Insider Trading Report: B. Riley Financial (RILY)

Randall Paulson, a director at B. Riley Financial (RILY), recently added 52,500 shares to his holdings. The buy increased his stake by nearly 6 percent, and came to a total price of just over $2.7 million. That adds to a number of other insider buys at the company so far this year, from directors and executives alike. Over the past three years, insider buying has handily beat the occasional insider sale. Overall, insiders own 45.4 percent of shares. The financial conglomerate has ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Confluent (CFLT)

Shares of data streaming company Confluent (CFLT) have lost just over one-third of their value in the past year. One trader is betting that the trend will continue in the coming months. That’s based on the October $22.50 puts. With 77 days until expiration, 10,162 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 293, for a 35-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $2.05 to make the bet. Shares recently traded closer to $31. The ...
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Uncertain Post-Pandemic Trends Are Creating Buying Opportunities

Investors always have to contend with uncertainty. And while the world has changed thanks to the pandemic, it’s clear that some trends are heading back to pre-pandemic ways. One such way is with travel. Both air travel numbers and other data indicate that consumers still want to travel, even with the risks involved. Nevertheless, short-term economic fears are now potentially weighing on that recovery. But such fears often prove unfounded in time. For now, that may be creating a buying opportunity. One ...
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Insider Trading Report: Pitney Bowes (PBI)

James Fairweather, an EVP at Pitney Bowes (PBI), recently picked up 4,335 shares. The buy increased his holdings by just over 3 percent, and came to a total cost just under $15,000. The buy comes a few days after the company’s Chief Legal Officer picked up 3,013 shares, at a cost of about $10,000. Going back further, insider buys from directors and executives have far exceeded sales in the past three years. Overall, company insiders own 7.3 percent of shares. The freight ...
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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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