Table of Contents
The Short Seller Series: ASX Short Interest Update
Overview
Welcome to the latest edition of the Short Seller Series, where we explore the most heavily shorted stocks on the ASX and those with notable fluctuations in short interest over the past week. Please note that short selling data is reported with a delay, reflecting changes up to four days prior.
In this recap, we will highlight:
- Week-on-week changes from 11 to 16 April 2025.
- Month-on-month changes from 24 March to 16 April 2025.
- Notable stocks with short positions rising or falling by 0.5% or more.
Most Shorted Stocks
Below is a table ranking the stocks with the highest short interest on the ASX:
| Ticker | Company | Short % | Week-on-Week | Month-on-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOE | Boss Energy | 25.72% | 0.06% | 2.40% |
| PDN | Paladin Energy | 16.93% | 0.67% | -0.65% |
| MIN | Mineral Resources | 13.32% | 0.07% | 2.14% |
| DYL | Deep Yellow | 12.98% | -0.20% | 1.01% |
| IEL | IDP Education | 12.60% | -0.25% | -0.10% |
| LTR | Liontown Resources | 12.20% | 0.22% | 2.12% |
| PLS | Pilbara Minerals | 11.98% | -0.49% | -0.04% |
| LOT | Lotus Resources | 11.01% | 0.14% | 4.00% |
| LIC | Lifestyle Communities | 10.40% | -0.05% | 0.18% |
| PNV | Polynovo | 10.21% | 0.04% | 3.01% |
Key Insights:
- Uranium and Lithium Shorting: Uranium and lithium stocks dominate the short interest rankings, as they face ongoing challenges that continue to attract bearish bets from investors.
Rising Short Interests
Here’s a look at stocks with increasing short positions:
| Ticker | Company | Short % | Week-on-Week | Month-on-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPX | IperionX | 4.21% | 0.88% | 2.25% |
| CU6 | Clarity Pharmaceuticals | 6.55% | 0.74% | 2.66% |
| PDN | Paladin Energy | 16.93% | 0.67% | -0.65% |
| CKF | Collins Foods | 4.07% | 0.59% | 0.86% |
| VEA | Viva Energy Group | 5.00% | 0.57% | 0.85% |
| NEU | Neuren Pharmaceuticals | 5.65% | 0.52% | 1.41% |
Key Insights:
-
IperionX’s Surge: IperionX has recorded a significant increase in short interest to 4.21%, up from 1.17% at the start of the year. The company focuses on producing high-quality titanium alloys and recently commenced a feasibility study backed by a substantial U.S. government grant. Despite a remarkable stock rally, recent volatility has drawn speculative short sellers.
- Collins Foods’ Mixed Sentiment: On April 15, Collins Foods announced a strategic exit from Taco Bell Australia while outlining plans for expansion in Germany. While the move aims to bolster growth, it also led to a 7.7% dip in share price due to concerns over near-term performance and impairment costs, leading to increased short interest.
Most Covered Stocks
Here’s the most covered list indicating short interest decline:
| Ticker | Company | Short % | Week-on-Week | Month-on-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAI | Alcoa Corporation | 0.30% | -0.88% | -0.05% |
| HLS | Healius | 2.98% | -0.60% | -0.22% |
| WHC | Whitehaven Coal | 4.47% | -0.55% | 0.01% |
| PLS | Pilbara Minerals | 11.98% | -0.49% | -0.04% |
| DRO | Droneshield | 5.29% | -0.48% | 0.18% |
Key Insights:
-
Limited Short Covering: There has been minimal short covering this week, although certain sectors like coal and lithium have seen slight decreases in short interest, signalling potential profit-taking.
- Droneshield’s Stock Surge: Droneshield’s shares surged over 60% following a substantial contract win, putting pressure on short sellers. This marks a rebound for the company, with expectations of revenue in the upcoming quarters.
Conclusion
The ASX landscape showcases significant short-selling activity predominantly in uranium and lithium sectors, amidst fluctuating sentiment towards specific companies. Investors should remain vigilant as these trends evolve.
