Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE:ZTR) Short Interest Up 40.4% in August

Key Points

• Short interest in Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. rose by 40.4% in August, jumping from 68,300 shares to 95,900 shares.
• Following significant trading activity, the firm will pay a monthly dividend of $0.05 per share on November 26th, representing an annualized yield of 9.7%.
• Institutional investors now hold 47.14% of the company’s stock, with various large investors increasing their stakes in the fund over recent quarters.

Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE:ZTR - ) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 95,900 shares, anincreaseof40.4% from the July 31st total of 68,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 174,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 174,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ZTR. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in Virtus Total Return Fund during the 4th quarter valued at $76,000. CSS LLC IL increased its position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund by 11.7% during the 4th quarter. CSS LLC IL now owns 346,748 shares of the investment management company's stock valued at $2,032,000 after purchasing an additional 36,229 shares during the period. Alpine Global Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund during the 4th quarter valued at $79,000. Integrated Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund by 12.5% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Capital Management Inc. now owns 45,003 shares of the investment management company's stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 5,013 shares during the period. Finally, Advisor Resource Council acquired a new position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund during the 1st quarter valued at $127,000. Institutional investors own 47.14% of the company's stock.

Virtus Total Return Fund Stock Performance

NYSE:ZTR traded down $0.03 on Monday, hitting $6.22. 72,170 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 197,196. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $6.24 and a 200-day moving average of $6.06. Virtus Total Return Fund has a fifty-two week low of $5.22 and a fifty-two week high of $6.40.

Virtus Total Return Fund Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.7%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 13th.

Virtus Total Return Fund Company Profile

Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc The fund is co-managed by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC and Newfleet Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United States.

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