Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE:ZTR) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE:ZTR) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in March. As of March 13th, there was short interest totaling 59,395 shares, an increase of 240.9% from the February 26th total of 17,425 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 231,088 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.1% of the company’s stock are sold short. Approximately 0.1% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 231,088 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Institutional Trading of Virtus Total Return Fund

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ZTR. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund by 854.9% in the fourth quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,582 shares of the investment management company’s stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 6,788 shares in the last quarter. HRT Financial LP acquired a new position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund during the fourth quarter worth about $63,000. Bayban bought a new position in shares of Virtus Total Return Fund during the fourth quarter worth about $65,000. Closed End Fund Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Virtus Total Return Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $66,000. Finally, Tactive Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Virtus Total Return Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $131,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 47.14% of the company’s stock.

Virtus Total Return Fund Stock Up 0.8%

Shares of ZTR stock traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $6.65. 63,976 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 224,211. The business has a 50 day moving average of $6.69 and a two-hundred day moving average of $6.50. Virtus Total Return Fund has a 52 week low of $5.22 and a 52 week high of $7.11.

Virtus Total Return Fund Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, May 28th. Investors of record on Monday, May 11th will be paid a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, May 11th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.0%.

About Virtus Total Return Fund

Virtus Total Return Fund, Inc (NYSE: ZTR) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide investors with high total return with moderate income. The fund, which began operations in 2005, trades on the New York Stock Exchange and is sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners. ZTR offers investors access to a diversified mix of fixed-income and equity opportunities within a single vehicle.

To pursue its stated objective, the fund typically allocates across a broad range of asset classes, including corporate debt securities, high-yield bonds, convertible securities, preferred stocks, common stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs).