Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PWOD) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PWOD) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 19,800 shares, an increase of 85.0% from the November 30th total of 10,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 18,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.1 days.

Penns Woods Bancorp Stock Performance

Penns Woods Bancorp stock traded down $0.37 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $30.39. The stock had a trading volume of 12,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,301. The firm has a market capitalization of $229.26 million, a PE ratio of 11.51 and a beta of 0.48. Penns Woods Bancorp has a 12 month low of $17.01 and a 12 month high of $34.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $29.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $24.84.

Penns Woods Bancorp Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 10th were paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.21%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 10th. Penns Woods Bancorp’s payout ratio is currently 48.48%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Penns Woods Bancorp during the third quarter worth $486,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Penns Woods Bancorp by 217.1% during the 3rd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 34,499 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $821,000 after purchasing an additional 23,620 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in Penns Woods Bancorp by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 27,260 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $648,000 after purchasing an additional 1,340 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new position in Penns Woods Bancorp in the 2nd quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in Penns Woods Bancorp during the 2nd quarter valued at about $390,000. 27.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Penns Woods Bancorp in a research report on Friday. They issued a “hold” rating for the company.

About Penns Woods Bancorp

Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Jersey Shore State Bank, which provides commercial and retail banking services to individuals, partnerships, non-profit organizations, and corporations. It accepts time, demand, and savings deposits, including super NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit, as well as checking and individual retirement account (IRAs) accounts.