Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:LARK) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:LARK) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 28th, there was short interest totalling 46,300 shares, a growth of 89.0% from the February 13th total of 24,500 shares. Approximately 1.1% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 8,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 5.6 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on Landmark Bancorp in a research report on Friday. They set a “hold” rating for the company.

Landmark Bancorp Stock Up 1.4 %

NASDAQ:LARK traded up $0.35 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $24.72. 5,890 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,400. The stock has a market cap of $142.78 million, a PE ratio of 10.91 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Landmark Bancorp has a twelve month low of $17.05 and a twelve month high of $26.75. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $24.16 and a 200 day moving average of $22.67.

Landmark Bancorp (NASDAQ:LARK) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter. Landmark Bancorp had a return on equity of 10.51% and a net margin of 14.51%.

Landmark Bancorp Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 5th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 19th were issued a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 19th. This is an increase from Landmark Bancorp’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. Landmark Bancorp’s dividend payout ratio is presently 37.00%.

Insider Activity at Landmark Bancorp

In other Landmark Bancorp news, Director Patrick L. Alexander sold 20,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.53, for a total transaction of $490,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 80,285 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,969,391.05. This represents a 19.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Michael E. Scheopner sold 3,097 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.31, for a total value of $78,385.07. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 131,269 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,322,418.39. This trade represents a 2.30 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 17.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Landmark Bancorp

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in LARK. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its holdings in shares of Landmark Bancorp by 22.3% in the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 237,876 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $5,711,000 after buying an additional 43,401 shares during the last quarter. De Lisle Partners LLP raised its stake in Landmark Bancorp by 78.1% in the 3rd quarter. De Lisle Partners LLP now owns 67,595 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $1,369,000 after acquiring an additional 29,637 shares during the period. Fourthstone LLC bought a new stake in Landmark Bancorp in the 4th quarter valued at $466,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Landmark Bancorp by 4.9% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 180,280 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $4,329,000 after acquiring an additional 8,490 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp raised its stake in Landmark Bancorp by 35.0% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 21,017 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $505,000 after acquiring an additional 5,447 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 25.66% of the company’s stock.

Landmark Bancorp Company Profile

Landmark Bancorp, Inc operates as the financial holding company for Landmark National Bank that provides various financial and banking services to its local communities. It offers non-interest bearing demand, money market, checking, and savings accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial, paycheck protection program, municipal, and agriculture loans; and consumer and other loans, such as automobile, boat, and home improvement and home equity loans, as well as insurance, and mobile and online banking services.