Marine Petroleum Trust (NASDAQ:MARPS) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

Marine Petroleum Trust (NASDAQ:MARPS) was the target of a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 26,165 shares, an increase of 81.0% from the December 31st total of 14,456 shares. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 55,269 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 55,269 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Institutional Trading of Marine Petroleum Trust

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Marine Petroleum Trust stock. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV acquired a new position in Marine Petroleum Trust (NASDAQ:MARPS) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 24,600 shares of the energy company’s stock, valued at approximately $102,000. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV owned about 1.23% of Marine Petroleum Trust at the end of the most recent quarter. 1.76% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Marine Petroleum Trust Stock Performance

Marine Petroleum Trust stock traded down $0.17 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $4.62. 8,398 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 43,232. Marine Petroleum Trust has a 52 week low of $3.34 and a 52 week high of $7.90. The firm has a market cap of $9.24 million, a PE ratio of 14.90 and a beta of 0.28. The company’s fifty day moving average is $4.36 and its 200-day moving average is $4.52.

Marine Petroleum Trust (NASDAQ:MARPS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The energy company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter. Marine Petroleum Trust had a net margin of 64.77% and a return on equity of 67.66%. The firm had revenue of $0.22 million during the quarter.

Marine Petroleum Trust Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.0491 dividend. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. Marine Petroleum Trust’s dividend payout ratio is currently 64.52%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (d+)” rating on shares of Marine Petroleum Trust in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Sell”.

About Marine Petroleum Trust

Marine Petroleum Trust is a royalty trust that holds overriding royalty interests in petroleum and natural gas production assets on Alaska’s North Slope. Established in 1998, the trust’s primary asset is its net profits interest in the Nikaitchuq Unit, a large oil field operated under state and federal leases. Rather than engaging in exploration or production itself, Marine Petroleum Trust receives income in the form of royalties and net profits from production activities carried out by the unit operator.

The trust’s revenues are generated solely by hydrocarbons extracted from the Nikaitchuq field, with crude oil transported via the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.