** Benchmark raises price target on ESCO Technologies ESE.N from $190 to $200, an upside of 15% to the stock's last close

** Rating unchanged at "buy"

** Performance at ESE's aerospace, defense, and utility solutions group looks strong for rest of the year - brokerage

** Adds ESE setting up to have stronger margin profile than peers

** Says acquisition of Maritime Solutions will increase exposure to global naval build out

** Shares marginally up 1% at $175

** Three of four brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 1 "hold"; their median PT is $171.50

** Including session moves, shares are up 30.5% YTD

(Reporting by Apratim Sarkar)

((Apratim.Sarkar@thomsonreuters.com))