Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Makes New $6.59 Million Investment in Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. $BBW

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 107,497 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $6,586,000.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 68.1% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 501 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 453.1% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 542 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 444 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 163.0% in the fourth quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 668 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 414 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 214.3% in the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 682 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 465 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 166.7% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 800 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. 79.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Price Performance

NYSE BBW opened at $36.88 on Tuesday. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. has a 1 year low of $34.08 and a 1 year high of $75.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $463.89 million, a PE ratio of 9.24 and a beta of 1.06. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $37.95 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $48.88.

Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, March 12th. The specialty retailer reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.27 by ($0.01). Build-A-Bear Workshop had a return on equity of 34.25% and a net margin of 9.85%.The firm had revenue of $154.51 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $155.71 million. On average, research analysts anticipate that Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. will post 3.86 EPS for the current year.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, April 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 26th were paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 26th. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. This is a boost from Build-A-Bear Workshop’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Build-A-Bear Workshop’s dividend payout ratio is currently 23.06%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have weighed in on BBW shares. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 3rd. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Build-A-Bear Workshop presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $73.33.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Profile

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc operates a specialty retail business focused on interactive “workshop” experiences that allow customers to create customized stuffed animals. Through its in-store and online platforms, the company offers a wide range of plush toys, apparel, accessories and sound modules, enabling guests to personalize each creation. In addition to its core bear products, Build-A-Bear has expanded its portfolio to include licensed characters from leading entertainment and media franchises.

Founded in 1997 by Maxine Clark and headquartered in St.