LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ:TREE) Short Interest Up 44.8% in February

LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ:TREE) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 1,336,760 shares, an increase of 44.8% from the January 29th total of 923,342 shares. Currently, 12.8% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 527,864 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 527,864 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.5 days. Currently, 12.8% of the shares of the company are sold short.

LendingTree Price Performance

Shares of TREE stock traded down $0.95 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $37.37. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 709,502 shares, compared to its average volume of 492,619. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $51.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.84. The company has a market cap of $510.85 million, a P/E ratio of 37.00 and a beta of 2.13. LendingTree has a 1-year low of $32.65 and a 1-year high of $77.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.93, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 1.43.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On LendingTree

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Financial Management Professionals Inc. acquired a new stake in LendingTree in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of LendingTree by 272.6% in the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 462 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp acquired a new stake in shares of LendingTree during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new position in LendingTree during the 3rd quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. boosted its position in LendingTree by 25.2% in the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,141 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. 68.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of LendingTree in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research lowered shares of LendingTree from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of LendingTree from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of LendingTree from $62.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $76.67.

About LendingTree

LendingTree, Inc operates an online marketplace that connects consumers with a network of lenders and financial service providers. Through its platform, borrowers can compare loan offers for mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, student loans, auto loans and small business financing. The company also offers tools for comparing credit cards and deposit accounts, allowing users to research rates and terms from a range of providers in one place.

Founded in 1996 by Doug Lebda, LendingTree pioneered the comparison-shopping model for consumer credit products.