Republic Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:RBCAA) Short Interest Up 15.0% in February

Republic Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:RBCAA) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 100,659 shares, an increase of 15.0% from the February 12th total of 87,540 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 37,070 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.7 days. Approximately 1.2% of the company’s shares are sold short. Approximately 1.2% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 37,070 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.7 days.

Republic Bancorp Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:RBCAA opened at $68.70 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.22 and a beta of 0.59. The company’s 50-day moving average is $71.11 and its 200 day moving average is $70.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.08. Republic Bancorp has a fifty-two week low of $56.79 and a fifty-two week high of $78.25.

Republic Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBCAA) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The bank reported $1.17 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.30 by ($0.13). Republic Bancorp had a return on equity of 12.27% and a net margin of 25.19%.The company had revenue of $94.27 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $92.50 million.

Republic Bancorp Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.495 per share. This represents a $1.98 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. This is a positive change from Republic Bancorp’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 20th. Republic Bancorp’s dividend payout ratio is currently 29.46%.

Institutional Trading of Republic Bancorp

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in shares of Republic Bancorp by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 265,298 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $19,168,000 after buying an additional 26,319 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Republic Bancorp by 9.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 234,101 shares of the bank’s stock worth $17,118,000 after acquiring an additional 19,271 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in Republic Bancorp by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. State Street Corp now owns 218,872 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $15,195,000 after acquiring an additional 2,208 shares during the period. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Republic Bancorp by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 123,097 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $8,492,000 after acquiring an additional 6,189 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Republic Bancorp by 651.0% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 78,077 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $5,708,000 after purchasing an additional 67,681 shares during the last quarter. 24.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

RBCAA has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Republic Bancorp in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut Republic Bancorp from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Saturday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $69.00.

About Republic Bancorp

Republic Bancorp, Inc is a bank holding company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that operates through its principal subsidiary, Republic Bank & Trust Company. The company provides a full suite of commercial and retail banking services tailored to individuals, small businesses and middle‐market clients. Core offerings include deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, treasury and cash-management services, mortgage financing, SBA lending and wealth management solutions. Republic Bancorp also supports specialized financing needs through equipment leasing and small business advisory services.

Republic Bancorp’s branch network spans key markets in the U.S.