Short Stocks: Bets build against regional banks

NEW YORK, May 9 (Reuters) -Short interest on the Nasdaq was
effectively unchanged in late April, the exchange said on
Friday, suggesting little change in bearish sentiment in the
stock market.

The following stocks saw increased interest from short
sellers, who bet that a certain stock's price will fall. The
data reflect short trades with a settlement date of April 30.

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HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC (HBAN.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Short interest rose almost 26 percent in shares of the U.S.
Midwest regional bank.

The bank reduced its quarterly dividend by 50 percent last
month and analysts at UBS have cut their price target on the
stock.

About 47.2 million of the company's shares were held short,
or nearly 13 percent of its total shares outstanding.

ZIONS BANCORP (ZION.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Short interest soared 46.3 percent in shares of the
company, which operates banks throughout the western United
States.

The Salt Lake City-based bank said last month that first
quarter earnings fell 30 percent as it was hit by higher
provisions for loan losses and investment impairments.

About 23.2 million of the company's shares were held short,
or almost 22 percent of its total shares outstanding.

AUTODESK INC (ADSK.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Short interest rose almost 38 percent in shares of the
engineering software maker.

The company cut its 2008 outlook in February, but then
raised its 2009 outlook last month. Several investment banks
have cut their investment ratings on the stock this year.

About 10.1 million of the company's shares were held short,
or more than 4 percent of its total shares outstanding.

YRC WORLDWIDE INC (YRCW.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES INC (JBHT.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Short interest rose in shares of the transportation
companies, rising 13 percent in YRC shares, and 15 percent in
J.B. Hunt shares.

YRC posted a first quarter net loss last month and J.B.
Hunt's first quarter earnings were slightly below analyst
expectations. Investors have been worried about the impact of
high fuel prices on trucking companies.

About 21.9 million YRC shares were held short, or about 38
percent of its total shares outstanding. About 18 million of
J.B. Hunt's shares were held short, or more than 14 percent of
its total shares outstanding.

HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP INC (HCSG.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Short interest rose almost 45 percent in shares of the
provider of housekeeping, laundry and food services to nursing
and retirement homes.

The company posted lower-than-expected quarterly results
last month and investors have been worried about reimbursement
issues in the nursing home industry amid the credit crunch.

About 7.8 million of the company's shares were held short,
or about 18 percent of its total shares outstanding.
(Reporting by Emily Chasan; Editing by Toni Reinhold)