Leslie’s (NASDAQ:LESL) Upgraded at Zacks Research

Leslie’s (NASDAQ:LESL) was upgraded by stock analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report issued on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a “market perform” rating and issued a $3.00 price objective on shares of Leslie’s in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Leslie’s from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Sunday, December 28th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $3.75 price objective on Leslie’s and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (e+)” rating on shares of Leslie’s in a research note on Friday, December 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $1.00 price target on shares of Leslie’s and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $6.55.

Leslie’s Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:LESL opened at $1.01 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.41 million, a PE ratio of -0.03 and a beta of 1.33. Leslie’s has a 1 year low of $0.87 and a 1 year high of $19.20. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $1.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.01.

Leslie’s (NASDAQ:LESL) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 17th. The company reported ($5.24) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($4.20) by ($1.04). The firm had revenue of $147.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $161.19 million.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Leslie’s

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Leslie’s during the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Barclays PLC purchased a new position in shares of Leslie’s in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Clearfield Capital Management LP raised its stake in Leslie’s by 520.5% during the 4th quarter. Clearfield Capital Management LP now owns 191,575 shares of the company’s stock worth $316,000 after acquiring an additional 160,703 shares in the last quarter. Arbiter Partners Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Leslie’s during the 4th quarter worth $392,000. Finally, Performa Ltd US LLC lifted 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 valued at $192,000 after acquiring an additional 103,150 shares during the last quarter.

Leslie’s Company Profile

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.