Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Shares Purchased by HighTower Advisors LLC

HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) by 4.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 28,804 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,354 shares during the quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC’s holdings in Franklin Universal Trust were worth $218,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FT. Moloney Securities Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Franklin Universal Trust by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Moloney Securities Asset Management LLC now owns 660,916 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $4,997,000 after buying an additional 7,158 shares in the last quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Franklin Universal Trust by 24.3% in the third quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 325,826 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $2,463,000 after acquiring an additional 63,802 shares during the period. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its position in shares of Franklin Universal Trust by 654.4% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 151,663 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,033,000 after purchasing an additional 131,558 shares in the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Franklin Universal Trust by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 145,638 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $992,000 after purchasing an additional 5,192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Franklin Universal Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $843,000.

Franklin Universal Trust Price Performance

FT stock opened at $7.39 on Thursday. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $7.54 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.27. Franklin Universal Trust has a 52 week low of $6.34 and a 52 week high of $7.80.

Franklin Universal Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 16th will be issued a $0.0425 dividend. This represents a $0.51 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 16th.

About Franklin Universal Trust

Franklin Universal Trust is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Franklin Resources, Inc The fund is managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United States. The fund invests in companies operating in utility sector. It employs fundamental analysis to invest in a diversified portfolio of corporate bonds and dividend paying utility stocks.