Winmark Co. (NASDAQ:WINA) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

Winmark Co. (NASDAQ:WINA - Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of May. As of May 15th, there was short interest totalling 179,400 shares, an increase of 21.8% from the April 30th total of 147,300 shares. Approximately 6.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 32,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.6 days.

Winmark Trading Up 0.9%

Winmark stock traded up $3.80 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $432.26. The company's stock had a trading volume of 947,977 shares, compared to its average volume of 43,388. The stock has a market cap of $1.53 billion, a PE ratio of 39.69 and a beta of 0.61. Winmark has a 52 week low of $295.79 and a 52 week high of $434.87. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $377.23 and a 200-day moving average price of $374.42.

Winmark (NASDAQ:WINA - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The specialty retailer reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.74 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $21.92 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.91 million. Winmark had a net margin of 49.15% and a negative return on equity of 93.24%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.41 earnings per share.

Winmark Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 14th were paid a dividend of $0.96 per share. This represents a $3.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 14th. This is a boost from Winmark's previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. Winmark's payout ratio is presently 34.32%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Anthony D. Ishaug sold 4,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Friday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $425.95, for a total transaction of $1,703,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 56,683 shares in the company, valued at $24,144,123.85. This represents a 6.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 10.10% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Winmark during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Winmark by 820.0% during the fourth quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 92 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in shares of Winmark by 147.3% during the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 136 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Winmark by 145.4% during the fourth quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 238 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Winmark in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $146,000. 73.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Winmark

Winmark Corporation, a resale company operates as a franchisor for small business in the United States and Canada. The company franchises retail stores concepts that buy, sell and trade merchandise. It also operates middle-market equipment leasing business. In addition, the company buys and sells used clothing and accessories geared toward the teenage and young adult market under Plato's Closet brand; and operates stores which buys and sells used and new children's clothing, toys, furniture, equipment, and accessories primarily to parents of children ages infant to 12 years under the Once Upon A Child brand.