Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,000,000 shares, an increase of 8.1% from the December 31st total of 1,850,000 shares. Currently, 7.2% of the company's stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 338,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.9 days.

Century Communities Stock Down 4.2 %

Shares of Century Communities stock traded down $3.21 on Friday, reaching $73.85. 601,744 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 494,246. The company has a market capitalization of $2.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.10 and a beta of 1.92. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. Century Communities has a one year low of $68.49 and a one year high of $108.42. The company has a 50-day moving average of $77.83 and a 200 day moving average of $89.63.

Century Communities (NYSE:CCS - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The construction company reported $3.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.16 by $0.33. Century Communities had a net margin of 7.59% and a return on equity of 14.17%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Century Communities will post 12.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Century Communities Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 26th will be given a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.57%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 26th. This is an increase from Century Communities's previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. Century Communities's payout ratio is 10.00%.

Institutional Trading of Century Communities

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CCS. Moran Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Century Communities during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,273,000. Amundi boosted its position in Century Communities by 186.0% during the fourth quarter. Amundi now owns 13,886 shares of the construction company's stock worth $1,003,000 after purchasing an additional 9,031 shares during the period. Edgestream Partners L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Century Communities by 257.7% in the fourth quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 64,509 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $4,732,000 after purchasing an additional 46,477 shares during the last quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Century Communities in the fourth quarter valued at about $877,000. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Century Communities by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 75,535 shares of the construction company's stock worth $5,541,000 after buying an additional 2,480 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.54% of the company's stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have issued reports on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Century Communities from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Wedbush reissued a "neutral" rating and issued a $93.00 target price (down previously from $96.00) on shares of Century Communities in a research report on Thursday, January 30th. Zelman & Associates raised Century Communities to a "hold" rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Century Communities from an "underweight" rating to a "neutral" rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $110.00 to $97.00 in a report on Friday, December 13th. Finally, B. Riley restated a "buy" rating and set a $119.00 target price (up previously from $113.00) on shares of Century Communities in a report on Thursday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $103.00.

Century Communities Company Profile

Century Communities, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, construction, marketing, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes. It is also involved in the entitlement and development of the underlying land; and provision of mortgage, title, and insurance services to its homebuyers.