Bunzl PLC (OTCMKTS:BZLFY) Short Interest Up 375.0% in July

Key Points

• Bunzl PLC experienced a significant increase in short interest in July, with a growth of 375.0% from June, totaling 3,800 shares.
• The company announced an increase in its dividend to $0.3289 per share, raising the dividend yield to 263.0%.
• Analysts have mixed reviews on Bunzl, with the stock rated as "hold" by multiple firms, while also receiving some "buy" and "strong buy" ratings, resulting in a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

Bunzl PLC (OTCMKTS:BZLFY - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,800 shares, anincreaseof375.0% from the June 30th total of 800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 148,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 148,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Bunzl Price Performance

Shares of Bunzl stock traded up $0.19 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $15.24. The company had a trading volume of 45,180 shares, compared to its average volume of 91,469. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of $17.71. Bunzl has a 12-month low of $14.76 and a 12-month high of $24.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.18.

Bunzl Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 9th. Investors of record on Monday, May 26th were issued a $0.3289 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 263.0%. This is an increase from Bunzl's previous dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 23rd.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have weighed in on BZLFY. Kepler Capital Markets raised Bunzl to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, June 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut shares of Bunzl from a "moderate buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 17th. Finally, Peel Hunt downgraded Bunzl from a "moderate buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

About Bunzl

Bunzl plc operates as a distribution and services company in the North America, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers food packaging, films, labels, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and personal protection equipment to grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.