Corey Williams
A former banking executive, Corey Williams is the Chief Options Strategist and co-editor of our well-known daily newsletter, Options Trading Research. Corey’s extensive experience with options goes all the way back to his days in corporate finance. It was this decade in banking where Corey discovered the most important skill an options trader can have– the ability to analyze a company or sector to determine its likely future direction. And now he’s brought this background, experience and love of options to Options Trading Research, the unique daily e-letter devoted exclusively to helping individual investors profit from the very lucrative options market.
Corey Williams's Latest Posts
Call Options Or Put Options On Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY)?
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) is a major drug maker. This ‘Big Pharma’ company has sold many of the non-core businesses in order to focus on biopharmaceuticals. BMY currently trades for $40.61 per share. The shares are up 34% from the 52-week low of $30.31 and have been hitting new 52-week highs over the last few weeks. […]
Speculator’s Corner: Corn Prices Getting Canned
Last summer the worst drought in 70 years baked the heartland of America to a crisp. The extreme heat and lack of rainfall baked fields of corn into worthless husks. The drought ended up destroying 13% of last year’s corn crop. It resulted in the smallest production since 2006. As the temperatures rose, so did […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Caterpillar (CAT)?
Caterpillar (CAT) is one of the largest construction, mining, and agricultural equipment manufacturers in the world. CAT currently trades for $86.91 per share. The shares are up 13% from the 52-week low of $78.25, but the stock is down 22% from the 52-week high of $112.00. What’s more, the stock has recently fallen 13%. […]
Sectors To Watch: Capex To Fuel Super Bull Market
What’s the one thing the recovery from the Great Recession is lacking? If you said job growth, you’re on the right track… the unemployment rate and other employment stats are some of the most widely talked about and are certainly disappointing. But I’m talking about capex or capital expenditures. It’s the amount of money a […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Nordstrom (JWN)?
Nordstrom (JWN) is a high-end fashion retailer. They sell overpriced clothing and accessories to people that have too much money to care or wannabes that want to look like they have too much money to care. JWN currently trades for $54.40 per share. The shares are up 18% from the 52-week low of $45.83 […]
Speculator’s Corner: Does Money Grow On Trees?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve already heard about the recovery in the US housing market. Just last week we found out new home sales took off like a rocket ship in January. In fact, they jumped nearly 16% to a rate of 437,000 new homes per year. It was the largest monthly […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Barrick Gold (ABX)?
Barrick Gold (ABX) is one of the largest gold miners in the world. ABX currently trades for $31.26 per share. The shares are down 36% from the 52-week high of $49.11. After touching a new 52-week low of $30.14 at the end of last week, the shares have rebounded nearly 4% this week. Is […]
Sectors To Watch: Power Up Your Cash Flow With Utilities
Investing in electric utilities, multi-utilities, independent power producers, energy traders, and gas utilities isn’t as flashy as investing in a hot biotech stock or tech stock IPO. But utilities stocks are a staple for investors interested in income generation more so than growth. And for good reason… High quality dividend paying stocks like those found […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Medtronic (MDT)?
Medtronic (MDT) is one the largest medical device makers in the world. Their products are used to diagnose, treat, and manage numerous health conditions. MDT currently trades for $44.48 per share. The shares are up 27% from the 52-week low of $35.00 but the shares are down 6% since reporting quarterly earnings earlier this week. […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Westport Innovations (WPRT)?
Westport Innovations (WPRT) has one of the most compelling stories of any company around. But so far, the company’s performance hasn’t lived up to the hype. WPRT currently trades for $30.00 per share. The shares are up 38% from the 52-week low of $21.93 but it’s also 39% below the 52-week high of $50.19. Is […]
Covered Calls: Catch More Upside With A Buy-Write Strategy
The S&P 500 has gone up six weeks in a row and it’s trading near multi-year highs. Despite the strong performance, investors are becoming more bearish. According to the weekly sentiment survey from the American Association of Individual Investors, bullish sentiment has fallen nearly 10% over the last two weeks. It’s the largest decline investor sentiment […]
Call Options Or Put Options On NetApp (NTAP)?
