First Citizens Bank & Trust 13F: Cuts Zoetis (ZTS) Stake by $3.4M

First Citizens Bank & Trust has significantly reduced its investment in Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS), the global animal health company. In its latest Form 13F filing with the SEC, the bank reported cutting its holdings by 80.4%, selling 49,287 shares and leaving it with 12,000 shares. The remaining shares are valued at roughly $837,960 as of the reporting period.

What Changed in First Citizens Bank & Trust's Zoetis Position

First Citizens Bank & Trust's decision to reduce its stake in Zoetis saw the bank sell 49,287 shares, dropping its total holdings from 61,287 shares to 12,000 shares. This move represents an 80.4% decrease in its position, reflecting a strategic shift in its investment approach.

Zoetis Inc. Stock Up 4.9%

Shares of Zoetis Inc. are part of the NYSE under the ticker ZTS. The company, which focuses on the animal health sector, boasts a market capitalization of approximately $32.4 billion. Zoetis has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.73, indicating its earnings relative to its share price. The company's stock has traded between $68.77 and $148.30 over the past 52 weeks, with a 50-day moving average of $73.86 and a 200-day moving average of $96.34. Its beta, a measure of volatility, is 0.74, suggesting it is less volatile than the market.

Recent Earnings

Zoetis reported revenue of $9.53 billion, with a slight decline in revenue growth at -0.2%. The company's net margin stands at 27.7%, and it has a return on equity (ROE) of 64.9%. Its earnings per share (EPS) is $6.16. Investors can look forward to the next earnings release on November 5, 2026.

Dividend

Zoetis offers a dividend yield of 2.7%, with an annual payout ratio of 33.88%. This suggests that the company returns a moderate portion of its earnings to shareholders through dividends.

About Zoetis Inc.

Zoetis Inc. is a leading player in the healthcare sector, specifically within the drug manufacturing industry for specialty and generic products. Headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, and led by CEO Ms. Kristin C. Peck, the company employs about 14,500 people. Zoetis focuses on developing and commercializing medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products for animal health. Its offerings are targeted at both companion animals and livestock, including cattle, swine, and poultry.

Bottom Line

First Citizens Bank & Trust's substantial reduction in its Zoetis holdings highlights a notable shift in its investment strategy. Investors often track such changes to understand market sentiment and potential shifts in institutional confidence. As always, it's important to remember that these filings reflect past actions and may not indicate current positions.