Unusual Options Activity: Arbor Realty Trust (ABR)

Shares of mortgage REIT Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) have shed about 7 percent of their value in the past year. One trader sees the potential for shares to drop even further. That’s based on the January 2024 $10 puts. With 533 days until expiration, 7,631 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 129, for a 59-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $0.95 to make the bearish bet. Shares recently traded around $15, so ...
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This Cyclical Market Will Come Roaring Back with the Rest of the Economy

Some companies are slow and steady, like utility and telecom companies. But many, if not most, are cyclical. They tend to move higher with the economy, and lower when the economy slows. That can include everything from cars to entertainment services. It can also include many business service companies as well. One of the first things a company will cut back on during a slowdown is advertising. Over the long term, that may cost market share and customers. One company seeing a ...
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Insider Trading Report: Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN)

CD&R Investment Associates, a major holder of Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN), recently added 103,931 shares to their holdings. The buy increased the fund’s holdings by 0.7 percent, and came to a total purchase price just under $6 million. This marks the third buy from this fund so far this year. The other two prior buys have also been for about $6 million as well. A few company executives have been modest sellers of shares this year. Overall, company insiders own about ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Barclays PLC (BCS)

Shares of British-based international bank Barclays PLC (BCS) have shed about 20 percent in the past year, as fears of a global recession have been on the rise. One trader sees the possibility for a rebound by next spring. That’s based on the March $9 calls. With 226 days until expiration, 4,023 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 100, for a 40-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.53 to make the ...
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For the Best Market Returns, Follow the Demographics

Every dollar held by a consumer acts like a vote. And sometimes, consumers vote with their feet. The past few years has seen an acceleration to a trend that involves millions of Americans moving. For the most part, that’s meant a shift from more northern and colder climates to warmer ones. And a move from housing markets far above the national average to ones that are closer to the average, or even under it. The move towards the Gulf coast states, particularly ...
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Insider Trading Report: Huntington Bancshares (HBAN)

Gary Torgow, a director at Huntington Bancshares (HBAN), recently added 19,382 shares to his holdings. The buy increased his stake by 2.2 percent, and came to a total purchase price of just over $250,000. This is the first insider buy since April, when two other directors and the company President and CEO picked up shares. Going back over the past 3 years, insiders have been fairly active… although sellers have largely exceeded buyers. Overall, company insiders own about 0.9 percent of ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Caterpillar (CAT)

Shares of industrial equipment manufacturer Caterpillar (CAT) are down about 3 percent over the past year, but down 10 percent just since June. One trader is betting on a rebound in the coming months. That’s based on the October $220 calls. With 80 days until expiration, 28,242 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 162, for a massive 174-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $4.83 to get in. Shares recently traded for ...
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Invest With Companies Simplifying Now

In a bull market, companies will try all sorts of new ways to compete with each other. When times get tougher, companies that are quick to cut back to the basics are the most likely to keep their losses to a minimum. That’s especially true as smaller or more leveraged players end up dealing with steep losses or even bankruptcy. Companies that can simplify and streamline operations should be more focused and have higher profit margins as the market turns around. One ...
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