Netflix (NFLX) Rips Short Sellers Heart Out; Icahn and Tilson Count Gains
The latest short interest data showed 13.2 million shares, or 24.5 percent of the float, was being sold short. It also appears Netflix's small float of just 53.8 million shares is adding to the upside as long and short traders clamor to buy the shares.
Yesterday, in a Bloomberg TV interview, 10% holder Carl Icahn said he see further upside. "We still own every share we bought and we believe it's still got tremendous potential."
Commenting on a potential takeover of the company, Icahn said: "It's my belief that if somebody came in with a very compelling offer he (Reed Hastings) would consider it but that would be his decision."
Icahn paid about $170 million for his 5.54 million Netflix shares and options. Those shares are now worth over $900 million.
Another noted Netflix fan is bear-turned-bull Whitney Tilson. Tilson told StreetInsider.com he remains long and strong.