Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) Short Interest Update

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 930,000 shares, a growth of 16.4% from the September 15th total of 799,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 846,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.1 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup raised Diageo from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Diageo from an “underperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Bank of America raised shares of Diageo from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Diageo from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Diageo presently has an average rating of “Hold”.

Institutional Trading of Diageo

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DEO. Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Diageo in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Diageo by 777.3% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 193 shares of the company’s stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Diageo in the second quarter worth $25,000. Concord Wealth Partners acquired a new position in Diageo during the first quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Diageo during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. 8.97% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Diageo Stock Performance

Diageo stock traded up $1.24 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $135.77. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 580,391 shares, compared to its average volume of 765,128. Diageo has a 52-week low of $119.48 and a 52-week high of $161.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $132.70 and its 200 day moving average is $133.96.

Diageo Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th.

Diageo Company Profile

Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaça, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavored malt beverages. It also provides Chinese, Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as flavored malt beverages, ready to drink, and non-alcoholic products.