Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATR) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:NATR) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 194,850 shares, a growth of 21.7% from the January 15th total of 160,148 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 120,691 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 120,691 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Nature’s Sunshine Products Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ NATR opened at $26.91 on Tuesday. Nature’s Sunshine Products has a 52 week low of $11.01 and a 52 week high of $27.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $470.93 million, a P/E ratio of 33.22 and a beta of 0.95. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $23.45 and its 200 day moving average is $19.15.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Nature’s Sunshine Products news, EVP Bryant J. Yates sold 1,700 shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.29, for a total transaction of $37,893.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 98,604 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,197,883.16. The trade was a 1.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 5.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nature’s Sunshine Products

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in shares of Nature’s Sunshine Products during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. CWM LLC boosted its stake in Nature’s Sunshine Products by 147.0% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,075 shares of the company’s stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,235 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Nature’s Sunshine Products in the second quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its position in Nature’s Sunshine Products by 16,025.0% in the fourth quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 1,935 shares of the company’s stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 1,923 shares during the last quarter. 79.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

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

Nature’s Sunshine Products Company Profile

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.