Technology

Short Sellers Up the Ante With Cybersecurity Stocks

Thinkstock

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue that companies have to address as they continue to develop new platforms and mobile apps. Hackers have been able to steal credit card and personal information from major companies like Equifax, JPMorgan and Home Depot. As a result, cybersecurity has become more necessary, and instead of developing a dedicated department within a company, most opt to hire a third-party cybersecurity firm.

What is interesting here is that many investors think cybersecurity is the next area in technology that needs real consolidation.

The April 13 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and short interest in most of these selected cybersecurity stocks increased.

FireEye Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) saw its short interest increase to 15.38 million shares from the previous reading of 14.54 million. Shares were last seen trading at $18.37, in a 52-week range of $12.04 to $19.36.

The short interest at CyberArk Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYBR) increased to 1.10 million shares from the previous level of 861,800. Shares were trading at $53.34, within a 52-week range of $39.34 to $55.63.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: CHKP) short interest decreased to 8.24 million shares from the previous reading of 8.45 million. Shares were trading at $102.91, in a 52-week range of $95.03 to $119.20.

The number of Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW) shares short was 4.45 million. The previous level was 4.35 million. Shares closed most recently at $191.27, within a 52-week trading range of $107.37 to $197.20.

Fortinet Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FTNT) short interest increased to 4.68 million shares from the previous 3.93 million. Shares were trading at $56.07. The 52-week range is $35.44 to $57.98.

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.