BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS:BAESY) Short Interest Up 226.5% in March

BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS:BAESY - Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in the month of 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. Based on an average trading volume of 2,100,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.1% of the company's stock are sold short.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Berenberg Bank downgraded BAE Systems from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, March 10th.

BAE Systems Price Performance

Shares of BAESY stock traded down $0.30 during trading on Monday, reaching $82.71. 398,973 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 623,116. The firm's 50-day moving average is $71.80 and its 200 day moving average is $67.01. BAE Systems has a 1 year low of $56.19 and a 1 year high of $89.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.03.

BAE Systems Increases Dividend

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

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BAE Systems

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

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.