Short Interest in Diversified Energy Company PLC (NYSE:DEC) Expands By 52.9%

15 Apr 2026, 20:17 by Amy Steele · The Cerbat Gem

Diversified Energy Company PLC (NYSE:DEC – Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totaling 3,251,802 shares, an increase of 52.9% from the March 15th total of 2,126,571 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 2,162,518 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.5 days. Currently, 4.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Diversified Energy Stock Down 1.6%

Shares of NYSE:DEC traded down $0.25 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $15.53. 1,295,539 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 992,341. Diversified Energy has a 12 month low of $11.21 and a 12 month high of $18.90. The company has a market cap of $1.12 billion, a PE ratio of 10.56 and a beta of -0.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $14.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.22.

Diversified Energy (NYSE:DEC – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $2.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Diversified Energy will post 0.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Diversified Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, May 29th will be given a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 29th. Diversified Energy’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 78.91%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on DEC shares. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Diversified Energy from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, February 14th. Stephens set a $24.00 price objective on shares of Diversified Energy and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Diversified Energy from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Zacks Research raised Diversified Energy from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 25th. Finally, KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of Diversified Energy from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 2nd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $21.83.

View Our Latest Research Report on DEC

Institutional Trading of Diversified Energy

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DEC. Hsbc Holdings PLC purchased a new position in shares of Diversified Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $344,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in Diversified Energy in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its holdings in Diversified Energy by 20.3% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 63,583 shares of the company’s stock worth $921,000 after acquiring an additional 10,746 shares during the last quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury bought a new stake in shares of Diversified Energy in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $362,000. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in Diversified Energy by 9.4% in the 4th quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 355,269 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,144,000 after buying an additional 30,509 shares during the period. 26.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Diversified Energy

(Get Free Report)

Diversified Energy Company PLC (NYSE: DEC) is an independent oil and natural gas producer focused on the acquisition and optimization of legacy onshore assets in the United States. The company’s portfolio spans thousands of producing wells and extensive leasehold positions across core regions such as Appalachia, the Permian Basin and the Mid-Continent. By targeting mature properties, Diversified Energy seeks to enhance long-term recovery through operational efficiencies and capital discipline.