aTyr Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATYR) Sees Large Decline in Short Interest

aTyr Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATYR) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 21,334,051 shares, a drop of 14.7% from the December 31st total of 25,013,857 shares. Approximately 22.6% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,505,427 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 14.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,505,427 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 14.2 days. Approximately 22.6% of the company’s stock are sold short.

aTyr Pharma Stock Up 9.9%

NASDAQ:ATYR opened at $0.97 on Tuesday. The company’s 50 day moving average is $0.75 and its 200-day moving average is $2.12. aTyr Pharma has a 12 month low of $0.64 and a 12 month high of $7.29. The firm has a market cap of $95.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.17 and a beta of 0.60.

aTyr Pharma (NASDAQ:ATYR) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.26) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.20) by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $0.19 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $0.91 million. Research analysts predict that aTyr Pharma will post -0.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of aTyr Pharma in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, aTyr Pharma currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $23.25.

Institutional Trading of aTyr Pharma

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ATYR. California State Teachers Retirement System bought a new stake in shares of aTyr Pharma in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. bought a new stake in aTyr Pharma in the 2nd quarter valued at $45,000. Legal & General Group Plc acquired a new stake in aTyr Pharma in the 2nd quarter worth $49,000. Prudential Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of aTyr Pharma during the 2nd quarter worth about $63,000. Finally, Oxford Asset Management LLP acquired a new position in shares of aTyr Pharma during the second quarter valued at about $70,000. Institutional investors own 61.72% of the company’s stock.

aTyr Pharma Company Profile

aTyr Pharma, Inc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel protein-based therapies that modulate the extracellular matrix and immune pathways. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the company applies its proprietary Extracellular Modulation® platform to identify and optimize biologic candidates for the treatment of rare and serious diseases, including pulmonary sarcoidosis, muscular dystrophy, and solid tumors.

The company’s research efforts are centered on harnessing extracellular proteins to regulate tissue remodeling, cell adhesion, and immune signaling.