Masco Co. (NYSE:MAS) CEO Keith J. Allman Sells 21,723 Shares

Masco Co. (NYSE:MAS) CEO Keith J. Allman sold 21,723 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.36, for a total transaction of $1,658,768.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 60,267 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,601,988.12. This trade represents a 26.49 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Masco Stock Down 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE MAS traded down $1.33 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $74.70. 1,159,528 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,452,822. The company has a market cap of $15.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.25. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $76.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $78.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.74. Masco Co. has a one year low of $63.81 and a one year high of $86.70.

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

Masco Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced 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 is Friday, February 21st. This is an increase from Masco’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.66%. Masco’s payout ratio is currently 32.98%.

Institutional Trading of Masco

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. ORG Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Masco during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Masco in the fourth quarter worth $27,000. Kestra Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Masco during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Masco in the 3rd quarter worth $38,000. Finally, Lee Danner & Bass Inc. acquired a new position in Masco during the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. 93.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MAS has been the subject of several research reports. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Masco from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 12th. Loop Capital increased their price target on shares of Masco from $76.00 to $87.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on Masco from $95.00 to $94.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Masco from $85.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Masco from $80.00 to $83.50 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Masco has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $86.32.

Masco Company 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.