Short Interest in J. Sainsbury PLC (OTCMKTS:JSAIY) Expands By 689.7%

J. Sainsbury PLC (OTCMKTS:JSAIY) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 128,686 shares, an increase of 689.7% from the January 29th total of 16,296 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 86,028 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 86,028 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.5 days. Currently, 0.0% of the company’s stock are sold short.

J. Sainsbury Trading Up 0.2%

Shares of J. Sainsbury stock traded up $0.04 on Wednesday, reaching $19.70. 35,662 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 36,804. The company has a 50 day moving average of $18.18 and a 200 day moving average of $17.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. J. Sainsbury has a 52 week low of $11.68 and a 52 week high of $19.90.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have weighed in on JSAIY shares. Citigroup upgraded J. Sainsbury to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of J. Sainsbury from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a report on Monday, February 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of J. Sainsbury to a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of J. Sainsbury in a research note on Sunday, December 14th. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded J. Sainsbury from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy”.

About J. Sainsbury

J. Sainsbury PLC, trading in the United States under the ticker OTCMKTS:JSAIY, is one of the United Kingdom’s leading grocery retailers. Through its primary Sainsbury’s supermarket banner and smaller convenience formats under the Sainsbury’s Local name, the company offers a wide range of food and household products. In addition to its core retail operations, Sainsbury’s extends into general merchandise and clothing under the TU brand, serving both in-store and through its established e-commerce platform.

Founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury and his wife Mary Ann, Sainsbury’s has grown from a single dairy shop in London’s Drury Lane to a nationwide retail network.