Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) was the target of a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 187,365 shares, a growth of 41.8% from the December 31st total of 132,093 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 293,122 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 293,122 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Comerica Bank increased its position in Western Asset High Income Fund II by 134.1% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 9,369 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 5,367 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the third quarter valued at about $45,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II by 288.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 11,531 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 8,562 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $56,000.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Price Performance

Shares of NYSE HIX remained flat at $4.24 during trading hours on Monday. 231,061 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 320,489. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 1 year low of $3.65 and a 1 year high of $4.42. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $4.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.24.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.049 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 13.9%.

About Western Asset High Income Fund II

Western Asset High Income Fund II (NYSE: HIX) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in below-investment-grade debt instruments. The fund pursues a diversified portfolio of high-yield corporate bonds, senior loans, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and emerging-market debt, aiming to generate attractive yield while managing credit and interest rate risk.

The fund may employ leverage through borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares to enhance its income potential.