BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) was the target of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 15,000 shares, an increase of 102.7% from the December 15th total of 7,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 56,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Stock Performance

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust stock traded up $0.18 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $39.25. 37,121 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 74,692. The business has a fifty day moving average of $38.96 and a 200 day moving average of $40.55. BlackRock Health Sciences Trust has a 1-year low of $36.87 and a 1-year high of $42.75.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be given a dividend of $0.2621 per share. This represents a $3.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust during the third quarter worth about $8,610,000. Fountainhead AM LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Trust in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $204,000. Logan Stone Capital LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $600,000. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp raised its position in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 7.2% in the 3rd quarter. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp now owns 42,574 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,785,000 after purchasing an additional 2,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 42.4% in the third quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 85,565 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,588,000 after purchasing an additional 25,457 shares in the last quarter.

About BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the health sciences and related sectors, which include businesses involved in researching, developing, producing, distributing or delivering medical, dental, optical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology products, supplies, equipment, or services.