Masco Co. (NYSE:MAS) Shares Acquired by Venturi Wealth Management LLC

Venturi Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Masco Co. (NYSE:MAS) by 778.7% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,237 shares of the construction company’s stock after buying an additional 4,641 shares during the period. Venturi Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in Masco were worth $380,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MAS. ORG Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Masco during the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Masco in the fourth quarter worth about $27,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Masco during the third quarter worth about $38,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Masco in the third quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its holdings in Masco by 26.7% in the 4th quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 703 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the period. 93.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Masco Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of MAS opened at $76.32 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $16.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.30, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.25. Masco Co. has a 12 month low of $63.81 and a 12 month high of $86.70. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $76.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $78.71. The company has a current ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.74.

Masco (NYSE:MAS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 11th. The construction company reported $0.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.01. Masco had a net margin of 10.50% and a return on equity of 838.32%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.83 EPS. Analysts predict that Masco Co. will post 4.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Masco Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 21st will be issued a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 21st. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. This is a positive change from Masco’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Masco’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.98%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Loop Capital lifted their price objective on shares of Masco from $76.00 to $87.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Royal Bank of Canada restated a “sector perform” rating and set a $74.00 target price on shares of Masco in a research report on Wednesday, February 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Masco from $80.00 to $83.50 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Masco from $82.00 to $77.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their target price on Masco from $78.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an “in-line” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Masco presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $86.32.

Masco Profile

Masco Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes home improvement and building products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company's Plumbing Products segment offers faucets, showerheads, handheld showers, valves, bath hardware and accessories, bathing units, shower bases and enclosures, sinks, toilets, acrylic tubs, shower trays, spas, exercise pools, and fitness systems; brass, copper, and composite plumbing system components; connected water products; thermoplastic solutions, extruded plastic profiles, specialized fabrications, and PEX tubing products; and other non-decorative plumbing products.