The **Swiss National Bank** has decreased its holdings in **United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.** (NASDAQ: USLM) by **1.3%** during the first quarter of 2023. According to a recent filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission**, the bank now holds **22,200 shares** of the construction company after selling **300 shares** during this period. The Swiss National Bank’s ownership represents approximately **0.08%** of United States Lime & Minerals, valued at around **$1,962,000** at the end of the quarter.
Several other institutional investors have also made adjustments to their stakes in USLM. **Wells Fargo & Company MN** increased its investment by **135.5%** in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional **4,597 shares** to reach a total of **7,989 shares**, valued at **$1,061,000**. Similarly, **Legal & General Group Plc** raised its stake by **14.3%**, owning **11,926 shares** worth **$1,583,000** after purchasing **1,492 shares**.
**Raymond James Financial Inc.** entered the market with a new stake valued at **$3,612,000** during the same period. **Barclays PLC** also increased its holdings by **6.6%**, now owning **22,928 shares** valued at **$3,043,000** after an additional purchase of **1,416 shares**. Lastly, **XTX Topco Ltd** acquired a new stake worth **$237,000**. Currently, **27.12%** of United States Lime & Minerals stock is held by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Analyst Ratings and Stock Performance
In related news, **Wall Street Zen** downgraded United States Lime & Minerals from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating on **August 2, 2023**.
On the stock market, USLM opened at **$121.52** on Friday, with a market capitalization of **$3.48 billion**. The company’s **P/E ratio** stands at **27.87**, and it has a beta of **0.98**. The stock has experienced a **one-year low** of **$74.90** and a **one-year high** of **$159.53**. Its fifty-day moving average price is **$106.13**, while the two-hundred-day moving average is **$99.90**.
United States Lime & Minerals released its quarterly earnings results on **July 30, 2023**. The company reported **$1.07** earnings per share (EPS), missing analysts’ consensus estimates of **$1.14** by **$0.07**. The firm generated **$91.52 million** in revenue, falling short of expectations that reached **$101.00 million**. The company reported a **return on equity** of **24.24%** and a **net margin** of **35.57%**.
Dividend Announcement
The company has also declared a quarterly dividend, which will be distributed on **September 12, 2023**. Stockholders of record on **August 22, 2023**, will receive a **$0.06** dividend, translating to an annualized dividend of **$0.24** and a yield of **0.2%**. The ex-dividend date is set for **August 22, 2023**. The dividend payout ratio stands at **5.50%**.
United States Lime & Minerals, founded in **1948**, is headquartered in **Dallas, Texas**, and specializes in the manufacture and sale of lime and limestone products, including **High Calcium Quicklime**, **Hydrated Lime**, and **Lime Kiln Dust**.
