and Air Distribution Technologies businesses, focusing on becoming a pure-play provider for commercial building solutions, particularly data centers. The company also announced a leadership transition with the retirement of CEO George Oliver and the appointment of Patrick Decker, former CEO of Xylem (NYSE:XYL), to its Board of Directors. RBC Capital Markets upgraded the company's stock from Underperform to Sector Perform, citing a de-risked outlook with Elliott support, while Oppenheimer maintained an Outperform rating. Both firms adjusted their price targets for Johnson Controls, with RBC setting it at $69 and Oppenheimer at $79. These recent developments underscore Johnson Controls' ongoing transformation with a focus on growth in the service and digital offerings.
InvestingPro Insights
Amid the recent insider transaction at Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI), investors may find additional context in the company's financial health and market performance useful. With a market capitalization of $46.81 billion, Johnson Controls stands as a significant entity in the Building Products industry. The company's dedication to shareholder returns is evident, as it has not only maintained dividend payments for an impressive 54 consecutive years but has also raised its dividend for the last three years, signaling a commitment to consistent shareholder value.
Johnson Controls operates with a moderate level of debt, which is often a sign of prudent financial management, particularly in industries that require significant capital investment. The company's profitability is not in question, with analysts predicting that Johnson Controls will be profitable this year, a projection supported by its profitable performance over the last twelve months. This financial stability is reflected in the company's P/E ratio, which stands at 29.33, and an adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 at 20.37, indicating investor confidence in its earnings capacity.
With a forward-looking perspective, Johnson Controls' revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 was 1.19%, which, while modest, suggests a steady business trajectory. The gross profit margin during the same period was a robust 32.93%, highlighting the company's ability to maintain profitability in its operations.
For investors seeking further insights and analysis, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available on the InvestingPro platform, which can provide a deeper dive into Johnson Controls' financial nuances and market positioning. As of now, there are five more InvestingPro Tips listed for Johnson Controls at InvestingPro, offering a comprehensive view for those interested in the company's investment profile.
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