Franklin Financial Services Co. (NASDAQ:FRAF) Short Interest Update

Franklin Financial Services Co. (NASDAQ:FRAF - Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 28th, there was short interest totalling 6,100 shares, a growth of 48.8% from the February 13th total of 4,100 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the company's shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 11,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days.

Franklin Financial Services Stock Up 0.8 %

FRAF stock traded up $0.30 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $36.20. The company's stock had a trading volume of 9,979 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,149. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60. Franklin Financial Services has a 52-week low of $25.11 and a 52-week high of $38.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $159.86 million, a P/E ratio of 14.54 and a beta of 0.25. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $32.92.

Franklin Financial Services (NASDAQ:FRAF - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter. Franklin Financial Services had a net margin of 9.64% and a return on equity of 7.91%.

Franklin Financial Services Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 7th were given a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 7th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.54%. Franklin Financial Services's dividend payout ratio is presently 51.41%.

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Insider Transactions at Franklin Financial Services

In related news, Director Gregory A. Duffey acquired 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $33.90 per share, with a total value of $101,700.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 23,782 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $806,209.80. This trade represents a 14.44 % increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, President Craig W. Best acquired 6,756 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 7th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $37.00 per share, with a total value of $249,972.00. Following the transaction, the president now directly owns 15,606 shares in the company, valued at $577,422. This trade represents a 76.34 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders bought 9,785 shares of company stock worth $352,751 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 6.93% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Franklin Financial Services

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Fourthstone LLC lifted its position in shares of Franklin Financial Services by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Fourthstone LLC now owns 440,745 shares of the company's stock worth $13,280,000 after purchasing an additional 1,507 shares during the last quarter. PL Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Franklin Financial Services in the fourth quarter valued at $11,518,000. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Franklin Financial Services by 1.0% in the fourth quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 62,972 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,883,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in Franklin Financial Services by 1.9% in the fourth quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 32,272 shares of the company's stock valued at $965,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its stake in Franklin Financial Services by 31.3% in the fourth quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 8,926 shares of the company's stock valued at $267,000 after purchasing an additional 2,127 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 24.80% of the company's stock.

Franklin Financial Services Company Profile

Franklin Financial Services Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Farmers and Merchants Trust Company of Chambersburg that provides commercial, retail banking, and trust services to businesses, individuals, governmental entities, and non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania. It offers various deposit products, including checking, savings, money management, and time deposit accounts, as well as demand deposits.