Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Short Interest Update

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) was the target of a large increase in short interest in November. As of November 15th, there was short interest totalling 41,900 shares, an increase of 16.7% from the October 31st total of 35,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 43,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin Universal Trust

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Franklin Universal Trust during the third quarter worth about $88,000. Stifel Financial Corp boosted its stake in shares of Franklin Universal Trust by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 256,582 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,940,000 after acquiring an additional 11,047 shares during the period. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC raised its holdings in Franklin Universal Trust by 11.9% in the 3rd quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 126,722 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $958,000 after acquiring an additional 13,494 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Franklin Universal Trust by 4.9% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 28,804 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $218,000 after buying an additional 1,354 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. bought a new position in shares of Franklin Universal Trust during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $79,000.

Franklin Universal Trust Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE FT traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $7.70. The company had a trading volume of 24,614 shares, compared to its average volume of 49,397. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.56 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $7.21. Franklin Universal Trust has a 52-week low of $6.34 and a 52-week high of $7.80.

Franklin Universal Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 18th were given a $0.0425 dividend. This represents a $0.51 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 18th.

Franklin Universal Trust Company Profile

Franklin Universal Trust is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Franklin Resources, Inc The fund is managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United States. The fund invests in companies operating in utility sector. It employs fundamental analysis to invest in a diversified portfolio of corporate bonds and dividend paying utility stocks.