Short Interest in CPI Card Group Inc. (NASDAQ:PMTS) Expands By 15.3%

CPI Card Group Inc. (NASDAQ:PMTS) was the target of a large growth in short interest in February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 295,339 shares, a growth of 15.3% from the February 12th total of 256,059 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 43,986 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 6.7 days. Approximately 2.7% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 2.7% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 43,986 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 6.7 days.

CPI Card Group Price Performance

NASDAQ:PMTS opened at $14.45 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $165.60 million, a P/E ratio of 11.56 and a beta of 1.22. CPI Card Group has a 1-year low of $10.81 and a 1-year high of $30.60. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $13.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.44.

CPI Card Group (NASDAQ:PMTS) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, March 5th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.27. CPI Card Group had a net margin of 2.75% and a negative return on equity of 78.82%. The company had revenue of $153.05 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $145.22 million. Equities analysts anticipate that CPI Card Group will post 1.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of CPI Card Group from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Saturday, March 7th. Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (d+)” rating on shares of CPI Card Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Zacks Research raised CPI Card Group from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, DA Davidson reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $30.00 price target on shares of CPI Card Group in a research note on Wednesday, March 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, CPI Card Group has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $28.25.

Institutional Trading of CPI Card Group

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PMTS. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in CPI Card Group during the fourth quarter worth about $29,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in CPI Card Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $52,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its position in CPI Card Group by 100.4% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,928 shares of the company’s stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 1,467 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of CPI Card Group by 37.0% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 5,949 shares of the company’s stock worth $91,000 after purchasing an additional 1,607 shares during the period. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its holdings in shares of CPI Card Group by 73.1% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,769 shares of the company’s stock valued at $99,000 after purchasing an additional 2,859 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 22.08% of the company’s stock.

About CPI Card Group

CPI Card Group, Inc (NASDAQ: PMTS) is a leading provider of payment, identification and related credential solutions for financial institutions, governments and private enterprises. The company specializes in the design, manufacturing and personalization of secure plastic and metal cards, including EMV chip, magnetic-stripe and contactless cards. CPI Card Group also offers digital credentialing services and cloud-based card management tools that enable real-time controls, mobile wallet integration, fraud monitoring and analytics.

With a focus on security and innovation, CPI Card Group integrates advanced features such as holograms, microprinting, RFID/NFC technology and laser-engraved artwork into its card products.