Despite Optimism on Healthcare, Athenahealth's Short Base Remains High

Jonathan Bush, Athenahealth’s (ATHN) Chairman and CEO could be seen on CNBC on Monday discussing Athenahealth's hope that President Obama’s healthcare reform becomes a reality. ATHN could stand to benefit as they have online software that could be used to streamline practice management, billing and patient information management.

Despite ATHN just completing its biggest project to date at the Cook Children’s Hospital in Texas the short base (as measured by the percent of shares outstanding on loan) in ATHN is high and has risen 17.53% to 16.28%.

Many believe that utilization (which measures the supply and demand in the securities lending market) can give a good indication of the popularity of a short position. ATHN has the 23rd highest utilization in the North America Health Care Equipment and Services sector at 47.05%.

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Comments

[Dan Jacome:]

The docs will order more in early 2010 to qualify for the govt subsidies and incentives - health IT will see strong demand, that is why stocks are up - shorts are mostly looking at high valuations...eventually there will be consolidation here, as MCK could go after a rev cycle mgmt player...

Jul 19 10:07 AM