Viridien Shares Gain 1.5% as Short Positions Double in a Month
The geoscience specialist recovers mid-morning while the overall Paris market trends downward. The stock finds some breathing room after a tough week, although declared short positions on the stock have significantly increased over the month.
A Technical Rebound Brings the Price Back to the 20-Day Moving Average
Viridien's stock is up 1.52% at €113.50 by midday, while the SBF 120 is down 0.66% and the CAC 40 0.69%. The stock climbs to the top of the broad index, contrasting with a tense last close and a weekly decline close to 6%.
The price remains slightly below its 20-day moving average (€115.35), with a gap of 1.60%, and significantly under the 50-day moving average at €126.81. The RSI at 38 indicates seller fatigue observed in recent sessions, without a clear reversal signal.
The technical support identified at €111.00, tested last week, held during the last session. Above, the price maintains a cushion of more than 9% compared to the 200-day moving average at €103.89, indicating that the annual underlying trend remains positive, with a performance of +107% over twelve months.
Increasing Bearish Bets Despite the Strength of the Annual Trajectory
According to reviewed statements, the cumulative net short position on Viridien reaches 3.75% of the capital, driven by five funds. This movement is notable: in thirty days, this total has doubled, having gained 1.87 points from a level of 1.88%.
This rapid increase reflects a rising pressure from institutional investors positioned against the stock, though it's not possible to assign a specific intention to this positioning. The level now exceeds the 3% threshold often considered significant for an SBF 120 stock.
The sectoral context remains mixed, which could weigh on the business prospects of the geoscience specialist.
On the governance side, the transition of leadership on June 3 from Sophie Zurquiyah to Henning Berg was formalized last week. The next technical milestone if the rebound continues remains the 20-day moving average at €115.35.
