BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS:BAESY) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS:BAESY) saw a significant growth in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 897,300 shares, a growth of 226.5% from the February 28th total of 274,800 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 2,100,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on BAESY shares. Berenberg Bank lowered shares of BAE Systems from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Bank of America restated an “underperform” rating on shares of BAE Systems in a research note on Friday, November 29th.

BAE Systems Stock Up 0.8 %

BAE Systems stock traded up $0.66 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $83.01. 377,876 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 627,698. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.03. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $71.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.92. BAE Systems has a 1 year low of $56.19 and a 1 year high of $89.03.

BAE Systems Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 22nd will be paid a dividend of $1.0442 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 22nd. This is a positive change from BAE Systems’s previous dividend of $0.63.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BAE Systems

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Altrius Capital Management Inc raised its stake in shares of BAE Systems by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 113,168 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $6,469,000 after purchasing an additional 3,662 shares in the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in BAE Systems by 3.4% in the fourth quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. now owns 67,760 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $3,899,000 after buying an additional 2,211 shares during the last quarter. Dorsey Wright & Associates raised its stake in BAE Systems by 11.7% during the third quarter. Dorsey Wright & Associates now owns 56,856 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $3,775,000 after buying an additional 5,936 shares in the last quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in BAE Systems by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 55,390 shares of the aerospace company’s stock worth $3,166,000 after buying an additional 2,285 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nisa Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BAE Systems in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. 0.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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.