InflaRx Sees 26.7% Surge in Short Interest Amid Analyst Ratings Shift

InflaRx N.V. (NASDAQ: IFRX) has experienced a significant uptick in short interest, with a reported total of 2,745,086 shares shorted as of December 15, 2023. This figure marks a notable increase of 26.7% from the November 30 total of 2,166,680 shares. Currently, approximately 4.9% of InflaRx’s shares are sold short, indicating growing skepticism among some investors regarding the company’s performance.

The trading dynamics suggest that, with an average trading volume of 847,910 shares, the days-to-cover ratio stands at 3.2 days. This metric reflects the time required for short sellers to buy back the shares they have sold short, providing insight into market sentiment surrounding the stock.

Analysts Adjust Ratings on InflaRx

Recent assessments from various research analysts have also impacted perceptions of InflaRx. On December 3, Leerink Partners downgraded the stock from a “strong-buy” to a “hold” rating. Conversely, HC Wainwright maintained a “buy” rating, setting a price target of $6.00 per share. Meanwhile, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (D-)” rating, and Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an “outperform” rating.

Overall, five analysts have rated InflaRx with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating, and one has given a Sell rating. According to data from MarketBeat.com, InflaRx currently enjoys an average rating of “Moderate Buy” with a consensus price target of $7.50.

Recent Financial Performance

InflaRx reported its latest earnings results on November 10, 2023, revealing an earnings per share (EPS) of ($0.16), aligning with analysts’ expectations. The company generated revenue of $0.03 million, consistent with forecasts. Analysts anticipate that InflaRx will report an EPS of ($1.04) for the current fiscal year, highlighting the challenges the firm faces in achieving profitability.

Institutional Investment Activity

Institutional investors have shown varied interest in InflaRx, reflecting shifting confidence levels. Notably, Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new stake valued at approximately $3,316,000 during the third quarter. Woodline Partners LP also entered a new position valued at about $766,000 in the first quarter.

Furthermore, 683 Capital Management LLC increased its holdings by 26.8%, now owning 2,625,000 shares valued at around $2,678,000 after purchasing an additional 555,000 shares. Other institutional movements include new stakes by Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. and ADAR1 Capital Management LLC, indicating a mix of bullish and bearish sentiments among institutional players.

Currently, institutional investors hold 42.39% of InflaRx’s stock, emphasizing the significant role these entities play in the company’s market dynamics.

InflaRx N.V. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to developing therapies targeting the complement system, specifically the C5a pathway. The company’s lead product candidate, vilobelimab (IFX-1), is designed to inhibit C5a, a peptide involved in inflammatory responses. InflaRx aims to address unmet medical needs related to conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and pyoderma gangrenosum.

As the company navigates its financial landscape and market perceptions, the interplay between short interest and analyst ratings will likely shape InflaRx’s trajectory in the coming months.