Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Shares Shorted: Short Interest Down 81.8% in October

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) saw a large decline in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,220 shares, a decline of 81.8% from the September 30th total of 12,221 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 60,224 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Franklin Universal Trust Stock Up 0.8%

Shares of Franklin Universal Trust stock traded up $0.06 during trading on Thursday, reaching $7.32. 47,587 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 48,661. Franklin Universal Trust has a 1-year low of $6.95 and a 1-year high of $8.35. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $7.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.90.

Franklin Universal Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 23rd will be issued a $0.0425 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 23rd. This represents a $0.51 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.0%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin Universal Trust

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Franklin Universal Trust stock. Shaker Financial Services LLC lifted its stake in Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) by 142.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 60,281 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 35,411 shares during the period. Shaker Financial Services LLC owned approximately 0.24% of Franklin Universal Trust worth $424,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

About Franklin Universal Trust

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) is a diversified closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc, an affiliate of Franklin Templeton. The fund seeks to provide high current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of debt and equity securities.

The trust invests across a range of issuers and industries, including utility companies and other income-oriented businesses. Its portfolio may include corporate bonds, preferred securities, common stocks and other investments, allowing the fund to pursue income while retaining the potential for capital growth.

Franklin Universal Trust is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is managed as part of Franklin Templeton’s broader investment platform.