Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VNDA) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VNDA) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,879,747 shares, a growth of 23.3% from the December 31st total of 2,335,804 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,042,973 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.4 days. Currently, 5.3% of the company’s shares are short sold. Currently, 5.3% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,042,973 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.4 days.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Trading Up 2.7%

VNDA opened at $7.74 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $6.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 3.12 and a quick ratio of 3.10. Vanda Pharmaceuticals has a 12 month low of $3.81 and a 12 month high of $9.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $457.43 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.45 and a beta of 0.62.

Institutional Trading of Vanda Pharmaceuticals

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. AIGH Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Vanda Pharmaceuticals in the fourth quarter worth approximately $17,626,000. Torren Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Inscription Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals by 293.5% in the 4th quarter. Inscription Capital LLC now owns 63,878 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock valued at $563,000 after purchasing an additional 47,646 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals in the 4th quarter valued at $95,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals by 33.8% during the 4th quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,413 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock worth $190,000 after purchasing an additional 5,913 shares during the last quarter. 88.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on VNDA shares. B. Riley upped their price target on Vanda Pharmaceuticals from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 31st. Wall Street Zen upgraded Vanda Pharmaceuticals from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, January 3rd. UBS Group restated a “buy” rating on shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals in a report on Monday, January 5th. HC Wainwright lifted their target price on Vanda Pharmaceuticals from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Vanda Pharmaceuticals presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $13.63.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and rare diseases. The company’s research and development efforts center on sleep-wake regulation, mood disorders, and movement disorders. Vanda’s mission is to address unmet medical needs by advancing novel molecules through clinical trials and regulatory review.

Vanda’s flagship commercial product is Hetlioz (tasimelteon), a melatonin receptor agonist approved by the U.S.