Equity Commonwealth (NYSE:EQC) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Equity Commonwealth (NYSE:EQC) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 6,010,000 shares, a growth of 298.0% from the November 30th total of 1,510,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,240,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Approximately 6.0% of the company’s stock are sold short.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Equity Commonwealth from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Friday, October 25th.

Equity Commonwealth Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE:EQC traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $1.76. 632,384 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,525,414. The stock has a market capitalization of $188.91 million, a P/E ratio of 4.51 and a beta of 0.27. Equity Commonwealth has a 1 year low of $1.40 and a 1 year high of $21.00. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.10.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Equity Commonwealth

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Anson Funds Management LP grew its holdings in shares of Equity Commonwealth by 317.9% during the third quarter. Anson Funds Management LP now owns 208,939 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $4,158,000 after buying an additional 158,939 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC lifted its position in Equity Commonwealth by 117.8% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 384,954 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $7,661,000 after acquiring an additional 208,208 shares during the period. Barclays PLC grew its stake in shares of Equity Commonwealth by 250.5% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 415,187 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $8,263,000 after purchasing an additional 296,742 shares during the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Equity Commonwealth in the third quarter valued at approximately $626,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in shares of Equity Commonwealth by 143.1% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 172,970 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $3,442,000 after purchasing an additional 101,829 shares during the period. 96.00% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Equity Commonwealth Company Profile

Equity Commonwealth (NYSE: EQC) is a Chicago based, internally managed and self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) with commercial office properties in the United States. EQC's portfolio is comprised of four properties totaling 1.5 million square feet.