America's Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRMT) Short Interest Update

America's Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRMT - Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 875,400 shares, a decrease of 6.7% from the October 15th total of 938,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 119,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 7.4 days.

America's Car-Mart Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NASDAQ:CRMT traded up $0.26 during trading on Monday, reaching $42.03. 97,890 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 101,682. America's Car-Mart has a 1-year low of $37.98 and a 1-year high of $83.07. The firm has a market cap of $268.87 million, a P/E ratio of -7.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.67. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $55.02.

America's Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, September 4th. The company reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.66 by ($0.81). America's Car-Mart had a negative net margin of 2.66% and a negative return on equity of 7.75%. The firm had revenue of $347.76 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $338.78 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.63 EPS. The business's revenue for the quarter was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that America's Car-Mart will post 0.93 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at America's Car-Mart

In other news, major shareholder Adam K. Peterson purchased 813,953 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 19th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $43.00 per share, for a total transaction of $34,999,979.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,582,363 shares in the company, valued at $68,041,609. This trade represents a 105.93 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joshua G. Welch bought 23,255 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 19th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $43.00 per share, for a total transaction of $999,965.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 148,955 shares of the company's stock, valued at $6,405,065. This trade represents a 18.50 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 19.60% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On America's Car-Mart

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new stake in America's Car-Mart in the first quarter worth approximately $178,000. BOKF NA increased its position in America's Car-Mart by 1.9% during the first quarter. BOKF NA now owns 24,674 shares of the company's stock worth $1,546,000 after buying an additional 453 shares during the last quarter. Paloma Partners Management Co bought a new position in America's Car-Mart during the first quarter valued at about $313,000. Bayesian Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of America's Car-Mart in the first quarter worth about $240,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of America's Car-Mart during the 2nd quarter worth about $245,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.10% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CRMT has been the subject of a number of research reports. Stephens began coverage on shares of America's Car-Mart in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. They set an "equal weight" rating and a $50.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com raised America's Car-Mart from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, America's Car-Mart has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $50.00.

About America's Car-Mart

America's Car-Mart, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer for the used car market in the United States. It primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for its customers. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas.