Understanding Anadarko’s Short interest Trends

On January 25, 2017, Anadarko Petroleum’s (APC) short interest as a percentage of float, or short interest ratio, was ~1.7%. On September 30, 2016, it was ~2.2%.

Anadarko’s stock price was $63.36 on September 30, 2016, and $70.67 on January 25, 2017. As you can see in the above graph, Anadarko’s stock price and short interest as a percentage of float have been moving primarily in opposite directions.

By comparison, peers Cimarex Energy (XEC), Continental Resources (CLR), and Newfield Exploration (NFX) have short interest ratios of 2.5%, ~21%, and ~2.4%, respectively.

Notably, these companies make up 10.5% of the iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO).