Short Interest in Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATH) Decreases By 14.6%

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATH) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 21,100 shares, a decline of 14.6% from the February 28th total of 24,700 shares. Currently, 0.7% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 12,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.7 days.

Nathan’s Famous Stock Performance

Nathan’s Famous stock traded up $0.24 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $96.21. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 2,572 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,615. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $92.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $86.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $393.40 million, a PE ratio of 16.59 and a beta of 0.15. Nathan’s Famous has a fifty-two week low of $64.02 and a fifty-two week high of $104.96.

Nathan’s Famous (NASDAQ:NATH) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter. Nathan’s Famous had a net margin of 16.19% and a negative return on equity of 96.05%.

Nathan’s Famous Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 28th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 18th were paid a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 18th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.08%. Nathan’s Famous’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 34.48%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Nathan’s Famous from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 5th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Citadel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Nathan’s Famous by 187.2% during the fourth quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 10,088 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $793,000 after buying an additional 6,575 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Nathan’s Famous by 30.8% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,820 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $222,000 after buying an additional 664 shares during the period. AdvisorShares Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Nathan’s Famous in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $149,000. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in shares of Nathan’s Famous by 1.6% during the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 27,011 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $2,123,000 after buying an additional 426 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Tennessee Department of Treasury purchased a new position in Nathan’s Famous during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $294,000. 66.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Nathan’s Famous Company Profile

Nathan’s Famous, Inc engages in the operation of franchised fast-food units. It is involved in the licensing, wholesaling, and retailing of products marketed under the Nathan’s Famous brand. The firm operates through the following business segments: Branded Product Program, Product Licensing, Restaurant Operations, and Corporate.