Boston Partners Expands Stake in Axcelis Technologies by Over 42%

Boston Partners has significantly increased its investment in Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLS), raising its holdings by **42.3%** during the second quarter of 2023. According to its latest filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**, Boston Partners now owns **474,043 shares** of Axcelis, having purchased an additional **141,004 shares** during the quarter. This stake is valued at approximately **$33.6 million**, accounting for **1.51%** of the company.

Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Axcelis Technologies. For instance, **CENTRAL TRUST Co** increased its holdings by an impressive **1,094.7%**, now owning **1,350 shares** valued at **$94,000** after acquiring **1,237 shares** in the last quarter. Additionally, **Vise Technologies Inc.** and **Profund Advisors LLC** each established new positions worth **$200,000** and **$210,000**, respectively. Further, **Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd.** raised its stake by **62.6%**, owning **54,521 shares** now worth **$3.8 million** after adding **21,000 shares**.

As of now, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own **89.98%** of Axcelis Technologies’ stock.

Current Stock Performance

On Thursday, shares of Axcelis Technologies opened at **$85.42**. The company boasts a market capitalization of **$2.65 billion** and a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of **17.47**. Its beta stands at **1.75**, indicating a higher volatility compared to the market. Financial metrics show a debt-to-equity ratio of **0.04**, a quick ratio of **4.26**, and a current ratio of **6.01**. The company has a **50-day moving average price** of **$86.68** and a **200-day moving average price** of **$75.11**. Over the past year, Axcelis Technologies has experienced a low of **$40.40** and a high of **$102.93**.

Analyst Ratings and Market Insights

Recent evaluations from various equity analysts suggest a mixed sentiment regarding Axcelis shares. On **October 8, 2023**, **Weiss Ratings** reaffirmed a “hold (c)” rating for the stock. Meanwhile, **Benchmark** upgraded its rating from “hold” to “buy” with a target price set at **$105.00**. Conversely, **B. Riley** adjusted its price target downward from **$85.00** to **$84.00**, maintaining a “neutral” rating.

**DA Davidson** raised its price objective from **$90.00** to **$110.00**, providing a “buy” recommendation. Meanwhile, **Zacks Research** elevated its rating from “hold” to “strong buy.” Overall, the consensus indicates one “strong buy,” three “buy,” four “hold,” and one “sell” rating for Axcelis Technologies, leading to an average rating of “hold” and a consensus price target of **$98.80**, according to **MarketBeat.com**.

Axcelis Technologies designs, manufactures, and services ion implantation and other critical processing equipment used in the semiconductor industry across the **United States**, **Europe**, and the **Asia Pacific** region. The company specializes in high energy, high current, and medium current implanters tailored for various application requirements.