Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY) Short Interest Up 137.7% in September

Key Points

• Short interest in Bank Hapoalim surged by 137.7% in September, reaching a total of 12,600 shares as of September 15th, compared to 5,300 shares on August 31st.
• The bank recently increased its dividend to $1.0505 per share from the previous $0.54, representing a significant dividend yield of 238.0%.
• Bank Hapoalim's quarterly earnings surpassed analysts' expectations, reporting earnings of $2.68 per share against a consensus estimate of $2.36.

Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totaling 12,600 shares, an increase of 137.7% from the August 31st total of 5,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 51,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 51,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Bank Hapoalim Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BKHYY traded up $0.26 during trading on Friday, reaching $101.35. The stock had a trading volume of 5,482 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,576. Bank Hapoalim has a one year low of $47.39 and a one year high of $103.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.91. The stock has a market cap of $26.71 billion, a PE ratio of 11.64 and a beta of 1.11. The firm's 50 day moving average price is $95.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $85.50.

Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 13th. The bank reported $2.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.32. Bank Hapoalim had a return on equity of 14.21% and a net margin of 20.12%.The business had revenue of $1.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.97 billion.

Bank Hapoalim Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 26th were issued a $1.0505 dividend. This is a positive change from Bank Hapoalim's previous dividend of $0.54. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 238.0%. Bank Hapoalim's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.99%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Zacks Research upgraded Bank Hapoalim to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, August 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank Hapoalim currently has an average rating of "Hold".

Bank Hapoalim Company Profile

Bank Hapoalim B.M., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Israel and internationally. It operates through Household, Private Banking, Small businesses and micro businesses, Mid-sized businesses, Large businesses, Institutional entities, and Financial management segments.

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