United States Steel's (X) Equal Weight Rating Reiterated at Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley reiterated their equal weight rating on shares of United States Steel (NYSE:X - Free Report) in a research note published on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Morgan Stanley currently has a $39.00 price target on the basic materials company's stock.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Bank of America began coverage on shares of United States Steel in a report on Monday, January 6th. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $35.00 price objective on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on United States Steel from $43.00 to $40.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 20th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on United States Steel from $45.00 to $40.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on United States Steel from $44.00 to $40.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $39.82.

United States Steel Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:X traded up $0.15 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $37.95. The company had a trading volume of 3,611,043 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,489,757. The business's 50-day simple moving average is $35.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $37.01. The stock has a market cap of $8.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.47 and a beta of 1.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 0.91. United States Steel has a twelve month low of $26.92 and a twelve month high of $48.13.

United States Steel (NYSE:X - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 30th. The basic materials company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.38). United States Steel had a return on equity of 4.27% and a net margin of 2.46%. On average, research analysts predict that United States Steel will post 1.75 earnings per share for the current year.

United States Steel Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 12th. Investors of record on Monday, February 10th will be paid a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 10th. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.53%. United States Steel's dividend payout ratio is currently 13.42%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ameliora Wealth Management Ltd. acquired a new position in United States Steel during the fourth quarter worth approximately $27,000. ORG Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in United States Steel in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Palouse Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in United States Steel during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new position in United States Steel during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Gladius Capital Management LP acquired a new position in United States Steel in the third quarter valued at $39,000. 81.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

United States Steel Company Profile

United States Steel Corporation produces and sells flat-rolled and tubular steel products primarily in North America and Europe. The company operates through North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), Mini Mill, U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular) segments. The Flat-Rolled segment offers slabs, strip mill plates, sheets, and tin mill products, as well as iron ore and coke.