Fuller & Thaler Asset Management's Strategic Acquisition of Dentsply Sirona Shares

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Nov 13, 2024
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Overview of the Recent Transaction

On September 30, 2024, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. made a significant addition to its investment portfolio by acquiring 11,225,075 shares of Dentsply Sirona Inc (XRAY, Financial). This transaction not only reflects the firm's strategic investment approach but also impacts its portfolio with a 0.11% increase, showcasing a confident investment in the dental equipment manufacturer.

Insight into Fuller & Thaler Asset Management

Founded in 1993 and based in San Mateo, California, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. is an employee-owned investment firm. With a growing asset base, currently managing over $2.8 billion, the firm has shown a robust expansion from $1 billion five years ago. The firm's investment strategy focuses on a bottom-up approach, primarily targeting micro to small-cap growth and value stocks across various sectors, with a significant emphasis on financial services and industrials. Fuller & Thaler caters predominantly to high net worth individuals and institutional clients, maintaining a diverse and dynamic portfolio.

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Details of the Trade

The acquisition involved 957,402 additional shares of Dentsply Sirona, priced at $27.06 each, bringing Fuller & Thaler's total holdings in the company to over 11 million shares. This move increased their position in XRAY to 1.3% of their portfolio, indicating a significant commitment to this stock, which now represents 5.54% of the total shares outstanding of Dentsply Sirona.

Understanding Dentsply Sirona Inc

Dentsply Sirona stands as a global leader in manufacturing dental equipment and supplies, with a diversified product range that includes dental consumables, lab products, and advanced technology solutions. The company, formed from a merger in 2016, operates through segments like Connected Technology Solutions and Essential Dental Solutions, catering to a broad market through direct and third-party distributions.

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Financial and Market Performance of XRAY

Despite a challenging market, Dentsply Sirona holds a market capitalization of $3.53 billion. The stock is currently priced at $17.76, significantly below its GF Value of $35.81, indicating a potential undervaluation. However, with a GF Score of 61, the performance potential appears modest, and the stock's year-to-date decline of 50.15% suggests a cautious approach.

Investment Analysis and Sector Context

Fuller & Thaler's investment in XRAY aligns with their focus on value stocks and sectors like healthcare, where they see growth potential. The firm's significant stake in Dentsply Sirona, amidst its current market valuation, suggests a strategic move to capitalize on potential future gains, balancing the risks associated with the stock's recent performance downturn.

Conclusion

Fuller & Thaler Asset Management's recent acquisition of Dentsply Sirona shares marks a notable expansion in their investment portfolio. This move not only enhances their stake in the healthcare sector but also reflects a calculated risk in a stock that currently presents a potential value opportunity. Investors and market watchers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how this investment influences both Fuller & Thaler's portfolio performance and Dentsply Sirona's market position in the coming months.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.