United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. (NASDAQ:USLM) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. (NASDAQ:USLM - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 498,900 shares, a growth of 38.7% from the January 31st total of 359,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 126,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.9 days.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Sandra C. Duhe sold 3,157 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.61, for a total value of $298,683.77. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,128 shares in the company, valued at approximately $201,330.08. The trade was a 59.74 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 2.16% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of United States Lime & Minerals during the fourth quarter worth approximately $25,000. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in shares of United States Lime & Minerals during the fourth quarter worth about $35,000. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of United States Lime & Minerals during the fourth quarter worth about $36,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of United States Lime & Minerals by 900.0% in the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 310 shares of the construction company's stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amalgamated Bank lifted its position in United States Lime & Minerals by 400.0% in the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 360 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 27.12% of the company's stock.

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United States Lime & Minerals Trading Down 1.8 %

USLM stock traded down $1.61 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $90.32. The company's stock had a trading volume of 89,255 shares, compared to its average volume of 127,532. United States Lime & Minerals has a 12 month low of $55.00 and a 12 month high of $159.53. The business's 50 day moving average price is $112.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $112.42. The company has a market cap of $2.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.81 and a beta of 0.91.

United States Lime & Minerals (NASDAQ:USLM - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 3rd. The construction company reported $0.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. United States Lime & Minerals had a net margin of 34.27% and a return on equity of 24.55%.

United States Lime & Minerals Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 14th. Investors of record on Friday, February 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.06 per share. This is an increase from United States Lime & Minerals's previous quarterly dividend of $0.05. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.27%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 21st. United States Lime & Minerals's dividend payout ratio is 6.33%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded United States Lime & Minerals from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Monday.

About United States Lime & Minerals

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc engages in the manufacture and sale of lime and limestone products. Its products include High Calcium Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, Lime Kiln Dust, Lime Slurry, and High Calcium Limestone. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.