Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:HWBK) Short Interest Update

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:HWBK - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 12,500 shares, a growth of 35.9% from the May 15th total of 9,200 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the company's stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 14,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.9 days.

Hawthorn Bancshares Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:HWBK traded up $0.16 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $28.56. 10,250 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 10,787. The company has a market cap of $198.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.39 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. Hawthorn Bancshares has a one year low of $19.70 and a one year high of $35.95. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $29.24 and a 200 day moving average of $29.92.

Hawthorn Bancshares (NASDAQ:HWBK - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $18.76 million during the quarter. Hawthorn Bancshares had a return on equity of 13.06% and a net margin of 17.52%.

Hawthorn Bancshares Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Sunday, June 15th will be given a $0.20 dividend. This is a boost from Hawthorn Bancshares's previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 13th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.80%. Hawthorn Bancshares's dividend payout ratio is presently 29.09%.

Hawthorn Bancshares announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, June 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase $10.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 4.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually an indication that the company's leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded Hawthorn Bancshares from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, April 10th.

Institutional Trading of Hawthorn Bancshares

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Susquehanna International Group LLP grew its position in shares of Hawthorn Bancshares by 163.3% during the fourth quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 81,309 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $2,305,000 after purchasing an additional 50,429 shares in the last quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Hawthorn Bancshares by 0.7% during the fourth quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 73,532 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $2,085,000 after purchasing an additional 477 shares in the last quarter. Rhino Investment Partners Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Hawthorn Bancshares during the fourth quarter worth about $2,046,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in shares of Hawthorn Bancshares by 7.2% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 30,547 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $862,000 after purchasing an additional 2,051 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in shares of Hawthorn Bancshares by 11.9% during the fourth quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 28,243 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $801,000 after purchasing an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 30.73% of the company's stock.

Hawthorn Bancshares Company Profile

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Hawthorn Bank that provides various banking services in the United States. It accepts checking, savings, money market, individual retirement, and other time deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also offers commercial and industrial, single payment personal, installment, commercial and residential real estate, and consumer loans, as well as equipment, operating, and small business administration loans; and debit and credit cards.