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

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

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Escalade

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ESCA. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Escalade during the 3rd quarter worth about $166,000. Barclays PLC lifted 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 worth $186,000 after buying an additional 9,432 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Escalade by 301.6% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 18,914 shares of the company's stock worth $266,000 after buying an additional 14,204 shares during the period. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 6,059 shares during the period. Finally, Inspire Advisors LLC lifted its position in Escalade by 195.4% during the third quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 43,092 shares of the company's stock valued at $606,000 after purchasing an additional 28,503 shares during the period. 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.

Escalade Trading Up 2.2 %

Shares of Escalade stock traded up $0.32 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $14.90. The stock had a trading volume of 4,450 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,251. The stock has a market cap of $206.80 million, a PE ratio of 15.89 and a beta of 1.27. Escalade has a 12 month low of $12.34 and a 12 month high of $17.36. The firm's fifty day simple moving average is $15.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $14.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 3.45 and a quick ratio of 1.41.

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.