NetApp (NTAP) is a leading vendor of innovative storage and data management solutions. They help organizations around the world store, manage, protect, and retain their data. NTAP currently trades for $36.11 per share. The shares have soared 37% from the November low of $26.26. However, the shares are 22% below the 52-week high of $46.80. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)
Today we’re going to look at Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) and how you can use options to reduce your risk, lock in profits, and give you upside potential. Here’s what happened… SWKS reported quarterly earnings last week. Revenue and earnings growth were in line with expectations. But their better than expected 2nd quarter outlook sent the […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Facebook (FB)?
Facebook (FB) has been on a bumpy ride since its initial public offering last year. But the social media juggernaut has been a roll the last few months. FB currently trades for $31.28 per share. The shares are up a whopping 78% from the low of $17.55 it reached in September. However, the shares are […]
The Spread Trader: Bull Call Spread On TIBCO Software (TIBX)
TIBCO Software (TIBX) was on quite a roll going into 2012. And for good reason… TIBCO’s “two-second advantage” gives their customers the ability to capture the right information, at the right time, and act on it preemptively for a competitive advantage. As their CEO, Vivek Ranadive, puts it… “A little bit of the right information […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Web.com Group (WWWW)?
Web.com Group (WWWW) is a provider of internet services and online marketing solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses. Since the IPO in 2005, they have grown from 50,000 customers to over 3 million customers today. WWWW currently trades for $16.00 per share. The shares are up 30% from the 52-week low of $12.22 but are […]
Call Options Or Put Options On 8×8 Inc (EGHT)?
8×8 Inc (EGHT) is a leading provider of cloud based communication services. Their Virtual Office replaces traditional onsite communications systems. It allows their customers to make phone calls and send faxes from anywhere they can access the internet. EGHT currently trades for $7.84 per share. The shares have soared 135% from the 52-week low of […]
Sectors To Watch: What’s In Store For Tech Stocks?
After a strong start to 2012, technology stocks finished the year with a whimper. In the first quarter of 2012, the Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) ETF logged an impressive 18% gain. After a weak second quarter, XLK went onto set new highs in September. It reached a peak gain for the year of 24%. […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Alpha Natural Resources (ANR)?
Alpha Natural Resources (ANR) is a leading producer of thermal and metallurgical coal. They operate 145 mines and 13 preparation plants in the US and produced 106.3 million tons of coal in 2011. ANR currently trades for $9.90 per share. The shares are up 88% from the 52-week low of $5.28, but they’re still down […]
Covered Calls: Cash In Before Fiscal Cliff Part 2
Last week investors sent stocks soaring higher once it became clear a deal would be made to avoid the fiscal cliff. The S&P 500’s 4.5% surge was one the indexes best weeks in years. It also pushed the large cap index to its highest close since 2007. But we’re already beginning to wonder how long […]
Call Options Or Put Options On EQT Corporation (EQT)?
EQT Corporation (EQT) is a major player in the development of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale located in the Appalachian Basin of the US. EQT currently trades for $57.97 per share. The shares are up 33% from the 52-week low of $43.36 but the shares have recently fallen 7% from the 52-week high of […]
Speculator’s Corner: Bigger Than The Fiscal Cliff
All of the talk around financial markets these days seems to center on the fiscal cliff in the US. As I’m sure you know by now, automatic tax hikes and spending cuts will kick in this week unless politicians can agree on a plan to reduce the Federal Government’s budget deficit. Here’s the kicker… going […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Facebook (FB)?
Facebook (FB) runs the largest social networking website in the world. A whopping 845 million users visit the site every month. FB currently trades for $26.55 per share. The shares are down 41% from the post-IPO high of $45.00. However, FB has rallied 51% from the 52-week low of $17.55. Is this an opportunity to […]
Sectors To Watch: Should You Invest In Healthcare?
