Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTY) Short Interest Down 93.3% in December

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

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ASHTY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Ashtead Group from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Royal Bank of Canada raised Ashtead Group from a “hold” rating to a “moderate buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Finally, Berenberg Bank raised shares of Ashtead Group to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th.

Ashtead Group Stock Performance

OTCMKTS ASHTY traded up $1.13 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $252.50. The stock had a trading volume of 10,843 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,553. The stock has a market cap of $27.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.17. Ashtead Group has a 52-week low of $241.94 and a 52-week high of $337.95. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $303.55 and a 200 day moving average of $290.51.

Ashtead Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 24th. Investors of record on Friday, January 10th will be issued a $1.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 10th. Ashtead Group’s dividend payout ratio is presently 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.