Invest When Big Uncertainties Go Away

Every company has some kind of uncertainty surrounding it at some point. The market doesn’t like uncertainty, and will likely price shares of a company with an uncertain outlook too low. It’s only when the market is certain about a company’s performance that shares will be priced for perfection. Many companies have seen uncertainties flare up, often from some kind of legal or regulatory issue that can weigh on the stock. The time to buy is when that uncertainty ends. For instance, ...
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Insider Activity Report: HighPeak Energy (HPK)

Jack Hightower, CEO and major holder of HighPeak Energy (HPK), recently bought 150,442 shares. The buy increased his position by less than 1 percent, and came to a total cost of $2.1 million. This buy follows up on a 500,000 share buy the CEO made back in September. Another major holder also bought $67 million of shares at the same time. Over the past two years, insiders have been massive and regular buyers of shares, with only a few insider sales. Overall, ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (IRWD)

Pharmaceutical developer Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (IRWD) is down 7 percent over the past year, but shares have been trending higher in recent weeks. One trader sees the potential for a big surge in shares in the coming months. That’s based on the April 2024 $15 calls. With 112 days until expiration, 5,172 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 158, for a 33-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.85 to make the bullish ...
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This Company May Enjoy a Seasonal Boost in the Coming Months

While the holiday season is over, the final data will take weeks to compile. Early information coming in indicates that consumers remained strong, and spending held up well. That’s good news for a number of companies, such as retailers. They have been laggards this year amid fears of a massive slowdown in consumer spending. Companies that supply retailers have also been underperforming, and may get a final boost in the months ahead as the final holiday sales data comes in. One potential ...
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Insider Activity Report: Dollar Tree (DLTR)

Mantle Ridge LP, a major holder of Dollar Tree (DLTR), recently added 738,862 shares. The buy increased the fund’s position by 7 percent, and came to a total cost of $99,281,000. This is the first insider buy since September, when a company director bought 1,650 shares, paying just under $174,000. DLTR shares are up about 30 percent since then. Company insiders have been mixed over the past two years, with buyers exceeding sellers. In total, DLTR insiders own 0.3 percent of ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Cipher Mining (CIFR)

Bitcoin mining data center operator Cipher Mining (CIFR) has been on a tear this year, with shares up nearly 700 percent. One trader sees a pullback playing out in the months ahead. That’s based on the June 2024 $2.50 puts. With 176 days until expiration, 3,418 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 104, for a 33-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $0.55 to make the bearish bet. Cipher shares recently traded just ...
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A Rotating Market Means Buying Underperforming Stocks Now

Stocks have had a strong year in 2023. But the past few weeks has seen stocks start to rotate. The big-cap tech stocks that dominated returns for most of the year are slowing down. Other sectors are starting to lead. That suggests that investors may fare well investing with companies that have been underperforming lately. They could see above-average returns, and help keep markets trending higher. One underperforming stock this year has been Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B). The conglomerate is up 16 percent compared ...
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Insider Activity Report: Baker Hughes (BKR)

William Beattie, a director at Baker Hughes (BKR), recently bought 4,000 shares. The buy increased the director’s stake by 30 percent, and came to a total cost of $89,368. This is the first insider buy since July 2022, when another company director bought 10,000 shares at a similar price. Otherwise, company executives have been regular sellers of shares, mostly following the exercise of stock options. Overall, Baker Hughes insiders own 0.1 percent of shares. The oil and gas equipment services company is ...
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