Healthcare in the US is undergoing major changes. One thing’s for sure, since health care reform was signed into law in 2010, the industry has dealt with a lot of uncertainty. After surviving a challenge in the Supreme Court and President Obama’s reelection, it’s safe to say the reforms are here to stay. At this […]
Call Options Or Put Options On SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)?
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an ETF that holds gold stored in bank vaults. It’s intended to reflect the performance and price of gold bullion. GLD currently trades for $161.62 per share. The shares are up 9% from the 52-week low of $148.27. However, GLD has fallen 7% from the 52-week high of $174.07 in […]
The Spread Trader: Bear Put Spread On 3D Systems (DDD)
Some of the hottest stocks of 2012 are those of companies that specialize in 3-D printing. In a nutshell, 3-D printers convert digital objects in computer-aided design software or 3-D scanning and sculpting devices into physical objects made from plastic, metal, and composite print materials. The two major players in 3-D printing are 3D Systems […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Baidu (BIDU)?
Baidu (BIDU) is the largest internet search engine in China. They dominate the market with 80% of the China’s total internet searches performed on their website. BIDU currently trades for $95.60 per share. The shares are down 38% from the 52-week high of $154.15. However, the shares have rallied 11% after reaching a 52-week low […]
Sectors To Watch: Homebuilders Are Ready To Run
The US housing market is heating up. It’s a welcome sign for the US economy that’s struggled to grow without a contribution from the housing sector. But it’s even better news for homeowners and banks who have bared the brunt of the worst real estate bust since the Great Depression. Not surprisingly, the revival was […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Seagate Technology (STX)?
Seagate Technology (STX) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hard disc drives. As you know, hard disc drives are the most common way to store data on computers and other electronic devices. STX currently trades for $27.94 per share. The shares have recently fallen 20% from the 52-week high of $35.32, but the […]
Speculator’s Corner: Chinese Consumer Spending
China is one of the most intriguing investments around today. The fundamental catalysts are easy to see… They’re the second largest economy in world behind the US. GDP is growing at better than 7%. And they have a huge and growing consumer base. It’s no wonder so many investors turn to China in search of […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Suncor Energy (SU)?
Suncor Energy (SU) is an integrated energy company. They’re focused on developing the Canada’s Athabasca oil sands. SU currently trades for $32.73 per share. The shares are down 11% from the 52-week high of $36.93 and 26% higher than the 52-week low of $58.84. Is this an opportunity to buy call options on SU as […]
Covered Calls: Shopping For Big Returns On Small Price Gains
Holiday shopping is in full swing… Retailers are hoping the introduction of more branded shopping days will entice consumers to spend more money than ever. It began with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Then Super Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas popped up. And then the internet gave rise to Cyber Monday, the Monday after […]
Call Options Or Put Options On First Solar (FSLR)?
First Solar (FSLR) designs and manufactures solar modules using a proprietary thin film semiconductor technology. FSLR is able to transform a two foot by four foot sheet of glass into a complete solar module in less than three hours. And they use about 1% of the semiconductor material needed to produce crystalline silicon solar modules. […]
Sectors To Watch: Tech So Bad It’s Good?
Every day we’re moving one step closer to going over the fiscal cliff. It’s scary to think about the impact higher taxes and spending cuts will have on the economy. Just look at what similar austerity measures have done to heavily indebted European countries. It’s not a pretty picture… But most Americans aren’t changing the […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Best Buy (BBY)?
Best Buy (BBY) is the leading retailer of technology products and services. BBY currently trades for $15.77 per share. The shares are down 43% from the 52-week high of $27.63. But the stock has recently rebounded 10% from the 52-week low of $14.38. Is this an opportunity buy call options on BBY as their “Renew […]
The Spread Trader: Bull Call Spread On Apple (AAPL)
There’s no doubt about it, tech stocks have had a rough few months. And the big daddy of all tech stocks, Apple (AAPL), has been no exception. In case you didn’t notice, after reaching a new all time high of $705 back on September 21st, Apple’s stock has tumbled $162 lower to around $543 today. […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Westport Innovations (WPRT)?
