Kronos Worldwide (NYSE:KRO) Downgraded by StockNews.com to “Hold”

StockNews.com lowered shares of Kronos Worldwide (NYSE:KRO) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning.

Kronos Worldwide Stock Performance

KRO stock opened at $7.40 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 2.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The company has a market capitalization of $850.69 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.13 and a beta of 1.16. Kronos Worldwide has a 12 month low of $7.33 and a 12 month high of $14.50. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $9.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.56.

Kronos Worldwide (NYSE:KRO) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 6th. The specialty chemicals company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.19 by ($0.31). The firm had revenue of $423.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $494.19 million. Kronos Worldwide had a return on equity of 11.74% and a net margin of 5.05%.

Kronos Worldwide Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 20th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.70%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 11th. Kronos Worldwide’s payout ratio is currently 27.03%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kronos Worldwide

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Kronos Worldwide in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS bought a new stake in Kronos Worldwide during the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Aquatic Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Kronos Worldwide by 144.8% in the 4th quarter. Aquatic Capital Management LLC now owns 3,183 shares of the specialty chemicals company’s stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 1,883 shares during the last quarter. State of Wyoming boosted its stake in shares of Kronos Worldwide by 28.1% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 5,031 shares of the specialty chemicals company’s stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 1,105 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Caisse Des Depots ET Consignations bought a new position in shares of Kronos Worldwide in the 4th quarter valued at about $54,000. 15.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Kronos Worldwide Company Profile

Kronos Worldwide, Inc produces and markets titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) in Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company produces TiO2 in two crystalline forms, rutile and anatase to impart whiteness, brightness, opacity, and durability for various products, including paints, coatings, plastics, paper, fibers, and ceramics, as well as for various specialty products, such as inks, foods, and cosmetics.