AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU) Short Interest Up 29.1% in January

AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,421,656 shares, an increase of 29.1% from the January 15th total of 4,198,050 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,112,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Based on an average trading volume of 4,112,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days.

AngloGold Ashanti Stock Down 3.4%

NYSE AU traded down $3.74 on Tuesday, reaching $106.08. The company had a trading volume of 2,314,485 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,278,247. The company’s fifty day moving average is $96.19 and its 200-day moving average is $78.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.37 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.58. AngloGold Ashanti has a 1-year low of $28.44 and a 1-year high of $115.81.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded AngloGold Ashanti from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. Roth Mkm raised their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Scotiabank boosted their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $92.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $95.00.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On AngloGold Ashanti

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new position in AngloGold Ashanti during the fourth quarter worth $31,000. UMB Bank n.a. grew its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 129.0% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 490 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares in the last quarter. Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new position in AngloGold Ashanti in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti in the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 36.09% of the company’s stock.

About AngloGold Ashanti

AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company’s core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other by‑products depending on local geology and processing methods.

The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer.