AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,421,656 shares, an increase of 29.1% from the January 15th total of 4,198,050 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,112,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 4,112,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On AngloGold Ashanti

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in AngloGold Ashanti in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT bought a new position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 454.1% during the fourth quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 471 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 386 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 129.0% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 490 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 276 shares during the period. Finally, Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti during the third quarter worth approximately $35,000. 36.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

AngloGold Ashanti Stock Performance

AU opened at $106.08 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The business’s 50 day moving average is $96.19 and its 200-day moving average is $78.36. The stock has a market cap of $53.56 billion, a PE ratio of 23.37 and a beta of 0.59. AngloGold Ashanti has a twelve month low of $28.44 and a twelve month high of $115.81.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on AU shares. Zacks Research raised shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $92.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $128.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Roth Mkm increased their price target on AngloGold Ashanti from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $95.00.

About AngloGold Ashanti

AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company’s core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other by‑products depending on local geology and processing methods.

The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer.