Short Interest in Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK) Rises By 70.2%

Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK - Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of April. As of April 15th, there was short interest totalling 252,600 shares, an increase of 70.2% from the March 31st total of 148,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 894,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Prudential Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of PUK stock traded up $0.16 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $18.31. 964,856 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,054,071. Prudential has a twelve month low of $17.12 and a twelve month high of $30.91. The company's 50-day simple moving average is $19.41 and its 200-day simple moving average is $20.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 0.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22.

Prudential Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, May 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 2nd will be issued a $0.2842 dividend. This is a boost from Prudential's previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 1st.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Prudential

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Glassman Wealth Services grew its holdings in shares of Prudential by 135.7% in the 4th quarter. Glassman Wealth Services now owns 1,183 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 681 shares during the last quarter. Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Prudential in the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Prudential by 369.2% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,370 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 1,078 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in shares of Prudential by 198.0% in the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 2,101 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 1,396 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its holdings in shares of Prudential by 24.1% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,830 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 549 shares during the last quarter. 1.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Prudential Company Profile

Prudential plc, through its subsidiaries, provides life and health insurance, and asset management solutions to individuals in Asia and Africa. The company was founded in 1848 and is headquartered in Central, Hong Kong.