Highlights
- ASA International Group (ASAI) sees a 4.3% rise in stock price.
- Trading volume for the stock drops 56% compared to its daily average.
- Company announces a dividend payout yielding 3.63%.
ASA International Group PLC (LON:ASAI) experienced a notable 4.3% increase in its share price on Thursday, signaling positive sentiment in the market. The stock traded as high as GBX 79.50 ($0.97), before closing at the same level. This movement comes in the wake of a significantly lower trading volume, as only 8,716 shares were exchanged, marking a 56% decline compared to the average session volume of 19,951 shares. Prior to this uptick, ASA International Group closed at GBX 76.25 ($0.93), showing resilience despite fluctuations seen in the broader market and particularly within the LON financials stocks sector.
The company, which operates in the international microfinance sector, holds a market capitalization of £79.50 million. It maintains a P/E ratio of 567.86 and a beta of 1.69, indicating its volatility relative to the market. ASA International Group's 50-day moving average stands at GBX 73.04, while its 200-day moving average is slightly higher at GBX 77.54, reflecting some short-term fluctuations in the stock's price.
In addition to the positive price movement, ASA International Group made headlines recently by announcing a dividend, which was paid out to stockholders on December 24th. This payout amounted to $0.03 per share, representing a dividend yield of 3.63%. The company’s payout ratio currently stands at an unusually high 4,285.71%, underlining its commitment to shareholder returns despite market fluctuations.
ASA International is recognized as one of the world's largest microfinance institutions, specializing in providing small financial services to low-income entrepreneurs, particularly women, in Asia and Africa. As of December 31, 2023, the company served 2.3 million clients across 13 countries, employing over 13,400 staff members and operating 2,016 branches. ASA International Group's mission is to reduce poverty and empower women through enhanced financial inclusion, contributing to socio-economic progress in the regions it serves.
The company continues to navigate market challenges, leveraging its strong market presence to deliver essential financial services in underserved communities. As ASA International Group maintains its focus on microfinance, the company remains a key player in advancing financial inclusion and sustainable development in developing economies.