Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 75,800 shares, an increase of 38.3% from the November 30th total of 54,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 27,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.7 days. Approximately 0.8% of the company’s shares are short sold.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com raised Escalade from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Escalade

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ESCA. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Escalade in the third quarter worth $166,000. Barclays PLC boosted its stake in Escalade by 251.3% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 13,185 shares of the company’s stock valued at $186,000 after purchasing an additional 9,432 shares during the period. Inspire Advisors LLC bought a new position in Escalade in the 2nd quarter worth about $201,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Escalade by 301.6% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 18,914 shares of the company’s stock valued at $266,000 after purchasing an additional 14,204 shares during the period. Finally, Arete Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Escalade by 40.6% during the third quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 20,975 shares of the company’s stock valued at $292,000 after buying an additional 6,059 shares during the last quarter. 65.22% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Escalade Stock Down 1.3 %

NASDAQ ESCA traded down $0.18 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $14.18. 17,333 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,830. The stock has a market capitalization of $196.78 million, a PE ratio of 15.09 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a 50 day moving average of $14.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $14.03. The company has a current ratio of 3.45, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Escalade has a 12 month low of $12.34 and a 12 month high of $20.52.

Escalade Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 6th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 6th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.23%. Escalade’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.83%.

Escalade Company Profile

Escalade, Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, imports, and sells sporting goods in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company provides various sporting goods brands in basketball goals, archery, indoor and outdoor game recreation, and fitness products.