Valhi (NYSE:VHI) Shares Down 4.4%

Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI) shares were down 4.4% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $26.42 and last traded at $26.67. Approximately 5,394 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 58% from the average daily volume of 12,853 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.90.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised Valhi from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th.

Valhi Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $22.12 and a 200 day moving average of $18.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 3.49 and a quick ratio of 2.24. The company has a market capitalization of $795.18 million, a PE ratio of 1,347.00 and a beta of 1.28.

Valhi (NYSE:VHI) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.41. The firm had revenue of $559.70 million during the quarter. Valhi had a net margin of 1.27% and a return on equity of 2.02%.

Valhi Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.14%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. Valhi’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 1,600.00%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Valhi

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Valhi stock. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in shares of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI) by 8.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 117,129 shares of the basic materials company’s stock after purchasing an additional 8,750 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC owned about 0.41% of Valhi worth $2,012,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 3.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Valhi

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.