Westport Innovations (WPRT) is the leader in fuel system technologies that enable light, medium, heavy-duty, and high-horsepower petroleum-based fuel engines to use natural gas and alternative fuels. WPRT currently trades for $23.50 per share. The shares are up 7% from the 52-week low of $21.93. But the stock has tumbled more than 50% from the […]
Speculator’s Corner: Copper Set To Soar?
When the Fed announced QE3 back on September 13th, it was widely expected to be a boon for hard asset prices. And front running speculators loaded up on long futures contracts on everything from copper to oil ahead of the Fed’s announcement. The pre-QE3 speculation sent hard asset prices soaring in the weeks leading up […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Ford Motor (F)
Today we’re going to look at Ford Motor (F) and how you can use options to reduce your risk, lock in profits, and give you upside potential. Here’s what happened… F reported 3rd quarter earnings while the markets were closed on Tuesday. Strong sales in North America drove profits well beyond Wall Street estimates. And […]
Call Options Or Put Options On StoneMor Partners (STON)?
StoneMor Partners (STON) is our spooky Halloween stock. They operate 274 cemeteries across the US. STON currently trades for $23.33 per share. The shares are up 21% from the 52-week low of $19.18. But the stock has fallen back 16% from the 52-week high of $28.01. Is this an opportunity buy call options on STON […]
Sectors To Watch: Property & Casualty Insurance
The US financial markets are closed on Monday. However, it’s anything but quiet as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the east coast. Obviously, the most important thing is ensuring the safety of the 60 million people who will be impacted by the storm. But there’s no doubt, Sandy will have a financial impact as well. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
Today we’re going to look at Colgate-Palmolive (CL) and how you can use options to generate some additional income, reduce your cost basis, and profit from the recent decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Colgate-Palmolive shares fell 3% from $106.56 to a low of $103.05 after reporting 3rd quarter earnings earlier this week. They met Wall Street earnings […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)?
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is the largest power and hand toolmaker in the US. SWK currently trades for $69.37 per share. The shares are up 19% from the 52-week low of $58.16. But the stock is down 14% from the 52-week high of $80.77. Is this an opportunity to buy call options on SWK […]
Technical Analysis: What A Trend Change Really Means
The S&P 500 had a great run this summer. Over a three month period from June 4th to September 15th, the large cap index shot up 16%. During that time, the S&P set a series of higher highs and higher lows. And it established a strong uptrend. But what a difference a few weeks can […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Microsoft (MSFT)
Today we’re going to look at Microsoft (MSFT) and how you can use options to reduce your risk and give you upside potential. Here’s what happened… MSFT shares are down 3% from $29.50 to $28.55 after reporting weak quarterly revenue and earnings that fell short of analysts’ estimates. Here’s the deal… MSFT was expected to […]
Call Options Or Put Options On International Business Machines (IBM)?
International Business Machines (IBM) reported quarterly earnings today. Big Blue’s earnings were merely in-line with guidance. It was a big disappointment for investors who are accustomed to them beating and raising guidance every quarter. IBM currently trades for $200.37 per share. The shares are up 15% from the 52-week low of $173.32. After reporting 3rd […]
A Simple Option Strategy To Profit From Weak 3rd Quarter Earnings
Third quarter earnings season hits full stride this week. Eighty-two of the S&P 500 companies and 12 of the 30 Dow Jones stocks report earnings in the next five days. Unfortunately, this is expected to be the worst quarter for earnings since 2009. Analysts are forecasting S&P 500 earnings per share growth of -1.7% and […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Safeway (SWY)
Today we’re going to look at Safeway (SWY) and how you can use options to reduce your cost basis and profit from the recent decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… SWY shares are down 5% from $16.29 to $15.50 after reporting 3rd quarter earnings earlier this week. The company fell short on revenue expectations but was […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)?
