Short Interest in Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATR) Drops By 19.9%

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATR) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 158,650 shares, a decrease of 19.9% from the December 15th total of 198,108 shares. Approximately 1.0% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 91,534 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.7 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 91,534 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.7 days. Approximately 1.0% of the company’s stock are short sold.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on NATR shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products in a research report on Monday, December 29th. DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Nature’s Sunshine Products has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $22.50.

Nature’s Sunshine Products Price Performance

Nature’s Sunshine Products stock opened at $24.07 on Friday. The company’s 50-day moving average is $21.48 and its 200-day moving average is $17.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $421.13 million, a PE ratio of 29.72 and a beta of 0.93. Nature’s Sunshine Products has a fifty-two week low of $11.01 and a fifty-two week high of $24.13.

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NASDAQ:NATR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.18. Nature’s Sunshine Products had a return on equity of 10.86% and a net margin of 3.18%.The business had revenue of $88.99 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $119.39 million.

Insider Activity at Nature’s Sunshine Products

In related news, EVP Nathan G. Brower sold 3,800 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.81, for a total value of $79,078.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 46,735 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $972,555.35. This represents a 7.52% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CAO Jonathan David Lanoy sold 5,000 shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.45, for a total value of $102,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 46,233 shares in the company, valued at $945,464.85. This represents a 9.76% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 19,384 shares of company stock worth $400,988 over the last three months. 4.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nature’s Sunshine Products

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NATR. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in Nature’s Sunshine Products by 147.0% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,075 shares of the company’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,235 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Nature’s Sunshine Products during the second quarter worth approximately $37,000. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in Nature’s Sunshine Products during the fourth quarter worth approximately $121,000. Finally, Centiva Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products during the third quarter worth approximately $157,000. 79.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Nature’s Sunshine Products

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc is a global manufacturer and direct seller of nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and personal care products. The company’s core business centers on research, development and distribution of vitamins, minerals, botanicals and essential oil-based formulations designed to support overall health and wellness. Operating under a network-marketing model, Nature’s Sunshine works through a network of independent distributors who promote and sell its product line directly to consumers.

The company’s product portfolio spans dietary supplements such as single-ingredient vitamins, proprietary herbal blends, sports nutrition formulas and weight-management solutions, along with skin and hair care items based on botanical extracts and essential oils.