Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI) Shares Acquired by Principal Financial Group Inc.

Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI - Free Report) by 2.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 216,612 shares of the construction company's stock after purchasing an additional 4,871 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned about 0.50% of Armstrong World Industries worth $30,516,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,648,141 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $656,922,000 after purchasing an additional 34,579 shares during the last quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. raised its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 1,198,801 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $169,427,000 after purchasing an additional 19,787 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 887,358 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $125,444,000 after purchasing an additional 35,738 shares during the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 140.4% in the 4th quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 666,000 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $94,126,000 after buying an additional 389,000 shares during the period. Finally, Alyeska Investment Group L.P. grew its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 267.1% in the 4th quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 532,602 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $75,273,000 after buying an additional 387,537 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.93% of the company's stock.

Armstrong World Industries Stock Up 1.3%

NYSE AWI traded up $2.26 on Thursday, reaching $170.39. The company had a trading volume of 90,766 shares, compared to its average volume of 303,008. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.40 billion, a PE ratio of 27.26, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.37. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a 1 year low of $115.29 and a 1 year high of $170.79. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $156.62 and a 200-day moving average of $148.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.60 and a quick ratio of 1.10.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The construction company reported $1.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.11. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 39.37% and a net margin of 18.25%. The firm had revenue of $382.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $370.71 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. Armstrong World Industries's quarterly revenue was up 17.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Armstrong World Industries Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, May 8th were given a dividend of $0.308 per share. This represents a $1.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.72%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 8th. Armstrong World Industries's dividend payout ratio is currently 19.68%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America lifted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $162.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, May 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on Armstrong World Industries in a report on Tuesday, June 24th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $200.00 price target for the company. Finally, Loop Capital lowered their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $163.00 to $158.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $162.88.

Armstrong World Industries Profile

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products.