GATX (NYSE:GATX) Hits New 52-Week High After Strong Earnings

GATX Co. (NYSE:GATX - Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Friday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The company traded as high as $167.83 and last traded at $167.66, with a volume of 216047 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $161.43.

The transportation company reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $0.25. GATX had a net margin of 17.76% and a return on equity of 11.98%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.74 earnings per share.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Susquehanna upped their price target on GATX from $122.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Sidoti cut GATX from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $158.00 price target for the company. in a report on Wednesday, December 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of GATX in a research note on Monday, November 18th. They set a "buy" rating and a $185.00 price target on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $151.80.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On GATX

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. UMB Bank n.a. grew its position in shares of GATX by 91.8% during the 4th quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 163 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares during the period. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC acquired a new stake in shares of GATX in the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of GATX during the second quarter worth about $37,000. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its position in shares of GATX by 184.6% during the 4th quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 259 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in GATX in the 2nd quarter valued at about $53,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.14% of the company's stock.

GATX Trading Up 3.9 %

The company has a fifty day moving average of $157.28 and a 200-day moving average of $144.88. The company has a market capitalization of $5.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.41 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a current ratio of 3.41, a quick ratio of 3.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.41.

GATX Company Profile

GATX Corporation, together its subsidiaries, operates as railcar leasing company in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India. It operates through three segments: Rail North America, Rail International, and Portfolio Management. The company leases tank and freight railcars, and locomotives for petroleum, chemical, food/agriculture, and transportation industries.

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