United States Cellular Co. (NYSE:USM) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

United States Cellular Co. (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of May. As of May 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,080,000 shares, a growth of 18.5% from the April 30th total of 911,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 215,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 5.0 days. Currently, 7.9% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of United States Cellular from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of United States Cellular from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, February 21st. Finally, Raymond James reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and issued a $78.00 price target (down from $83.00) on shares of United States Cellular in a report on Monday, May 5th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United States Cellular

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of United States Cellular in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in United States Cellular by 1,837.5% in the fourth quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 930 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $58,000 after buying an additional 882 shares in the last quarter. Amundi increased its position in United States Cellular by 17.6% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 1,628 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock worth $99,000 after purchasing an additional 244 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its holdings in shares of United States Cellular by 37.6% during the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,657 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $104,000 after acquiring an additional 453 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of United States Cellular by 1,917.3% in the fourth quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,219 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $139,000 after buying an additional 2,109 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 18.03% of the company's stock.

United States Cellular Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSE USM traded up $0.20 during trading on Friday, reaching $62.73. 96,754 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 179,176. The company has a market capitalization of $5.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -174.23 and a beta of 0.35. The business's 50-day moving average price is $64.28 and its 200 day moving average price is $64.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. United States Cellular has a twelve month low of $47.59 and a twelve month high of $70.79.

United States Cellular (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 2nd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.37 by ($0.16). United States Cellular had a positive return on equity of 1.55% and a negative net margin of 0.79%. The firm had revenue of $891.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $924.90 million. As a group, equities analysts forecast that United States Cellular will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

United States Cellular Company Profile

United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services in the United States. The company offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data services. It also provides wireless devices, such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones, and routers, as well as wireless essentials, including cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards; and consumer electronics comprising audio, home automation, and networking products.