The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Masco (NYSE:MAS) Price Target to $96.00

Masco (NYSE:MAS) had its price target hoisted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $85.00 to $96.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a buy rating on the construction company’s stock.

MAS has been the topic of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Masco from $78.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a “sector perform” rating and issued a $74.00 price objective on shares of Masco in a research note on Wednesday. Citigroup cut their price objective on Masco from $82.00 to $77.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Masco from $80.00 to $83.50 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Loop Capital lifted their price objective on Masco from $76.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $86.32.

Masco Stock Up 1.0 %

MAS stock opened at $78.42 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $16.92 billion, a PE ratio of 20.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.25. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $76.42 and a 200 day simple moving average of $78.70. Masco has a 52 week low of $63.81 and a 52 week high of $86.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.74.

Masco (NYSE:MAS) last released its 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 return on equity of 615.54% and a net margin of 10.54%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.83 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Masco will post 4.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Masco Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 21st will be paid a $0.31 dividend. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 21st. This is an increase from Masco’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Masco’s dividend payout ratio is 30.85%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. ORG Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Masco in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Masco in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Kestra Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Masco in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new stake in Masco in the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Lee Danner & Bass Inc. purchased a new stake in Masco in the 4th quarter worth about $42,000. Institutional investors own 93.91% of the company’s stock.

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.