BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) Short Interest Update

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) saw a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 72,489 shares, an increase of 22.8% from the January 29th total of 59,022 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 31,454 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 31,454 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BME. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 285,436.7% during the fourth quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,046,055 shares of the company’s stock valued at $166,414,000 after acquiring an additional 4,044,638 shares during the last quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 49.5% in the fourth quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC now owns 229,260 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,429,000 after buying an additional 75,958 shares during the last quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $8,186,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its holdings in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 7.6% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 217,169 shares of the company’s stock valued at $8,085,000 after buying an additional 15,381 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 18.8% in the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 216,404 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,057,000 after acquiring an additional 34,218 shares during the period.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Price Performance

NYSE BME traded down $0.44 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $42.17. The stock had a trading volume of 67,093 shares, compared to its average volume of 38,480. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $41.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.61. BlackRock Health Sciences Trust has a 1 year low of $34.18 and a 1 year high of $42.74.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 15th will be given a $0.2621 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 15th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.5%.

About BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE: BME) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks long-term total return through a combination of dividend income and capital appreciation. Managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors, the trust invests primarily in the equity securities of domestic and international issuers engaged in the health sciences sector. The portfolio typically includes common stocks, corporate bonds and convertible securities of companies involved in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare services.