3 Shorted Stocks Too Cheap to Sell

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- With an eerie quiet on the U.S. deals front, takeover premiums have been wiped from many companies in the M&A rumor mill. But for some highly-shorted companies, valuations may be at a point where takeover interest is more likely, making for a risky short even if fundamentals continue to deteriorate.

In a screen of heavily shorted stocks with low enterprise values relative to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, information provider Data Explorers was able to identify 61 companies with a short interest over 10% and swooning valuations. Data Explorers screened around the world for highly shorted companies with low or falling valuations and a market cap above $1 billion.

"Companies which have seen a fall in their share prices in the last year implies profits for short sellers, yet their low valuations could make them a potential acquisition target. Should this happen, a short seller would be exposed to any takeover premium offered by bidders," wrote Data Explorers in a March 3 report.

Data Explorers arrived at over 60 names scattered across the world, however five stand out as battleground stocks either because of their valuation, short interest or previous M&A speculation.

Here's a look at three shorted stocks that may be too cheap to sell, according to Data Explorers

For more on deal activity and trends, see 10 Companies Primed for a Post-Bankruptcy Comeback and 5 Tough Sells in the Tech Sector. For more on M&A bankers and pending deals, see why 2012 deals hinge on Goldman's idea of fairness .