Atossa Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ:ATOS) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Atossa Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ:ATOS) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,284,050 shares, an increase of 47.0% from the November 30th total of 1,554,063 shares. Currently, 1.9% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,461,615 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,461,615 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.6 days. Currently, 1.9% of the company’s shares are short sold.

Atossa Genetics Stock Performance

NASDAQ ATOS opened at $0.66 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $0.84. Atossa Genetics has a one year low of $0.55 and a one year high of $1.29. The firm has a market cap of $85.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.75 and a beta of 0.95.

Atossa Genetics (NASDAQ:ATOS) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of ($0.07). Equities analysts predict that Atossa Genetics will post -0.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ATOS shares. Ascendiant Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of Atossa Genetics from $7.75 to $8.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of Atossa Genetics in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Atossa Genetics from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Atossa Genetics currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $6.33.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Atossa Genetics in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Gallagher Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Atossa Genetics during the third quarter worth about $27,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Atossa Genetics by 1,294.2% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 38,215 shares of the company’s stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 35,474 shares during the period. Catalyst Funds Management Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in Atossa Genetics in the second quarter valued at $49,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in Atossa Genetics by 55.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 99,601 shares of the company’s stock valued at $83,000 after acquiring an additional 35,629 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.74% of the company’s stock.

About Atossa Genetics

Atossa Genetics, Inc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing therapeutics and diagnostic products for breast cancer and other breast-related conditions. The company’s mission centers on delivering targeted, minimally invasive solutions that address early detection, treatment, and prevention in women at risk for or diagnosed with breast malignancies.

The company’s pipeline includes Z-Endoxifen, an oral formulation of endoxifen designed to treat and prevent estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers, particularly in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ or those at high risk of recurrence.