Union Pacific (UNP) is one of America’s leading transportation companies. Their iconic railroad business covers 23 states across the western United States. UNP currently trades for $121.42 per share. The shares are up 40% from the 52-week low of $86.91 but they have fallen back 6% from the 52-week high of $129.27. Is this an […]
Sectors To Watch: Earnings Or Elections?
The S&P 500 has been stuck in neutral the last few weeks. At this point, the large cap index is locked in a tight trading range between 1,430 on the low end and 1,465 on the high end. One thing’s for sure, this wasn’t the result many were expecting after Fed Chairman Bernanke announced QE3. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Family Dollar Stores (FDO)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Family Dollar Stores (FDO). It allows you to reduce your risk, lock in profits, and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… Family Dollar Stores reported record sales and earnings results earlier this week. It was their fiscal 2012 fourth quarter. And their stock […]
Call Options Or Put Options On American International Group (AIG)?
American International Group (AIG) is an American insurance company. The company was heavily involved in the 2008 financial crisis. And it only survived with the help of a massive multi-billion dollar bailout from the US government. AIG currently trades for $34.23 per share. The shares are up 78% from the 52-week low of $19.18 and […]
The Spread Trader: Bull Call Spread On Caterpillar (CAT)
So far the Fed’s latest action hasn’t made a big impact on stock prices. In fact, the markets have been trending modestly lower after an initial surge higher in the first days following the announcement of QE3. What’s behind the markets sluggish performance? Put simply, weak economic data. Despite the introduction of QE3, economic data […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Paychex (PAYX)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Paychex (PAYX) to generate some additional income, reduce your cost basis, and profit from the recent decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Paychex shares have fallen 5% from $34.38 to $33.30 after reporting fiscal 1st quarter earnings earlier this week. They beat Wall Street revenue and […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Humana (HUM)?
Humana (HUM) is one of the major health insurance companies in the US. At the end of 2011, they had 11.2 million members enrolled in medical benefit plans. HUM currently trades for $70.00 per share. The shares are up 26% from the 52-week low of $59.92, but the shares are still down 27% from their […]
Technical Analysis: Read This Before You Buy
It’s been a little more than a week since Fed Chairman Bernanke revealed his plan for a third round of quantitative easing. As expected, the S&P 500 jumped higher in the days following the announcement. However, after the initial surge, the S&P 500 has done little more than tread water. In fact, the large cap […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Bed Bath & Beyond to get back to breakeven after a big decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) has dropped 10% from yesterday’s closing price of $68.79 to around $62 after reporting second quarter earnings. Here’s the deal… The home furnishings […]
Call Options Or Put Options On American Tower (AMT)?
American Tower (AMT) is a real estate investment trust or REIT. They operate as a wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure company. They own about 50,000 communication sites primarily located in the US, India, Mexico, and Brazil. They make money by leasing antenna space to multiple tenants on each site. Their largest customers in the US […]
Sectors To Watch: Cash In On QE3 With Basic Materials!
Last week, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke unleashed a third round of quantitative easing (QE3) on the US economy. The move by the central bank wasn’t unexpected. However, the magnitude of the plan has reignited investors’ animal spirits. And for good reason… the first two versions of QE had specific dollar amounts and time limits. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Pier 1 Imports (PIR)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Pier 1 Imports (PIR). It allows you to lock in profits, reduce your risk, and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… Before the markets opened today, PIR reported quarterly revenue beat Wall Street estimates and earnings were in line with expectations. They also raised […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Capital One Financial (COF)?
