Valhi (NYSE:VHI) Reaches New 52-Week High - Here's Why

Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI - Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $35.25 and last traded at $35.25, with a volume of 366 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.68.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently weighed in on VHI shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Valhi from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Barclays increased their target price on Valhi from $11.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an "underweight" rating in a report on Wednesday, September 25th.

Valhi Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $26.70 and a 200-day moving average price of $20.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 3.49 and a quick ratio of 2.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $956.13 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,690.00 and a beta of 1.29.

Valhi (NYSE:VHI - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.41. Valhi had a return on equity of 2.02% and a net margin of 1.27%. The business had revenue of $559.70 million during the quarter.

Valhi Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th were issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 6th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.95%. Valhi's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 1,600.00%.

Institutional Trading of Valhi

An institutional investor recently raised its position in Valhi stock. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI - Free Report) by 28.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,879 shares of the basic materials company's stock after purchasing an additional 4,620 shares during the quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. owned about 0.07% of Valhi worth $359,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 3.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Valhi Company Profile

Valhi, Inc engages in the chemicals, component products, and real estate management and development businesses in Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company's Chemicals segment produces and markets titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2), which are white inorganic pigments used in various applications by paint, plastics, decorative laminate, and paper manufacturers.