Unusual Options Activity: Riot Platforms (RIOT)

Shares of cryptocurrency mining company Riot Platforms (RIOT) have been cut in half over the past year, even with shares more than double off their recent low. One trader sees the current rally continuing. That’s based on the September $8 calls. With 221 days until expiration, 7,034 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 195, for a 36-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $1.96 to make the bullish bet. Shares recently went for ...
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Growing Market Share Makes for Big Return Potential

There are many ways that a company’s stock can rise over time. Its earnings can grow over time, indicating a more valuable company. Or the multiple that investors are willing to pay for a company can rise as well. In today’s economic uncertainty, companies that can grab increased market share are capable seeing their multiples rise over time. And chances are when the economy recovers, so too will earnings and profit margins. One company that’s faring well on the market share front ...
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Insider Trading Report: Beacon Roofing Supply Inc (BECN)

CD&R Investment Associates, a major holder of Beacon Roofing Supply Inc (BECN), recently added 107,185 shares. The buy came to a total cost just under $6 million, and increased the fund’s sake by about 1 percent. The fund last made a buy, also for about $6 million, back in October. Since then, one company division president started a 9,009 share stake, paying about $500,000. And one company EVP was a seller of shares back in November. Overall, company insiders own 0.4 ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Wayfair (W)

Shares of internet retailer Wayfair (W) are down 60 percent over the past year. One trader sees that trend continuing over the next few months. That’s based on the May $50 puts. With 105 days until expiration, 14,221 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 416, for a 34-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $5.05 to make the bearish bet. Shares recently traded for about $66, so they’d need to fall about 25 ...
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It’s All About Passing on Higher Costs to Customers

Wealthy investors tend to see inflation as a friend, not an enemy. Rising prices tend to benefit assets like stocks and real estate over time. Owning companies that can pass on all, or nearly all, of inflation’s higher costs can fare even better over time. When inflation subsides, higher prices remain in place, leading to better profits for investors. While there may be some headwinds now, great companies can be had for a reasonable value. One such company is McDonald’s (MCD). The ...
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Insider Trading Report: Uber Technologies Inc (UBER)

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, a director at Uber Technologies Inc (UBER), recently bought 250,000 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 181 percent, and came to a total cost of $5.145 million. This is the first insider buy since the company CEO bought 200,000 shares last May. Two insiders have been slight sellers of shares over the past year, but overall there has been little activity since the company went public. Insiders own 0.2 percent of the ride-sharing company. Shares have lost a quarter ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Macy’s (M)

Shares of department store chain Macy’s (M) are down about in-line with the overall stock market over the last year. One trader sees a further decline ahead. That’s based on the May $19 puts. With 105 days until expiration, 20,012 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 346, for a 58-fold jump in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $0.77 to make the bearish bet. Shares recently traded for about $23.50, so they’d need to fall ...
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Keep Investing in Companies Raising Prices as Inflation Remains High

Inflation rates are coming down off of a 40-year high. But they’re still far higher than average. The process will take time to fully play out. When it does, prices will remain higher than they are now overall. Companies that can raise prices and still maintain market share and their customer base will be just fine as this trend fully plays out. Some companies keep customers thanks to popular, low-priced products. Others are able to raise prices as there are few, if ...
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