Ashtead Group PLC (OTCMKTS:ASHTY) Short Interest Update

Key Points

• Short interest in Ashtead Group PLC has increased by 37.3%, rising from 15,300 shares to 21,000 shares as of August 15th.
• The company reported earnings per share of $3.80 in its latest quarterly results, missing the consensus estimate of $4.76.
• Ashtead Group has announced a dividend increase to $2.81 per share, representing a yield of 155.0%, up from the previous dividend of $1.44.

Ashtead Group PLC (OTCMKTS:ASHTY - Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 21,000 shares, a growth of 37.3% from the July 31st total of 15,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 25,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average trading volume of 25,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days.

Ashtead Group Stock Performance

Shares of Ashtead Group stock traded down $2.99 on Friday, hitting $292.62. 28,900 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 35,622. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $279.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $247.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.03 billion, a PE ratio of 21.44 and a beta of 1.73. Ashtead Group has a 1 year low of $186.01 and a 1 year high of $337.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.29.

Ashtead Group (OTCMKTS:ASHTY - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 3rd. The company reported $3.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.76 by ($0.96). The business had revenue of $2.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $2.79 billion. Ashtead Group had a return on equity of 20.94% and a net margin of 13.68%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Ashtead Group will post 15.51 EPS for the current year.

Ashtead Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 25th. Investors of record on Monday, August 11th will be paid a dividend of $2.81 per share. This is a positive change from Ashtead Group's previous dividend of $1.44. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 155.0%. Ashtead Group's dividend payout ratio is presently 41.25%.

Ashtead Group Company Profile

Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.