Squarepoint Ops LLC Makes New $315,000 Investment in Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI)

Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund purchased 13,448 shares of the basic materials company’s stock, valued at approximately $315,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Rhumbline Advisers increased its position 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 acquiring an additional 469 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in shares of Valhi by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 8,845 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $207,000 after purchasing an additional 707 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in Valhi by 1.4% during the fourth quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 131,217 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $3,069,000 after acquiring an additional 1,800 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in Valhi by 1.9% during the fourth quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 141,449 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $3,308,000 after acquiring an additional 2,600 shares during the period. Finally, Bridgeway Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Valhi by 1.1% during the fourth quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 234,976 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $5,496,000 after acquiring an additional 2,600 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 3.83% of the company’s stock.

Valhi Stock Performance

NYSE VHI opened at $14.63 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $414.01 million, a P/E ratio of 4.69 and a beta of 1.33. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $16.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.40. Valhi, Inc. has a twelve month low of $14.10 and a twelve month high of $41.75. The company has a quick ratio of 1.65, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

Valhi (NYSE:VHI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.66 by ($0.07). Valhi had a net margin of 4.29% and a return on equity of 6.90%. The company had revenue of $538.60 million during the quarter.

Valhi Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 9th will be given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 9th. Valhi’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.80%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays lowered their price objective on Valhi from $20.00 to $12.00 and set an “underweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Valhi from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th.

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.