Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) Short Interest Update

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 9,210,000 shares, a decrease of 19.1% from the December 31st total of 11,390,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,990,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Approximately 0.6% of the company's shares are short sold.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 457.5% in the 3rd quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 223 shares of the company's stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 203.8% in the third quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 240 shares of the company's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the fourth quarter worth $33,000. Sierra Ocean LLC bought a new position in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, Concord Wealth Partners increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 2,709.1% during the 3rd quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 309 shares of the company's stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 298 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $140.00 price objective for the company. Stifel Nicolaus restated a "buy" rating and set a $145.00 price target (up from $138.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $155.00 to $145.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a "sell" rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $131.35.

Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.1 %

Philip Morris International stock traded down $0.16 during trading on Friday, hitting $130.16. 5,331,134 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,484,783. The business's 50 day moving average is $125.23 and its 200 day moving average is $122.98. Philip Morris International has a 52 week low of $87.82 and a 52 week high of $134.15. The company has a market capitalization of $202.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.66, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.54.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 26th were given a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. Philip Morris International's payout ratio is currently 85.71%.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.