Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTY) Sees Significant Decrease in Short Interest

Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTY) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decline of 93.3% from the November 30th total of 3,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 42,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ASHTY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Berenberg Bank upgraded Ashtead Group to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 19th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Ashtead Group from a “hold” rating to a “moderate buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Ashtead Group from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, December 10th.

Ashtead Group Stock Performance

ASHTY traded down $2.51 during trading on Friday, hitting $249.99. The stock had a trading volume of 26,799 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,598. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market cap of $27.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $302.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $290.22. Ashtead Group has a one year low of $241.94 and a one year high of $337.95.

Ashtead Group Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 24th. Investors of record on Friday, January 10th will be given a dividend of $1.44 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 10th. Ashtead Group’s dividend payout ratio is 19.70%.

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.