Barracuda Networks Inc (CUDA) has moved higher in the sessions after earnings for three quarters in a row
Cybersecurity specialist Barracuda Networks Inc (NYSE:CUDA) is gearing up to report its fiscal third-quarter earnings after the close on Monday. The stock has been a strong performer over the past year, adding more than 137% from its January annual low. Analysts and traders seem to be betting on more gains ahead, too, which would be little surprise, given the company's recent history of post-earnings breakouts.
Specifically, CUDA has made a move higher in the session following its earnings report for the past three quarters in a row. That's no guarantee, of course. After all, the stock moved to the downside in the post-earnings sessions for at least five consecutive quarters before that. In either case, the shares tend to make some hefty post-earnings moves, averaging a swing of 17.4% in either direction in the session subsequent to reporting over the past eight quarters.
The analyst community has largely been in CUDA's bullish corner, with nine out of 14 brokerage firms giving the equity a rating of "buy" or better. Traders appear to agree. Short interest on CUDA has been steadily falling since the stock peaked last October, with these bearish bets now representing just 2.3% of the equity's total float. Of course, all this optimism also means there is plenty of room for bears to pile on, should CUDA's upcoming earnings disappoint.
Despite their long-term success, the shares have pulled back to support at their 160-day moving average since hitting an annual high in mid-October. Moreover, in recent weeks, Barracuda Networks Inc (NYSE:CUDA) has been running into trouble at the $23 level, which corresponds with the 50-day moving average -- hinting at potential double-barreled resistance. At last check, the shares are off 0.4% at $22.41.
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