Aytu Bioscience Inc (NASDAQ:AYTU) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 735,800 shares, an increase of 75.1% from the December 15th total of 420,100 shares. Approximately 4.5% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 125,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.9 days.

AYTU stock opened at $0.80 on Friday. Aytu Bioscience has a twelve month low of $0.65 and a twelve month high of $2.61. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.86 and its 200-day moving average is $1.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.48 million, a PE ratio of -0.23 and a beta of 4.61.

Aytu Bioscience (NASDAQ:AYTU) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.32) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the Zacks consensus estimate of ($0.30) by ($0.02). Aytu Bioscience had a negative net margin of 390.43% and a negative return on equity of 252.42%. The company had revenue of $1.44 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.45 million. On average, research analysts expect that Aytu Bioscience will post -1.3 EPS for the current year.

In other news, CEO Joshua R. Disbrow purchased 55,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $0.83 per share, for a total transaction of $45,650.00. Also, major shareholder Armistice Capital Master Fund purchased 78,788 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 20th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $0.90 per share, for a total transaction of $70,909.20. 5.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in shares of Aytu Bioscience in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Aytu Bioscience during the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Aytu Bioscience during the second quarter valued at approximately $75,000. Finally, Searle & CO. increased its position in shares of Aytu Bioscience by 24.1% during the third quarter. Searle & CO. now owns 249,848 shares of the companys stock valued at $302,000 after acquiring an additional 48,601 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 27.76% of the companys stock.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Investment Research lowered Aytu Bioscience from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH raised their target price on Aytu Bioscience from $4.00 to $4.75 in a report on Wednesday, September 18th. Northland Securities assumed coverage on Aytu Bioscience in a report on Friday, November 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $5.00 target price on the stock. Finally, ValuEngine lowered Aytu Bioscience from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 24th.

About Aytu Bioscience

Aytu BioScience, Inc, a specialty healthcare company, focuses on developing and commercializing novel products in the field of hypogonadism (low testosterone), insomnia, and male infertility in the United States and internationally. The company markets Natesto, a nasal gel for the treatment of hypogonadism (low testosterone) in men; and ZolpiMist, an oral spray for the treatment of insomnia.

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Short Interest in Aytu Bioscience Inc (NASDAQ:AYTU) Increases By 75.1% - Riverton Roll

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