Candriam S.C.A. Decreases Stock Holdings in Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC)

Candriam S.C.A. decreased its position in shares of Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC - Free Report) by 41.3% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,386 shares of the construction company's stock after selling 6,608 shares during the quarter. Candriam S.C.A.'s holdings in Vulcan Materials were worth $2,414,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in VMC. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Vulcan Materials during the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Vulcan Materials during the fourth quarter valued at about $31,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vulcan Materials by 240.4% in the third quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 160 shares of the construction company's stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the period. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in Vulcan Materials during the third quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. grew its holdings in Vulcan Materials by 138.5% in the 4th quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 186 shares of the construction company's stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. 90.39% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Vulcan Materials Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE VMC traded down $1.78 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $225.39. The company had a trading volume of 1,599,998 shares, compared to its average volume of 988,109. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $259.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $260.80. The stock has a market cap of $29.78 billion, a PE ratio of 32.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 2.02, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Vulcan Materials has a one year low of $215.08 and a one year high of $298.31.

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Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 18th. The construction company reported $2.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.41. The firm had revenue of $1.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $1.81 billion. Vulcan Materials had a return on equity of 12.83% and a net margin of 12.30%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.46 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Vulcan Materials will post 8.69 earnings per share for the current year.

Vulcan Materials Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.49 per share. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 10th. This is an increase from Vulcan Materials's previous quarterly dividend of $0.46. Vulcan Materials's payout ratio is currently 28.61%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have weighed in on VMC. Raymond James cut their target price on Vulcan Materials from $298.00 to $295.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Stephens reaffirmed an "overweight" rating and set a $325.00 price target on shares of Vulcan Materials in a research report on Thursday, January 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Vulcan Materials in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $287.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Vulcan Materials from $269.00 to $286.00 and gave the company a "sector perform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Vulcan Materials from $245.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $303.08.

Vulcan Materials Company Profile

Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The company provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities.