Short Interest in Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) Rises By 21.8%

Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 92,300 shares, an increase of 21.8% from the December 15th total of 75,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 28,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.3 days. Approximately 1.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Escalade Price Performance

NASDAQ ESCA traded up $0.23 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $15.00. 14,828 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 22,866. The company has a market capitalization of $208.20 million, a PE ratio of 15.96 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 3.45 and a quick ratio of 1.41. Escalade has a 52-week low of $12.34 and a 52-week high of $20.23. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $14.88 and its 200-day moving average is $14.16.

Escalade Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Monday, January 6th were issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, January 6th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.00%. Escalade’s dividend payout ratio is presently 63.83%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Escalade

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Escalade in the 3rd quarter worth $166,000. Barclays PLC boosted its position in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 9,432 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings 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. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Escalade by 40.6% during the third quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 20,975 shares of the company’s stock worth $292,000 after purchasing an additional 6,059 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Inspire Advisors LLC raised its stake in Escalade by 195.4% during the third quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 43,092 shares of the company’s stock worth $606,000 after purchasing an additional 28,503 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.22% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

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

About Escalade

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.