Kura Sushi USA (NASDAQ:KRUS) Shares Up 9.5% - Time to Buy?

Key Points

• Shares jumped 9.5% intraday to about $60.93 on Tuesday, with volume of 468,992 shares (~45% above average) after a prior close of $55.66.
• Analysts are mixed: the consensus rating is "Hold" with an average price target of $77, while individual targets range from about $65 to $90 and ratings span Strong Buy to Sell.
• Insider Hajime Uba sold 9,874 shares at $72.93 in January (a 62.1% reduction in his position); insiders own 2.28% of the stock while institutional investors hold about 65.49%.

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:KRUS - Get Free Report)'s share price shot up 9.5% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $60.27 and last traded at $60.93. 468,992 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 45% from the average session volume of 323,079 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.66.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

KRUS has been the subject of a number of research reports. Benchmark reiterated a "buy" rating on shares of Kura Sushi USA in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Loop Capital set a $70.00 target price on Kura Sushi USA in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup upped their price target on Kura Sushi USA from $65.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 8th. DA Davidson reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $90.00 price objective on shares of Kura Sushi USA in a report on Monday, April 6th. Finally, Lake Street Capital reissued a "buy" rating on shares of Kura Sushi USA in a research report on Wednesday, April 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, Kura Sushi USA currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $77.00.

Kura Sushi USA Price Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average of $66.34 and a 200-day moving average of $60.92. The firm has a market cap of $731.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -377.16 and a beta of 1.65.

Insider Buying and Selling at Kura Sushi USA

In other news, insider Hajime Uba sold 9,874 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.93, for a total transaction of $720,110.82. Following the sale, the insider owned 6,026 shares in the company, valued at $439,476.18. This represents a 62.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 2.28% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kura Sushi USA

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Kura Sushi USA in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Key Financial Inc increased its stake in shares of Kura Sushi USA by 720.0% during the 4th quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 615 shares of the company's stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank bought a new stake in shares of Kura Sushi USA in the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its stake in Kura Sushi USA by 681.5% in the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 844 shares of the company's stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 736 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in Kura Sushi USA by 95.3% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,324 shares of the company's stock valued at $79,000 after purchasing an additional 646 shares during the last quarter. 65.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Kura Sushi USA

Kura Sushi USA, Inc operates Japanese‐style revolving sushi restaurants across the United States. The company's concept centers on delivering a modern sushi dining experience by combining fresh ingredients with automated conveyer belt and plate‐return systems. Guests can choose from a broad menu that includes nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, tempura, udon noodles and chef‐inspired seasonal dishes, all served directly from the conveyor belt or ordered on tabletop touchscreens.

Each restaurant integrates patented technology to ensure food quality and operational efficiency.

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