Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Short Interest Up 16.7% in November

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) was the target of a significant 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.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Franklin Universal Trust

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its stake in Franklin Universal Trust by 654.4% in the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 151,663 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $1,033,000 after acquiring an additional 131,558 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Franklin Universal Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $843,000. Cetera Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Franklin Universal Trust in the first quarter valued at approximately $514,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Franklin Universal Trust by 24.3% during the third quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 325,826 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $2,463,000 after purchasing an additional 63,802 shares during the period. Finally, Moloney Securities Asset Management LLC increased its position in Franklin Universal Trust by 4.3% in the second quarter. Moloney Securities Asset Management LLC now owns 653,758 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $4,452,000 after buying an additional 26,843 shares during the last quarter.

Franklin Universal Trust Trading Up 0.8 %

FT traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $7.79. The company had a trading volume of 36,471 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,995. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $7.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.19. Franklin Universal Trust has a 52 week low of $6.34 and a 52 week high of $7.80.

Franklin Universal Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th were issued a $0.0425 dividend. This represents a $0.51 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.55%. The ex-dividend date 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.