Capital One Financial (COF) is a bank holding company. COF provides consumers and small businesses with credit card lending, auto loans, mortgages, as well as savings, checking, and other deposit accounts. COF currently trades for $57.82 per share. The shares are up 60% from the 52-week low of $36.18 and they’re near their 52-week high […]
The Spread Trader: Bull Call Spread On CBS Corp (CBS)
Fall is here. It’s a beautiful time of year here in Arizona. The temperatures are falling and it’s once again tolerable to be outside… at least without a pool or some kind of air conditioning. But it’s also a great time of year to be a couch potato. Especially, if you’re into sports or politics. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Dollar General (DG)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Dollar General. It allows you to reduce your risk and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… Dollar General (DG) reported better than expected revenue and earnings in the second quarter. And management raised their full year earnings forecast. However, the shares are down […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Cheniere Energy (LNG)?
Cheniere Energy (LNG) is an energy company. They’re focused on liquefied natural gas or LNG. They operate terminals on the gulf coast that take imported LNG off of carriers, re-gasify it, and sell it in the US markets. They also own and operate a network of natural gas pipelines. More importantly, Cheniere has received approval […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! H.J. Heinz (HNZ)
Today we’re looking at an options trade on H.J. Heinz to generate some cash after the stock dropped after reporting earnings this week. Here’s what happened… H.J. Heinz (HNZ) quarterly earnings beat estimates. However, their revenue was weaker than expected. And their full year forecast remained unchanged. Here’s the deal… HNZ hit a 52-week high of […]
Call Options Or Put Options On GasLog (GLOG)?
GasLog (GLOG) owns and operates a fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. GLOG has two wholly-owned carriers in operation with eight more on the way. They also operate and manage eleven other LNG carriers. GLOG currently trades for $11.17 per share. The shares are up 27% from the 52-week low of $8.76. However, the […]
Sectors To Watch: Who Pulled The Plug On Utility Stocks?
Dividend paying stocks have been the hottest area of the market lately. And for good reason… Economic growth is sputtering and interest rates are next to nothing. Investors who want to earn a decent return on their investment see high quality dividend paying stocks as their best option. You see, high quality dividend paying stocks […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Guess (GES)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Guess Inc to get back to breakeven after a big decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Guess (GES) reported quarterly earnings earlier this week. And it wasn’t pretty. The shares are down 20% to around $27.00 after earnings fell short of Wall Street estimates. Here’s the deal… […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Cerner (CERN)?
Cerner (CERN) is a health care technology company. Their systems manage all aspects of a patient’s healthcare record. CERN’s platform has helped transform the entire health care system. It’s changed the way people use and share information, pay for health care, and even think about health care. CERN currently trades for $71.58 per share. The […]
Investing In Options: Generate Income Without Dividends
Income investors have been left out in the cold by the Fed. Risk-free assets like government bonds or FDIC insured savings accounts and CDs hardly pay anything these days. And they certainly don’t keep pace with inflation. You simply must be willing to take on risk in order to generate income today. This phenomenon has […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Cisco Systems (CSCO)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Cisco Systems to protect your profits after a big gain in the stock. Here’s what happened… Cisco Systems (CSCO) reported quarterly earnings this week. The shares are up 7% to around $18.70 after profits and sales beat Wall Street estimates. Here’s the deal… Cisco is the largest computer […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Starbucks (SBUX)?
Starbucks (SBUX) doesn’t need much of an introduction. You probably drive by more than one of their coffee shops every day. I know of six locations within a mile or two of my house! The coffee and espresso retailer also has also branched out into consumer goods. They sell packaged coffee beans, tea, Frappuccino beverages, […]
Investing In Options: Put Time On Your Side
As you know, there are four major variables in determining an option’s price – stock price, strike price, time, and volatility. One of the most puzzling aspects of option trading for new option traders is time value premium decay. For instance, I’ve heard from many novice option traders who were shocked to see the value […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Leap Wireless (LEAP)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Leap Wireless to get back to breakeven after a big decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Leap Wireless (LEAP) reported quarterly earnings earlier this week. The shares are down 20% to around $4.42 after earnings fell short of Wall Street estimates. Here’s the deal… Leap Wireless provides […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Monsanto (MON)?
