Sunpower Corp (SPWRA), the North American solar electric power company, has seen an increase in the amount of their shares on loan to short investors over the last eight weeks. This figure has risen from 15% of the company on loan in January to 25% now.
The company's shares have dropped from $36 to $22 between February 11 and March 11, and back up marginally to $27 now. However, although the increase has not been as dramatic as mid-February, short investors are continuing to increase their positions in this stock, presumably as they believe that the price has further to fall. Utilisation, or the percentage of the available supply on loan, is at 70%. The company announces on Thursday April 16.
The most borrowed company in this sector: North America Capital Goods, is Nci Building Systems with 30.69% of their shares on loan, doubling since March 11 from 15%. Utilisation is at 70%.
It is a very important part of the equation when looking at this stuff. For example the borrow cost of Sears was 36% per annum recently. You do not want to short that one unless your time frame is very short. If you are looking for a short name check with your broker as to the cost of borrowing. If it is a big number then caveat emptor.
Posted by: Natural Skin Care | August 22, 2009 at 07:35 AM