Short sellers circle AirAsia after stock doubles from recent lows

Kuala Lumpur

SHORT sellers are taking aim at AirAsia Group after the stock more than doubled from recent lows.

The carrier, once the pioneer of a low-cost flying revolution in Asia, is now the third-most shorted stock in Malaysia, exchange data show. Top Glove remains at the top of short sellers' list, which includes other glove makers such as Kossan Rubber Industries and Hartalega Holdings.

AirAsia shares have rallied amid bets the worst may be over as global vaccine rollouts boost market hopes for global reopenings. The rally has left the gap between analysts' 12-month price target for the stock and its current value at the widest in almost three years. Its relative strength index rose to 82 on Monday, a level signalling overbought conditions.

While a revival in travel "will be exponentially rewarded in airline stocks, in the case of AirAsia there might be some concern around balance sheet", said Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, head of consumer sector equity research at Tellimer. "Within the cohort of airline stocks, it might be looking a bit vulnerable."

With the airline business taking a hit from the coronavirus pandemic, AirAsia was forced to recast its business. It launched a "super app" last year offering services from travel and shopping to logistics and financial services. The carrier is also seeking to introduce a flying taxi business as soon as next year.

AirAsia was highlighted a month ago in the online community by Bursabets, a Malaysian version of Reddit's WallStreetBets forum, with the title "Any BULLS wanna fly with AirAsia?".

The stock trades at RM1.23 versus the 12-month price target of 55 sen. It has surged almost 40 per cent so far this year. BLOOMBERG