Monsanto (MON) makes agricultural and vegetable seeds, plant biotechnology traits, and crop protection chemicals. They’re the largest seed producer in the world. Their most successful products are the weed killing herbicide Roundup and the seeds they engineer to be resistant to this chemical. Farmers plant Roundup Ready seeds and then spray the fields with Roundup […]
The Spread Trader: Bull Call Spread On Conoco Phillips (COP)
As you know, we’re well into the dog days of summer. It’s the time of year when people from all walks of life head for the beaches and take their last minute summer vacations. And Wall Streeters are no exception. Right now, many traders, institutional investors, and hedgies are away from their usual Wall […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Energizer Holdings (ENR)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Energizer Holdings. It allows you to reduce your risk and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… Energizer Holdings (ENR) shares have fallen 12% from $77.77 to $68.40 after they missed profit and sales estimates last quarter. But they stood by their full year […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Ford (F)?
Ford Motor (F) doesn’t need any introduction. The American automaker has been building cars and trucks in the US for more than 100 years. Unfortunately, longevity is no guarantee of future success. F currently trades for $9.05 per share. It’s down more than 30% from the 52-week high of $12.98. The stock’s hovering near multi-year […]
Sectors To Watch: Are Gold Mining Stocks Losing Their Luster?
Gold mining stocks have had a rough year. Over the last 12 months, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has fallen 34%. But the ETF has bounced back lately. GDX has rallied 11% from the 52-week low of $39.08 it reached in May. The main reason for the miners’ poor performance has been falling gold […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! McDonald’s (MCD)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on McDonald’s to increase your profits and generate some cash after the stock dropped this week. Here’s what happened… McDonald’s (MCD) shares are down 4% this week. The shares have fallen $3.50 to around $88 after their earnings fell short of estimates and they said they’ll likely miss their […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Caterpillar (CAT)?
Caterpillar (CAT) manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. CAT stunned investors with impressive second quarter earnings. Profits at the heavy equipment manufacturer jumped 67% last quarter. And CEO Doug Oberhelman said, “We’re expecting a record year in 2012.” CAT currently trades for […]
Earnings Roundup: Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), Intel (INTC), & eBay (EBAY)
Once again, earnings season’s in full swing. Big and small investors alike are taking a hard look at corporate earnings, revenue, and management guidance. As you know, companies who beat analysts’ estimates often see their stocks soar higher. While companies who fall short of expectations often see their stocks tumble lower. Let’s take a closer […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Honeywell (HON)
Today we’re looking at an options trade on Honeywell to increase your profits, reduce your risk, and generate some cash after the stock jumped higher. Here’s what happened… Honeywell International (HON) closed up 6.7% yesterday. The shares jumped $3.64 to close at $58.18. The company’s quarterly revenue and earnings beat estimates and their forecast for the […]
Call Options Or Put Options On DR Horton (DHI)?
DR Horton (DHI) is the largest homebuilder in the United States. DHI has been moving higher lately. Investors are hopeful housing is finally turning the corner after suffering through seven long years after the real estate bubble burst. DHI currently trades for $18.51 per share. It’s up 132% from the 52-week low of $7.97. And […]
Investing In Options: Buy High Quality Stocks At A Discount
Let me ask you a question… How do you buy high quality stocks at a discount? Most investors simply wait for the stock to fall to the price they want to buy it. Some investors will enter a buy limit order with their broker to purchase a stock when it falls to the price they […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Alcoa (AA)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Alcoa (AA). It allows you to reduce your risk and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… Alcoa shares have slumped 6% from $8.75 to $8.25 after they kicked off earnings season on Monday. Here’s the deal… AA’s revenue and earnings came in ahead of […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Deere & Company (DE)?
