Leslie’s (NASDAQ:LESL) Downgraded to “Strong Sell” Rating by Zacks Research

Leslie’s (NASDAQ:LESL) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Zacks Research from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed a “market perform” rating and issued a $3.00 target price on shares of Leslie’s in a report on Friday, November 28th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Leslie’s from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Sunday, December 28th. Morgan Stanley set a $1.50 target price on shares of Leslie’s and gave the company an “underweight” rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $3.75 target price on shares of Leslie’s and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Mizuho set a $5.00 price target on Leslie’s in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Leslie’s presently has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average target price of $10.21.

Leslie’s Stock Performance

LESL opened at $1.29 on Monday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $1.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.17. Leslie’s has a one year low of $1.19 and a one year high of $35.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.02 million, a P/E ratio of -0.05 and a beta of 1.30.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Performa Ltd US LLC raised its position in Leslie’s by 796.5% in the fourth quarter. Performa Ltd US LLC now owns 116,100 shares of the company’s stock worth $192,000 after acquiring an additional 103,150 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Leslie’s by 16.9% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 102,428 shares of the company’s stock worth $169,000 after purchasing an additional 14,840 shares during the period. Prescott Group Capital Management L.L.C. purchased a new position in shares of Leslie’s in the 4th quarter valued at about $433,000. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Leslie’s in the fourth quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Clearfield Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Leslie’s in the third quarter valued at about $170,000.

About Leslie’s

Leslie’s, Inc (NASDAQ: LESL) is the largest direct-to-consumer retailer of swimming pool supplies and related equipment in the United States. Through a network of more than 900 company-operated stores and a robust e-commerce platform, the company offers a comprehensive range of pool chemicals, cleaning tools, pumps, filters, heaters and pool accessories. In addition to product retailing, Leslie’s provides in-store and in-home water testing services, equipment installation, repair and ongoing maintenance programs designed to support both residential and commercial pool owners.

Founded in 1963 in North Miami Beach, Florida, Leslie’s has grown from a single neighborhood pool-supply shop into a national specialty retailer.