StealthGas, Inc. (NASDAQ:GASS) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

StealthGas, Inc. (NASDAQ:GASS) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 20,592 shares, an increase of 56.1% from the February 12th total of 13,191 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 111,957 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 111,957 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s stock are short sold.

StealthGas Price Performance

NASDAQ GASS traded down $0.24 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $8.73. 177,125 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 246,286. StealthGas has a 52 week low of $4.90 and a 52 week high of $10.52. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $8.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.35. The company has a market cap of $324.41 million, a PE ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.22.

StealthGas (NASDAQ:GASS) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, March 2nd. The shipping company reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.04. StealthGas had a return on equity of 9.08% and a net margin of 35.03%.The firm had revenue of $39.37 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $39.80 million.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of StealthGas from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Sunday, December 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Buy”.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GASS. LOM Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in StealthGas in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in StealthGas by 343.3% during the 4th quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 5,063 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 3,921 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in StealthGas by 701.2% during the fourth quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 10,263 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 8,982 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of StealthGas during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $78,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new position in StealthGas in the fourth quarter valued at $79,000. 66.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

StealthGas Company Profile

StealthGas Inc is an international shipping company specializing in the seaborne transportation of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), including propane, butane and ammonia. The company operates a fleet of modern pressurized LPG carriers with capacities ranging from approximately 2,500 to 9,100 cubic meters, providing safe and efficient carriage of petrochemical gases worldwide.

Founded in 2005 and incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, StealthGas is headquartered in Athens, Greece, with additional commercial and operational offices in major shipping centers across Europe and Asia.