Deere & Company (DE) manufactures and services agriculture and forestry machinery. The company was founded in 1837 and is based in Moline, Illinois. DE has been riding high over the last few years. Their success stems from high prices for agricultural commodities like corn, soybean, and wheat. The high prices for these commodities have caused […]
Sectors To Watch: Public Sector Jobs Growth
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve noticed election year politics are starting to heat up. And the central issue for the majority of voters is jobs. As you know, the unemployment rate has been stuck at a stubbornly high level in the aftermath of the great recession. According to Gallup’s unemployment data, 8% of […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Acuity Brands (AYI)
Today we’re going to look at a stock replacement strategy on Acuity Brands (AYI). It allows you to lock in profits, reduce your risk, and gives you upside potential. Here’s what happened… AYI shares have jumped 19% from $50.50 to over $60.50 after its quarterly revenue and earnings beat Wall Street estimates. Here’s the deal… […]
Call Options or Put Options On EMC?
EMC develops, delivers, and supports the information and virtual infrastructure technologies and solutions. In essence, the technologies they make are the backbone of cloud computing. And cloud computing is one the biggest trends in tech right now. Why? Put simply, the cloud is a more efficient and less expensive way to manage and use technology. […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Apollo Group (APOL)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Apollo Group to get back to breakeven after a huge decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Apollo Group (APOL) reported fiscal third quarter earnings this week. The shares are up 10% to around $35.50 after earnings, but they’re down 39% from their 52-week high of $58.29. Here’s […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Under Armour (UA)?
Under Armour (UA) designs, develops, markets, and distributes for men, women, and youth worldwide. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. UA started by creating an entirely new type of athletic apparel. They call it performance apparel. It’s designed to provide compression and wick perspiration off your skin rather than […]
The Spread Trader: Bear Put Spread On United Parcel Service (UPS)
Last week we got more bad news on the state of the US economy. Five of the nine economic indicators came in weaker than expected. For instance, initial jobless claims and continuing claims both came in higher than expected… while housing starts and existing home sales fell short of expectations. But the one that was […]
Sectors To Watch: Health Care Stocks Paying Big Dividends
Health care stocks are hanging tough in a volatile market. So far this year, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) is up nearly 8%. And the ETF has tacked on 4.5% in the month of June alone. The strong performance isn’t a recent development. XLV has been trending steadily higher for more than three […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! Michael Kors (KORS)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on Michael Kors to reduce your cost basis and profit from the recent decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… Michael Kors (KORS) shares are down 9% from $42.50 to $38.74 after quarterly revenue, earnings, and outlook beat Wall Street estimates. Here’s the deal… The luxury clothing and […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Walt Disney (DIS)?
Walt Disney (DIS) is the largest entertainment and media company in the world. The company’s involved in just about everything fun. They have their hand in all types of media including movies, television, radio, print, video games, and the internet. They also have theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and sports complexes. And they even have […]
Speculator’s Corner: Cash In On Oil’s Next Surge
Oil speculators are nearly universally despised for their perceived role in soaring oil prices. But if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them. As you know, hedge funds and other institutional investors place huge bets on oil prices in the futures markets. But they don’t actually own any oil. They’re simply hoping […]
Stock Options To The Rescue! The Men’s Wearhouse (MW)
Today we’re looking at an option trade on The Men’s Wearhouse to reduce your cost basis and get back to breakeven after the recent decline in the stock. Here’s what happened… The Men’s Wearhouse (MW) shares are down 18% from $35.50 to $29 after quarterly revenue, earnings, and outlook fell short of Wall Street expectations. Here’s […]
Call Options Or Put Options On Lockheed Martin (LMT)?
Lockheed Martin (LMT) is a global security and aerospace company. They’re primarily a defense contractor for the US government. They also make satellites and do some work with Information Technology. But 61% of LMT’s sales are tied to defense. And they’re good at what they do… Lockheed makes some of the most amazing hi-tech equipment […]
Technical Analysis: Stocks Are In Danger Of A Major Selloff
Stocks have been bruised and battered by a barrage of negative news lately. The S&P 500 is down 10% from the bull market high of 1,422. And it’s in danger of falling much lower. You see, the S&P closed below a key technical support on Friday. And the last time the large cap index fell […]
