Trading Tips Blog

Big box retailer Target (TGT) has seen shares sink to new 52-week lows over the past week. While shares look oversold in the short-term, one trader is betting on a further move lower. That’s based on the September $110 puts. With 106 days until expiration, 10,144 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 428, for a 24-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $2.50 to make the bearish bet. Shares recently traded for ...
Read More About This

When stocks are rallying and interest rates are low, it’s easy for companies to expand by either selling more shares or taking on debt. But selling too many shares dilutes existing shareholders and may spark a backlash. And when debt comes due and has to be refinanced, markets may balk. So companies that are improving their balance sheet now could be big winners down the line. One area where balance sheet improvement could help boost shares are with big media companies. There’s ...
Read More About This

SRB Corp, a major holder of Safety Insurance Group (SAFT), recently bought 39,000 shares across two transactions. The buy increased the company’s holdings by 3 percent, and came to a total price of about $2.8 million. This marks the first insider buying activity in the company in over two years. Company directors and executives have been regular and steady sellers of shares over the past two years, with no sale larger than $268,000. Overall, company insiders own about 4.2 percent of ...
Read More About This

Regional bank PacWest Bancorp (PACW) has seen shares drop 80 percent over the past year as a banking crisis has unfolded. Shares are volatile on a daily basis, and one trader sees the stock moving lower in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the July 21 $4 puts. With 51 days until expiration, 18,843 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 246, for a 77-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $0.70. Shares recently ...
Read More About This

The market has been excited about AI stocks for six months now, since the release of ChatGPT. Dozens of companies have announced plans to integrate AI hardware and software into their businesses. And it’s one part of the market where investors have been more than happy to send cash now. That’s led to a big rally in tech, that’s helped unwind most of 2022’s bear market. At this point, it’s time investors looked for AI stocks with a smaller market cap. That’s ...
Read More About This

Douglas Bentham, a director at American Homes 4 Rent (AMH), recently bought 3,946 shares. The buy increased his holdings by about 12 percent, and came to a total cost of $95,181. The director was also the last buyer of shares in March, for about $190,000 in two transactions. In the intervening time, several company executives have been sellers of shares, including the company’s CFO and COO. Overall, company insiders own about 7.9 percent of shares. The single family home rental company is ...
Read More About This

Department store Macy’s (M) has struggled in recent years, and the stock is down by about one-third over the past year. One trader sees a further decline in the months ahead. That’s based on the July $13 puts. With 51 days until expiration, 20,077 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 181, for a 111-fold jump in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $1.40 to make the bearish bet. Macy’s shares traded just over $14, making ...
Read More About This

Most industries tend to consolidate over time. Retail is no exception, as many stores have gone by the wayside. Today, most big box stores compete with online retailers in some capacity, and those that run a niche tend to have the brick-and-mortar business to themselves. That’s allowed these companies to continue growing, which can benefit shareholders. It’s an even better benefit when they’re also generous with ever-increasing dividend payouts. Among the big box retailers, electronics chain Best Buy (BBY) offers the highest ...
Read More About This