Short Interest in Arkema SA (OTCMKTS:ARKAY) Increases By 219.0%

Key Points

• Short interest in Arkema SA increased by 219.0% from mid-August to the end of August, reaching a total of 6,700 shares, indicating heightened bearish sentiment among investors.
• Wall Street analysts have mixed ratings on Arkema, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy", reflecting one Strong Buy, two Buy, two Hold, and one Sell rating.
• Arkema reported earnings of $1.77 per share for the last quarter, missed analyst expectations of $2.09 but exceeded revenue estimates with $2.75 billion in sales.

Arkema SA (OTCMKTS:ARKAY - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totaling 6,700 shares, an increase of 219.0% from the August 15th total of 2,100 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the company's stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 9,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 9,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Currently, 0.0% of the company's stock are short sold.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ARKAY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup restated a "buy" rating on shares of Arkema in a report on Friday, July 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a "buy" rating on shares of Arkema in a report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Arkema to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, June 16th. Finally, Barclays cut shares of Arkema from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

Arkema Trading Up 1.2%

Shares of OTCMKTS ARKAY opened at $68.97 on Friday. The firm's 50 day moving average price is $72.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $74.40. The company has a market cap of $5.25 billion, a PE ratio of 22.25, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.04. Arkema has a 52-week low of $64.94 and a 52-week high of $98.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 2.43.

Arkema (OTCMKTS:ARKAY - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.09 by ($0.32). The firm had revenue of $2.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.29 billion. Arkema had a return on equity of 6.41% and a net margin of 2.41%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Arkema will post 8.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Arkema Company Profile

Arkema SA manufactures and sells specialty chemicals and advanced materials worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials and Coating Solutions, and Intermediates. The Adhesive Solutions segment provides solutions for construction, renovation of buildings, DIY, durable goods, and packaging and non-woven applications; and supplies technologies used in building activities for businesses and individuals, including sealants, tiles, flooring adhesives and waterproofing systems, and technologies used in industry, which include automotive, textiles, glazing, flexible and rigid packaging, and hygiene markets.

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