Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Short Interest Update

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in May. As of May 15th, there was short interest totalling 18,200 shares, a drop of 15.3% from the April 30th total of 21,500 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the company's stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 40,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin Universal Trust

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. MB Levis & Associates LLC acquired a new position in Franklin Universal Trust during the first quarter worth approximately $77,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Franklin Universal Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $81,000. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Franklin Universal Trust by 17.0% during the 4th quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,210 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 1,632 shares during the last quarter. Bridgewealth Advisory Group LLC bought a new position in Franklin Universal Trust during the fourth quarter worth $113,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new position in Franklin Universal Trust during the first quarter worth $117,000.

Franklin Universal Trust Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of Franklin Universal Trust stock traded up $0.03 on Friday, reaching $7.48. 18,042 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 42,633. Franklin Universal Trust has a one year low of $6.68 and a one year high of $7.80. The company has a 50-day moving average of $7.35 and a 200 day moving average of $7.46.

Franklin Universal Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 19th were given a $0.0425 dividend. This represents a $0.51 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.82%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 19th.

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.