First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSFG) Short Interest Update

First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSFG) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 72,255 shares, a growth of 30.4% from the November 30th total of 55,422 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 15,092 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.8 days. Based on an average trading volume of 15,092 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.8 days. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are sold short.

First Savings Financial Group Stock Performance

Shares of First Savings Financial Group stock traded down $0.27 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $32.10. 2,175 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 21,092. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The business has a 50-day moving average of $31.13 and a 200-day moving average of $28.54. First Savings Financial Group has a 1 year low of $21.63 and a 1 year high of $33.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $225.34 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.70 and a beta of 0.45.

First Savings Financial Group (NASDAQ:FSFG) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.06. First Savings Financial Group had a net margin of 15.82% and a return on equity of 11.51%. The company had revenue of $21.79 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $17.21 million. As a group, analysts expect that First Savings Financial Group will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

First Savings Financial Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.16 dividend. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. First Savings Financial Group’s payout ratio is currently 19.34%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of First Savings Financial Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, First Savings Financial Group presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $32.33.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Savings Financial Group

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of FSFG. Verition Fund Management LLC acquired a new position in First Savings Financial Group during the third quarter worth $535,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its position in shares of First Savings Financial Group by 44.2% during the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 270,115 shares of the bank’s stock worth $8,490,000 after purchasing an additional 82,742 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP acquired a new position in shares of First Savings Financial Group during the 3rd quarter worth $461,000. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of First Savings Financial Group by 8.0% in the 3rd quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 57,964 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $1,822,000 after purchasing an additional 4,316 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in shares of First Savings Financial Group by 163.4% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,128 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 1,320 shares during the period. 35.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

First Savings Financial Group Company Profile

First Savings Financial Group, Inc is a bank holding company headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa, serving as the parent of First Savings Bank. The company operates as a community-based financial services provider, offering banking and financial products to individuals, small businesses, and agricultural clients in its regional markets.

Through its subsidiary First Savings Bank, the company delivers a suite of deposit and lending solutions that includes checking and savings accounts, consumer and residential mortgage loans, commercial and agricultural lending, and treasury management services.