CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) Shares Sold by Cevian Capital II GP LTD

Cevian Capital II GP LTD decreased its holdings in shares of CRH plc (NYSE:CRH - Free Report) by 46.6% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,126,229 shares of the construction company's stock after selling 6,230,384 shares during the quarter. CRH accounts for approximately 25.6% of Cevian Capital II GP LTD's holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Cevian Capital II GP LTD owned approximately 1.05% of CRH worth $659,319,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Arkadios Wealth Advisors lifted its position in CRH by 4.9% in the fourth quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 2,335 shares of the construction company's stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of CRH by 20.4% during the 4th quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 755 shares of the construction company's stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 128 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of CRH by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 6,810 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $630,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its position in CRH by 3.2% in the fourth quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 4,367 shares of the construction company's stock worth $405,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its stake in CRH by 18.3% during the fourth quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 971 shares of the construction company's stock worth $90,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. 62.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

CRH Stock Up 2.1 %

NYSE CRH traded up $1.95 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $95.41. The company's stock had a trading volume of 5,809,653 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,717,509. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $92.24 and a 200 day moving average of $96.01. CRH plc has a twelve month low of $71.18 and a twelve month high of $110.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.08, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.30.

CRH Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 16th. Investors of record on Friday, March 14th were issued a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, March 14th. This is an increase from CRH's previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. CRH's dividend payout ratio is currently 22.66%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently commented on CRH shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on CRH from $118.00 to $114.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, March 11th. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of CRH from $120.00 to $115.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. Berenberg Bank set a $120.00 price objective on shares of CRH in a research note on Friday, February 28th. Loop Capital began coverage on shares of CRH in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $114.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com raised CRH from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, February 27th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $112.36.

CRH Company Profile

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.