Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY) Sees Large Drop in Short Interest

Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY - Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 43,300 shares, a drop of 25.2% from the March 15th total of 57,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 149,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.0% of the company's shares are sold short.

Akzo Nobel Stock Up 5.7 %

Shares of AKZOY stock traded up $1.13 on Thursday, hitting $20.85. 174,708 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 136,272. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The business has a 50-day moving average of $20.61 and a 200 day moving average of $20.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.13. Akzo Nobel has a fifty-two week low of $18.07 and a fifty-two week high of $24.12.

Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $2.64 billion. Akzo Nobel had a net margin of 4.26% and a return on equity of 12.45%. Equities analysts anticipate that Akzo Nobel will post 1.52 EPS for the current year.

Akzo Nobel Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 30th will be given a dividend of $0.5384 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 30th. This is a positive change from Akzo Nobel's previous dividend of $0.16. Akzo Nobel's payout ratio is currently 90.63%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays reissued an "overweight" rating on shares of Akzo Nobel in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Akzo Nobel from a "sell" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, March 6th.

Akzo Nobel Company Profile

Akzo Nobel N.V. engages in the production and sale of paints and coatings worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings. It offers decorative paints, including paints, lacquers, and varnishes; and a range of mixing machines and color concepts for the building and renovation industry, as well as specialty coatings.