SodaStream (SODA) shares often pop on rumors that Coke (KO)or Starbucks (SBUX) will buy the company, but geopolitical concerns in the Middle East are creating the buzz lately.
Short selling interest in SodaStream is likely tied to the fact it has a major manufacturing facility in the West Bank. Bearish traders appear to be betting SodaStream will be hurt by the war with Gaza.
But Astec said its data suggest short selling has tailed off since the start of August after SodaStream reported strong earnings.
Cooling tensions between Israel and Gaza could also help. So could the fact that SodaStream isn't exactly expensive. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio is just above 15. That's the cheapest on this list and not far from the S&P 500's overall valuation.
