Luxfer Holdings PLC (NYSE:LXFR) Short Interest Up 99.3% in March

Luxfer Holdings PLC (NYSE:LXFR) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of March. As of March 13th, there was short interest totaling 697,107 shares, a growth of 99.3% from the February 26th total of 349,787 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 252,366 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.8 days. Approximately 2.6% of the company’s shares are short sold.

Institutional Trading of Luxfer

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new position in shares of Luxfer in the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Luxfer during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. LSV Asset Management purchased a new stake in Luxfer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $85,000. Nano Cap New Millennium Growth Fund L P acquired a new position in shares of Luxfer in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $101,000. Finally, Diversified Trust Co. purchased a new position in shares of Luxfer during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $139,000. 90.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Luxfer Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of LXFR stock traded down $0.17 on Friday, hitting $12.18. The stock had a trading volume of 138,824 shares, compared to its average volume of 367,510. The firm has a market capitalization of $324.56 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.01. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $13.94 and its 200-day moving average is $13.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.67. Luxfer has a 52-week low of $9.41 and a 52-week high of $16.02.

Luxfer Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. Luxfer’s dividend payout ratio is presently 179.31%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently issued reports on LXFR. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Luxfer from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, February 28th. Zacks Research cut shares of Luxfer from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Luxfer in a report on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Reduce”.

Luxfer Company Profile

Luxfer Gas Cylinders, trading as Luxfer (NYSE: LXFR), is a global manufacturer specializing in high-performance, lightweight gas cylinders. The company produces both aluminium and composite cylinders designed to store and transport high-pressure gases for industrial, medical, diving, firefighting and defense applications. Its portfolio includes seamless aluminium cylinders, wrapped composite cylinders and pressure vessel components tailored to meet stringent safety and performance standards.

Founded on more than a century of materials expertise originating from the Luxfer Graphic Magnesium Company established in 1898, Luxfer has evolved into a leader in cylinder innovation.