Short Interest in Bae Systems PLC (OTCMKTS:BAESY) Expands By 82.2%

Key Points

• Bae Systems PLC experienced a substantial increase in short interest, rising 82.2% to 89,300 shares by mid-August from July's 49,000 shares.
• Several hedge funds boosted their stakes in Bae Systems, with First Horizon Advisors Inc. showing a notable increase of 49.4% in its holdings.
• Wall Street analysts have mixed views on Bae Systems, with three analysts giving a Buy rating, one a Hold, and one a Sell, resulting in an average rating of "Hold."

Bae Systems PLC (OTCMKTS:BAESY - Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 89,300 shares, a growth of 82.2% from the July 31st total of 49,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 420,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 420,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Institutional Trading of Bae Systems

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Bae Systems by 49.4% during the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 620 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Bae Systems by 116.9% during the 1st quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,900 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $156,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares during the last quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bae Systems during the 1st quarter worth about $185,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of Bae Systems by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,260 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $186,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its position in shares of Bae Systems by 19.6% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 5,485 shares of the aerospace company's stock worth $451,000 after purchasing an additional 897 shares during the last quarter. 0.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bae Systems Trading Up 6.9%

Shares of BAESY traded up $6.90 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $107.10. The company had a trading volume of 614,647 shares, compared to its average volume of 344,646. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $98.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $94.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Bae Systems has a 1-year low of $56.19 and a 1-year high of $109.82.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have weighed in on BAESY. Bank of America upgraded Bae Systems from an "underperform" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, June 10th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Bae Systems from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, August 1st. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets lowered Bae Systems from a "hold" rating to a "reduce" rating in a report on Monday, July 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Hold".

About Bae Systems

BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, Air, Maritime, and Cyber & Intelligence. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance capabilities, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems.