Yaupon Capital Management LP Makes New $42.94 Million Investment in CRH plc (NYSE:CRH)

Yaupon Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in CRH plc (NYSE:CRH - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 464,115 shares of the construction company's stock, valued at approximately $42,940,000. CRH comprises about 1.8% of Yaupon Capital Management LP's investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Yaupon Capital Management LP owned approximately 0.07% of CRH as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Canal Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in CRH by 1.7% in the fourth quarter. Canal Capital Management LLC now owns 64,390 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $5,957,000 after buying an additional 1,100 shares during the period. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of CRH by 62.1% during the fourth quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 45,642 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $4,223,000 after acquiring an additional 17,484 shares in the last quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury bought a new position in shares of CRH in the fourth quarter valued at $3,419,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. lifted its stake in CRH by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 23,166 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $2,152,000 after acquiring an additional 1,205 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in CRH by 2,029.2% in the fourth quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 18,077 shares of the construction company's stock worth $1,672,000 after purchasing an additional 17,228 shares during the last quarter. 62.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

CRH Price Performance

CRH stock traded up $1.27 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $92.62. 5,629,780 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,691,822. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $93.04 and a 200-day moving average price of $95.91. CRH plc has a 52-week low of $71.18 and a 52-week high of $110.97. The company has a market capitalization of $62.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.30.

CRH Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 16th. Investors of record on Friday, March 14th were issued a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.60%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 14th. This is a positive change from CRH's previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. CRH's dividend payout ratio is 22.66%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of CRH from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 27th. Loop Capital assumed coverage on shares of CRH in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $114.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on CRH from $127.00 to $108.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Citigroup lowered their target price on CRH from $120.00 to $115.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on CRH from $118.00 to $114.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 11th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, CRH currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $112.36.

About CRH

CRH plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides building materials solutions in Ireland and internationally. It operates through four segments: Americas Materials Solutions, Americas Building Solutions, Europe Materials Solutions, and Europe Building Solutions. The company provides solutions for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings; and produces and sells aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt, as well as provides paving and construction services.