Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY) Shares Shorted: Short Interest Up 224.6% in September

Key Points

• Tesco’s short interest surged 224.6% in September to 224,863 shares, though this represented approximately 0.0% of shares outstanding and only 0.3 days of average trading volume.
• The company raised the lower end of its fiscal 2026/27 adjusted operating-profit forecast to £3.15 billion after first-half profit rose 6.5% to £1.78 billion, while also increasing its share buyback and declaring an interim dividend.
• Analyst sentiment remains generally positive, with Tesco holding a “Moderate Buy” consensus and major banks raising price targets, although subdued sales growth and valuation concerns suggest some optimism may already be priced in.

Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY - Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totaling 224,863 shares, an increase of 224.6% from the September 15th total of 69,284 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the company's stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 649,777 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Tesco Stock Performance

Shares of TSCDY stock opened at $20.11 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Tesco has a 52-week low of $16.65 and a 52-week high of $20.54. The business's fifty day moving average is $19.03 and its 200 day moving average is $18.96.

More Tesco News

Here are the key news stories impacting Tesco this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Tesco raised the lower end of its fiscal 2026/27 adjusted operating-profit forecast to £3.15 billion from £3.0 billion, after first-half adjusted operating profit increased 6.5% to £1.78 billion. Management also cited continued sales momentum and resilient consumer confidence. Reuters article
• Positive Sentiment: The supermarket increased its share-buyback program, enhancing shareholder returns and signaling confidence in cash generation and the earnings outlook. Tesco raises profit outlook and boosts buyback after strong first half
• Positive Sentiment: Deutsche Bank raised its Tesco price target from 525p to 550p while maintaining a “buy” rating. Jefferies also increased its target, reflecting the stronger earnings performance, although it remained more cautious. Tesco targets rise at Deutsche Bank and Jefferies
• Neutral Sentiment: Tesco announced an interim dividend for the first half of fiscal 2026/27, payable on November 20, reinforcing its shareholder-return policy. Tesco announces interim dividend
• Negative Sentiment: Sales growth remains subdued, and Jefferies’ valuation caution suggests some of the improved outlook may already be reflected in Tesco’s share price. Tesco targets rise at Deutsche Bank and Jefferies

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TSCDY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Erste Group Bank downgraded Tesco from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Thursday, August 27th. Morgan Stanley reissued an "overweight" rating on shares of Tesco in a research report on Monday, July 6th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Tesco presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

Tesco Company Profile

Tesco plc is a British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, England. The company serves customers through supermarkets, superstores, convenience stores and online grocery channels, offering food, household products, clothing, health and beauty items, and other general merchandise. Tesco also operates fuel stations and provides selected financial and mobile services through associated businesses and partnerships.

Tesco's operations are concentrated in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, with additional stores in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.