Technology

Cybersecurity Stocks See Rising Tide in Short Interest

Chris Lange

Published: August 10, 2018 9:35 am

Last Updated: March 13, 2020 4:56 pm

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue that companies have to address as they continue to develop new platforms and mobile apps. Hackers have been able to steal credit card and personal information from major companies like Equifax, JPMorgan and Home Depot. As a result, cybersecurity has become more necessary, and instead of developing a dedicated department within a company, most opt to hire a third-party cybersecurity firm.

What is interesting here is that many investors think cybersecurity is the next area in technology that needs real consolidation.

The July 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and short interest in most of these selected cybersecurity stocks increased.

FireEye Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) saw its short interest increase to 17.30 million shares from the previous reading of 16.40 million. Shares were last seen trading at $15.23, in a 52-week range of $13.40 to $19.36.

Short interest at CyberArk Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYBR) decreased to 465,800 shares from the previous level of 975,000. Shares were trading at $69.89, within a 52-week range of $39.34 to $71.25.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: CHKP) short interest increased to 11.16 million shares from the previous 10.74 million. Shares were trading at $113.81, in a 52-week range of $93.76 to $119.20.

The number of Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW) shares short was 4.29 million. The previous level was 4.07 million. Shares traded recently at $213.10, within a 52-week trading range of $126.56 to $219.38.

Fortinet Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FTNT) short interest decreased to 6.33 million shares from the previous 7.08 million. Shares were trading at $74.55. The 52-week range is $35.44 to $75.64.