Short Interest in Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI) Expands By 42.4%

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 985,077 shares, a growth of 42.4% from the February 12th total of 691,714 shares. Currently, 2.3% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 744,310 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 744,310 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Currently, 2.3% of the company’s stock are sold short.

Armstrong World Industries Trading Up 1.5%

Shares of Armstrong World Industries stock opened at $167.40 on Monday. Armstrong World Industries has a 1 year low of $122.37 and a 1 year high of $206.08. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $187.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is $190.49. The company has a market cap of $7.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.64, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The construction company reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.67 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $388.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $400.87 million. Armstrong World Industries had a net margin of 19.05% and a return on equity of 37.80%. Armstrong World Industries’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.50 earnings per share. Armstrong World Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.050-8.350 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Armstrong World Industries will post 6.18 EPS for the current year.

Armstrong World Industries Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.339 per share. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 5th. Armstrong World Industries’s payout ratio is currently 19.21%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have weighed in on AWI. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a research report on Wednesday, February 25th. Weiss Ratings reissued a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $211.43.

Institutional Trading of Armstrong World Industries

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AWI. Corient Private Wealth LLC lifted its position in Armstrong World Industries by 39.9% in the fourth quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 20,946 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $4,004,000 after purchasing an additional 5,974 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC increased its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 188.3% in the 4th quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 11,725 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $2,244,000 after buying an additional 7,658 shares during the period. Kera Capital Partners Inc. raised its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 184.7% in the 4th quarter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. now owns 3,209 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $590,000 after buying an additional 2,082 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 6.4% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 807,605 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $154,333,000 after buying an additional 48,925 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 17,148 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $3,277,000 after acquiring an additional 1,829 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.93% of the company’s stock.

Armstrong World Industries Company Profile

Armstrong World Industries, Inc is a leading global manufacturer of commercial ceiling and wall solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of acoustical, decorative and specialty ceiling systems designed to enhance interior environments in offices, healthcare facilities, schools, retail outlets and other non-residential settings. Through its focus on performance, aesthetics and sustainability, Armstrong World Industries addresses both functional and design requirements for architects, contractors and building owners.

Armstrong’s product range includes mineral fiber, fiberglass, wood wool, metal and stone wool ceiling panels, as well as suspension and grid systems.