Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) Short Interest Update

Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:ESCA) saw a large increase in short interest in November. As of November 15th, there was short interest totalling 57,400 shares, an increase of 6.9% from the October 31st total of 53,700 shares. Approximately 0.6% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 28,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.0 days.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

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

Escalade Stock Up 5.1 %

ESCA stock opened at $15.76 on Tuesday. Escalade has a 52-week low of $12.34 and a 52-week high of $22.01. The stock has a market capitalization of $218.75 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.77 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a 50-day moving average of $14.16 and a two-hundred day moving average of $13.82. 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 Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Monday, January 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.81%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 6th. Escalade’s payout ratio is 63.83%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Escalade

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ESCA. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Escalade in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $166,000. Barclays PLC increased its stake in shares of Escalade by 251.3% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 13,185 shares of the company’s stock valued at $186,000 after purchasing an additional 9,432 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Escalade in the 2nd quarter worth about $201,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Escalade by 40.6% during the 3rd quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 20,975 shares of the company’s stock valued at $292,000 after acquiring an additional 6,059 shares during the period. Finally, De Lisle Partners LLP raised its position in shares of Escalade by 6.3% during the third quarter. De Lisle Partners LLP now owns 83,886 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,177,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.22% of the company’s stock.

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.