Valhi (NYSE:VHI) Sees Strong Trading Volume - Here's What Happened

Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI - Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 36,176 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 81% from the previous session's volume of 19,933 shares.The stock last traded at $18.72 and had previously closed at $18.10.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

VHI has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Valhi from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Barclays lowered their price target on Valhi from $20.00 to $12.00 and set an "underweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th.

Valhi Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 2.67 and a quick ratio of 1.29. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $16.19 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $517.61 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.46 and a beta of 1.29.

Valhi (NYSE:VHI - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.66 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $538.60 million during the quarter. Valhi had a return on equity of 8.60% and a net margin of 5.54%.

Valhi Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 9th were paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.75%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 9th. Valhi's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 7.80%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Valhi

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Valhi by 6,670.8% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,625 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 1,601 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its stake in Valhi by 105.8% during the fourth quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 2,488 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $58,000 after buying an additional 1,279 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its stake in Valhi by 12.2% during the fourth quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 4,325 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $101,000 after buying an additional 469 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Valhi by 276.3% during the fourth quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,565 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $130,000 after buying an additional 4,086 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets acquired a new position in shares of Valhi in the 4th quarter valued at $202,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 3.83% of the company's stock.

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.