Trading Tips Blog

Kristen Soler, EVP at Advance Auto Parts (AAP), recently bought 1,000 shares. The buy increased her stake by 9 percent, and came to a total cost just under $53,000. This marks the first insider activity since September, when a company director bought 8,670 shares for just under $500,000. And other company directors made a cluster of buys back in June, when AAP traded about $13 per share higher than today’s prices. In total, Advance Auto Parts insiders own 1.1 percent of ...
Read More About This

Semiconductor developer Marvell Technology (MRVL) is up 21 percent over the past year, beating the S&P 500 by about 6 points. One trader sees further outperformance in the months ahead. That’s based on the March $52.50 calls. With 95 days until expiration, 9,396 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 166, for a 57-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $4.50 to make the bullish bet. Marvell recently traded for about $52, so shares ...
Read More About This

Some sectors are secular, which offer a long-term growth trend. That’s where growth stocks such as those playing to the AI trend have seen great results this year. Other sectors are cyclical, leading to some years with great returns, followed by poor ones. However, knowing how to play the cycle can lead to great returns for those looking to buy and hold for a few months to a few years. Investing in beaten-down leaders with strong cash flows is the key. In ...
Read More About This

Christopher McCormick, a director at Big Lots (BIG), recently bought 12,000 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 31 percent, and came to a total cost of $75,480. This marks the first insider activity since June, when two company EVPs and a director bought a combined 23,000 shares. Going further back, the company’s President and CEO was a buyer in May for 51,000 shares. And the last insider sales occurred in April 2022. In total, Big Lots insiders own 3.5 percent ...
Read More About This

Regional bank Truist Financial Corporation (TFC) has lost 20 percent of its value over the past year as interest rates have continued to rise. One trader is betting on a move higher in the coming months. That’s based on the February 16, 2024 $35 calls. With 70 days until expiration, 10,205 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 176, for a 58-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $1.15 to make the bullish ...
Read More About This

The stock market is always in a mood. Usually, it’s upbeat, reflecting the fact that stocks rise over time. Sometimes, however, it’s dour. And that mood goes from the overall market to specific sectors, and even down to individual stocks. As long as individual companies can grow, they can overcome any short-term market fear in time. Even when that fear seems overwhelming, or a potential existential threat to a business. For instance, J.M. Smucker (SJM) has had a tough year. The food and ...
Read More About This

Lori Lancaster, a director at Vital Energy (VTLE), recently picked up 1,000 shares. The buy increased her stake by 134 percent, and came to a total cost just over $45,000. This marks the first insider buy at the company in the past two years. Company insiders have been sellers of shares over the past two years. That includes the exercise of stock options. Insiders have generally been sellers with shares at prices from $50-89, far higher than where Vital currently trades. Overall, ...
Read More About This

Investment platform Robinhood Markets (HOOD) is flat over the past year. Trading volume remains well off the prior bull market peak. However, one trader does see shares heading higher through the end of the year. That’s based on the December 29 $13 calls. With 22 days until expiration, 3,711 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 133, for a 28-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.24 to make the bullish bet. Robinhood recently ...
Read More About This