At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC's short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.
This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.
With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:
- Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest falling to 10.9%. Concerns that the Delta strain of COVID-19 could delay the travel market recovery have been weighing on sentiment.
- Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest fall to 10.8%. Short sellers may be regretting this one. Last week the travel agent's shares rocketed higher after management revealed that it hopes to reach profitability again during FY 2022.
- Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest rise slightly week on week to 9.4%. Concerns over rising costs and increasing competition appear to be behind this high level of short interest.
- Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9%, which is up week on week. Short sellers will have been pleased to see this ecommerce company's shares tumble last week after the release of a disappointing full year result.
- Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. This morning Electro Optic Systems released its half year results and revealed a 30% increase in revenue but a loss after tax of $11.7 million. Its cash balance has also fallen from $128.1 million 12 months ago to $51.1 million today.
- Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) is a new entry in the top ten with short interest of 8.3%. Valuation and permit concerns may be weighing on the lithium miner's shares.
- Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 7.7% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers may be closing positions after a strong full year result last week. The poultry company also announced an agreement to extend its key supply contract with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
- Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.3%, which is flat week on week. Weak seafood prices have been weighing on sentiment.
- Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) is back in the top ten with short interest of 6.9%. This is despite this ecommerce company recently releasing a strong full year result. Short sellers may not believe its strong form will continue in FY 2022.
- Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has short interest of 6.8%, which is up week on week. Last week the gold miner released its half year results and revealed a disappointing US$220 million loss.
