Lloyds Banking Group PLC (NYSE:LYG) Short Interest Update

Key Points

• Lloyds Banking Group's short interest increased by 47.7% in August, with 6,040,000 shares shorted as of August 15th, compared to 4,090,000 at the end of July.
• Despite a recent stock price decrease of 0.8% reaching $4.35, analysts have upgraded the company's ratings, with a consensus rating of "Buy" from several investment firms.
• The company reported earnings of $0.14 per share for the last quarter, surpassing expectations, and announced a semi-annual dividend of $0.0655, representing a yield of 370.0%.

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (NYSE:LYG - Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 6,040,000 shares, a growth of 47.7% from the July 31st total of 4,090,000 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 12,020,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 12,020,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Lloyds Banking Group Trading Up 0.3%

Lloyds Banking Group stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $4.53. 2,633,036 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 21,597,227. The firm has a market capitalization of $67.72 billion, a PE ratio of 11.31, a PEG ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.05. The firm's 50 day simple moving average is $4.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.06. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. Lloyds Banking Group has a twelve month low of $2.56 and a twelve month high of $4.62.

Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $6.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $4.86 billion. Lloyds Banking Group had a net margin of 17.51% and a return on equity of 9.28%. Research analysts predict that Lloyds Banking Group will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current year.

Lloyds Banking Group Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 19th. Investors of record on Monday, August 4th will be given a $0.0655 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 4th. This represents a yield of 370.0%. Lloyds Banking Group's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.00%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lloyds Banking Group

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lloyds Banking Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Focus Partners Wealth bought a new stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Advisor Resource Council bought a new stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Earned Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $38,000. Institutional investors own 2.15% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LYG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an "underweight" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report on Friday, August 1st. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Sunday, September 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a report on Monday, August 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Lloyds Banking Group from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an "overweight" rating on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a report on Monday, August 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Lloyds Banking Group currently has a consensus rating of "Buy".

About Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal customers.