Bae Systems PLC (OTCMKTS:BAESY) Short Interest Update

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) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 89,300 shares, anincreaseof82.2% from the July 31st total of 49,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 420,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 420,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Bae Systems Trading Up 1.1%

Bae Systems stock traded up $1.10 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $97.78. 160,075 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 342,190. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.95. Bae Systems has a fifty-two week low of $56.19 and a fifty-two week high of $109.82. The firm's 50 day moving average is $98.49 and its 200-day moving average is $94.27.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAESY. Confluence Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Bae Systems by 19.3% during the 1st quarter. Confluence Investment Management LLC now owns 10,986 shares of the aerospace company's stock valued at $903,000 after purchasing an additional 1,777 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of Bae Systems by 10,259.0% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 185,840 shares of the aerospace company's stock valued at $15,282,000 after acquiring an additional 184,046 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers increased its stake in shares of Bae Systems by 19.6% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 5,485 shares of the aerospace company's stock valued at $451,000 after acquiring an additional 897 shares during the last quarter. First Merchants Corp bought a new stake in shares of Bae Systems in the 1st quarter valued at about $4,598,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Bae Systems by 49.4% in the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 620 shares of the aerospace company's stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

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

Bae Systems Company Profile

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.