Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 4,653,266 shares, an increase of 24.0% from the February 12th total of 3,753,266 shares. Approximately 0.8% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,120,843 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,120,843 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. Approximately 0.8% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ardagh Metal Packaging

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kestra Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Ardagh Metal Packaging during the fourth quarter valued at $33,000. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging during the 3rd quarter valued at about $40,000. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging during the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. Capula Management Ltd acquired a new stake in Ardagh Metal Packaging during the second quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its holdings in Ardagh Metal Packaging by 13,495.0% in the fourth quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 10,876 shares of the company’s stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 10,796 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.93% of the company’s stock.

Ardagh Metal Packaging Stock Performance

Shares of AMBP traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $4.26. 403,668 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,470,485. Ardagh Metal Packaging has a 52 week low of $2.53 and a 52 week high of $5.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.54 billion, a PE ratio of -425.50, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.53. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $4.05.

Ardagh Metal Packaging (NYSE:AMBP) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.01. Ardagh Metal Packaging had a negative return on equity of 37.42% and a net margin of 0.20%.Ardagh Metal Packaging’s revenue for the quarter was up 12.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.03 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Ardagh Metal Packaging will post 0.16 EPS for the current year.

Ardagh Metal Packaging Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 12th will be paid a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 12th. Ardagh Metal Packaging’s dividend payout ratio is currently -4,000.00%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently commented on AMBP shares. Truist Financial increased their price target on Ardagh Metal Packaging from $4.00 to $5.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley set a $4.30 target price on Ardagh Metal Packaging in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Ardagh Metal Packaging from $4.00 to $5.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Friday, February 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Ardagh Metal Packaging from $4.00 to $4.25 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $4.71.

Ardagh Metal Packaging Company Profile

Ardagh Metal Packaging (NYSE: AMBP) is a global supplier of metal packaging solutions, specializing in the production of steel and aluminum beverage cans, food cans and ends. As a segment of the Ardagh Group, the company supports a broad range of food and beverage customers, including soft drink and craft beer producers, as well as food manufacturers requiring durable, recyclable packaging. Its product portfolio encompasses two‐piece and three‐piece cans, a variety of can ends and closures, and value‐added services such as custom lithography and decorating.

The company operates a network of manufacturing plants across North America and Europe, serving both regional and multinational clients.