Natuzzi, S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ) Short Interest Up 159.1% in January

Natuzzi, S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 4,288 shares, a growth of 159.1% from the December 31st total of 1,655 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,826 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,826 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Natuzzi

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Natuzzi in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Natuzzi by 27.5% in the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 178,000 shares of the company’s stock valued at $648,000 after buying an additional 38,350 shares during the period. Kanen Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Natuzzi by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Kanen Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,763,136 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,657,000 after purchasing an additional 96,890 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC bought a new stake in Natuzzi in the 1st quarter valued at $1,817,000. 6.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Natuzzi Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NTZ traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $2.90. 327 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,829. Natuzzi has a fifty-two week low of $2.15 and a fifty-two week high of $5.50. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.89.

Natuzzi (NYSE:NTZ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported ($0.64) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $92.29 million for the quarter. Natuzzi had a negative net margin of 6.12% and a negative return on equity of 38.57%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a “sell (e+)” rating on shares of Natuzzi in a report on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Natuzzi has an average rating of “Sell”.

About Natuzzi

Natuzzi S.p.A. is a global design and manufacturing company specializing in high-quality upholstered furniture. The company’s product portfolio includes leather and fabric sofas, armchairs, recliners, sectional systems and complementary home furnishings such as coffee tables, beds and accessories. Natuzzi markets its offerings under two primary brands—Natuzzi Italia, which focuses on contemporary Italian design, and Natuzzi Editions, which provides a broader range of styles at accessible price points.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi in Santeramo in Colle, Italy, the company began as a small artisan workshop and has grown into the world’s largest producer of leather upholstered furniture.