Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of April. As of April 15th, there was short interest totalling 21,400 shares, an increase of 193.2% from the March 31st total of 7,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 833,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Akzo Nobel from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday.

Akzo Nobel Price Performance

AKZOY opened at $22.38 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The company has a market capitalization of $11.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.81, a P/E/G ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.27. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $24.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $24.69. Akzo Nobel has a 1 year low of $21.47 and a 1 year high of $29.03.

Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter. Akzo Nobel had a net margin of 4.15% and a return on equity of 11.52%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Akzo Nobel will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Akzo Nobel Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, May 14th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, April 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.4498 per share. This is a boost from Akzo Nobel’s previous dividend of $0.11. The ex-dividend date is Monday, April 29th. Akzo Nobel’s payout ratio is presently 24.47%.

About Akzo Nobel

Akzo Nobel N.V. engages in the production and sale of paints and coatings worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings. It offers decorative paints, including paints, lacquers, and varnishes; and a range of mixing machines and color concepts for the building and renovation industry, as well as specialty coatings.