Short Interest: OFS Stocks with the Lowest Returns in 1Q17

Short interest in Nabors Industries (NBR), as a percentage of its float, rose to 11.5% as of March 31, 2017—compared to 6.5% as of December 30, 2016. Since December 30, 2016, Nabors Industries’ stock price fell 20%, which shows the rise in short interest in Nabors Industries stock. However, investors should note that the market could go against investors’ sentiment. Also, the share price could increase when investors start buying the stock to cover their short positions.

Short interest in Oil States International (OIS), as a percentage of its float, was 12.1% as of March 31, 2017—compared to 11.1% on December 30, 2016. Since December 30, 2016, Oil States International’s stock price fell 15%, which shows the rise in short interest in Oil States International stock. Oil States International accounts for 0.10% of the SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF (MDY).

Short interest in Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN), as a percentage of its float, was 14.0% as of March 31, 2017—compared to 15.7% on December 30, 2016. Since December 30, 2016, Patterson UTI-Energy’s stock price fell 10%, despite the fall in short interest in Patterson-UTI Energy stock.

Next, we’ll discuss Wall Street analysts’ ratings for the best and worst OFS stocks.