Short Interest in Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM) Increases By 20.8%

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 10,785,354 shares, a growth of 20.8% from the January 15th total of 8,931,920 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,093,477 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.5 days. Currently, 11.2% of the company’s stock are sold short. Currently, 11.2% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,093,477 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.5 days.

Sprouts Farmers Market Trading Down 2.1%

Shares of NASDAQ:SFM traded down $1.43 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $67.54. The company had a trading volume of 2,352,675 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,932,035. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $75.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $100.03. The firm has a market cap of $6.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.69 and a beta of 0.76. Sprouts Farmers Market has a 1-year low of $64.75 and a 1-year high of $182.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 1.05.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on SFM. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Sprouts Farmers Market in a research report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group set a $108.00 price objective on shares of Sprouts Farmers Market in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Sprouts Farmers Market from $185.00 to $122.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore reissued an “outperform” rating on shares of Sprouts Farmers Market in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on Sprouts Farmers Market from $148.00 to $140.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Sprouts Farmers Market currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $125.77.

Insider Transactions at Sprouts Farmers Market

In other news, insider John Scott Neal sold 17,471 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.20, for a total transaction of $1,488,529.20. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 14,178 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,207,965.60. This trade represents a 55.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CMO Alisa Gmelich sold 3,161 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.39, for a total transaction of $250,951.79. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer directly owned 5,552 shares in the company, valued at $440,773.28. This represents a 36.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Sprouts Farmers Market

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SFM. TD Private Client Wealth LLC boosted its position in Sprouts Farmers Market by 1,309.1% during the 4th quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 310 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Sprouts Farmers Market in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sprouts Farmers Market during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Sprouts Farmers Market in the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sprouts Farmers Market by 72.7% during the fourth quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 380 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares in the last quarter.

Sprouts Farmers Market Company Profile

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc (NASDAQ: SFM) is a specialty grocery retailer focused on fresh, natural and organic foods. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company operates stores designed to offer an open-market shopping experience, emphasizing quality produce sourced from regional farmers alongside organic pantry staples, dairy, meat and seafood. Sprouts’ product assortment also includes bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, a deli and prepared foods, reflecting its commitment to wellness and affordable healthy living.

Founded in 2002 by members of the Boney family, Sprouts began as a single farmers market in Chandler, Arizona.