Short Interest in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) Expands By 78.3%

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE:BME) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 54,624 shares, a growth of 78.3% from the December 15th total of 30,636 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 39,947 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 39,947 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.4 days.

Institutional Trading of BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BME. PMG Family Office LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Trust during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $324,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 22.2% during the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,417 shares of the company’s stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 18.8% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 216,404 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,057,000 after buying an additional 34,218 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its stake in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 7.3% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 104,204 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,880,000 after buying an additional 7,069 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP grew its holdings in BlackRock Health Sciences Trust by 32.4% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 46,481 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,730,000 after buying an additional 11,371 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Trading Down 0.2%

BME stock traded down $0.10 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $41.79. The stock had a trading volume of 31,647 shares, compared to its average volume of 40,741. BlackRock Health Sciences Trust has a 52-week low of $34.18 and a 52-week high of $42.46. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $40.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $38.27.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $0.2621 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. 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.