Earnings Season Highlights

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A collection of noteworthy post-earnings reactions
Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
  • 5-Minute Market Rundown
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Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
  • Midday Market Check

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Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 11:05 AM
  • Buzz Stocks
  • Intraday Option Activity

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) stock is down 3.7% at $230.04 at last check after the company issued weaker-than-expected guidance for the current quarter. The e-commerce giant forecasts first-quarter sales between $151 billion and $155.5 billion, falling short of analysts’ $158.5 billion projection.

Despite the cautious outlook, Amazon’s fourth-quarter earnings and revenue exceeded expectations. The mixed report prompted a flurry of analyst activity, with at least 10 firms raising their price targets, while four lowered their projections. Rosenblatt and Deutsche Bank were among the most optimistic, setting targets at $287, while Wells Fargo took a more conservative stance, cutting its target to $207.

Options traders have jumped into the action, with more than 655,000 calls and 338,000 puts exchanged -- five times the intraday average volume. Positions are being opened at the most active contract, which is the weekly 2/7 235-strike call, with contracts expiring at the end of today’s session.

Despite today’s pullback, AMZN remains just below its Feb. 4 all-time high of $242.52. The security is finding support at its 20-day moving average and the $230 level, helping it hold onto a 5.2% year-to-date gain. Over the past year, Amazon stock has climbed an impressive 36%.

Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Updated on Feb 7, 2025 at 10:53 AM
  • Buzz Stocks

Citigroup downgraded Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) stock to "neutral" from "buy," and lowered its price target to $72 from $102, with the firm citing a disappointing meeting with the retailer's CEO. The stock is down 3% to trade at $69.59 at last glance, with Deutsche Bank chiming in with its own price-target cut to $77 from $84.

NKE is pacing for its third-straight loss, as well as its worst weekly performance since June. The security carries a 32.8% year-over-year deficit, and earlier gapped to a four-year low of $69.41, breaching a floor at the $70 region that contained its January pullback amid long-term pressure from its 100-day moving average.

Options volume is running at double the intraday average volume, with 38,000 calls and 30,000 puts exchanged so far today. The most active contract is the January 70 put, with new positions being opened there.

At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), NKE's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 2.32 ranks higher than 88% of readings from the past year. This indicates traders have been much more bullish than usual.

Regardless of direction, options are an attractive route. This is per the equity's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 28%, which stands in the 18th percentile of the last 12 months.

Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Updated on Feb 7, 2025 at 10:35 AM
  • Opening View
 
Published on Feb 7, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Updated on Feb 7, 2025 at 8:36 AM
  • Buzz Stocks
 
Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 4:28 PM
  • Market Recap
 
Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
  • Buzz Stocks

Video game giants Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:EA), Roblox Corp (NYSE:RBLX), and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ:TTWO) are filing in and out of the earnings confessional. Let's take a closer look at some of the results and overall market activity below.

Electronic Arts Reveals Buyback Plan

EA was last seen up 0.1% at $130.63 at last glance, after the company missed fiscal third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations on Tuesday and cut its full-year sales outlook. However, Electronic Arts also unveiled a $1 billion share buyback program that helped the stock score a 7.6% gain  -- its largest since May 2022. Shares shed 18.4% in the past three months, even though they are now distancing themselves from a Jan. 24, 52-week low of $115.21.

RBLX Pulls Back from Multi-Year Highs

Despite hitting multi-year highs in the previous session, RBLX is down 13.6% to trade at $65.24 at last check. Though the gaming concern saw smaller-than-expected losses per share for the fourth quarter, a revenue miss and dismal annuals bookings forecast are weighing today. RBLX could mark its worst single-day percentage loss since May, but added 115.4% in the last nine months.

TTWO Cools Before Earnings

Take-Two Interactive stock is taking a breather before the company reports fiscal third-quarter results after today's close. Shares were last seen down 0.7% at $183.69, with a long-term floor at $177 and sporting a 32.5% three month-lead. The Grand Theft Auto parent has a solid post-earnings track record, with shares finishing six of the last eight sessions higher. This time, the options pits are pricing in a 10% swing, regardless of direction, which is larger than the 5.5% move TTWO averaged in the last two years.

Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 11:40 AM
  • Midday Market Check

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Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 11:08 AM
  • Strategies and Concepts

Day trading -- the practice of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, options, or futures within the same trading day -- comes with a variety of advantages. It appeals to traders looking to capitalize on fast-paced market movements, offering both excitement and potential profits. However, success in day trading requires strategy, discipline, and risk management.

In this article, we explore the key benefits of day trading and why it continues to attract traders worldwide.

1. Quick Profits from Short-Term Opportunities

One of the most enticing aspects of day trading is the potential for rapid returns. Unlike long-term investments that may take months or years to mature, day traders operate within hours or minutes, capitalizing on price fluctuations.

According to a study by the University of California, around 1% of day traders consistently make profits, highlighting the importance of skill and strategy. In volatile markets, price swings can be significant, creating ample opportunities for profit. However, quick decision-making and a solid trading strategy are essential for success.

2. Flexibility and Freedom

Day trading offers the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it appealing for those seeking financial independence. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, traders set their schedules and have control over their trading hours.

However, while it offers freedom, successful day trading requires discipline, a structured routine, and continuous market monitoring.

3. Thriving on Liquidity and Volatility

Day trading thrives in environments where markets are both liquid and volatile.  
 
  • Liquidity ensures traders can buy and sell assets quickly without significantly affecting price levels. Stocks with high trading volume, like Apple (AAPL) or Tesla (TSLA), are favored by day traders.

  • Volatility creates price swings that allow traders to profit from small movements. However, high volatility also increases risk, making risk management crucial.

Navigating this space successfully requires a keen eye for market trends and an ability to act decisively.  

4. Leverage for Amplified Returns

Many day traders use leverage to increase their buying power, allowing them to trade larger positions with a smaller capital investment. This can amplify gains significantly.

For example, using a 4:1 leverage ratio, a trader with $10,000 can control $40,000 worth of assets. While this enhances profit potential, it also increases risk. Effective risk management strategies, such as stop-loss orders, are essential to mitigate potential losses. 

5. A Wide Range of Trading Opportunities

Day traders have access to various financial markets, including:

  • Stocks: Popular for momentum and breakout strategies.

  • ETFs: Provide diversification with less risk than individual stocks.

  • Forex: High liquidity and 24-hour trading appeal to many traders.

  • Futures & Options: Offer leverage and hedging opportunities.

This diversity allows traders to adapt to different market conditions and tailor strategies to their strengths.

6. Profiting in Any Market Condition

Unlike long-term investors who rely on rising markets, day traders can profit in both bull and bear markets. Strategies such as short selling allow traders to make money when prices decline.

For example, if a stock is expected to drop after disappointing earnings, a trader can short-sell the stock and profit from the price decline. This adaptability makes day trading a versatile option in various economic conditions. 

7. Lower Exposure to Overnight Risks

Holding stocks overnight exposes investors to after-hours market events, such as earnings reports or geopolitical developments, which can lead to unexpected losses. Since day traders close their positions by the end of the trading day, they avoid overnight risks.

8. Continuous Learning and Skill Growth

Day trading requires constant learning, which helps traders develop valuable financial market skills. Mastering technical analysis, market indicators, and trading psychology enhances decision-making and overall financial literacy.

9. Potential for Financial Independence

For skilled traders, day trading can become a full-time career, providing financial independence. While it demands dedication and discipline, those who refine their strategies and manage risk effectively can turn trading into a sustainable income source.

Risk Management: A Crucial Factor

While day trading offers significant benefits, it also carries substantial risk. To succeed, traders must employ effective risk management techniques:

  • Stop-Loss Orders: Automatically exits a trade when losses reach a predetermined level.

  • Position Sizing: Limits the amount of capital risked per trade.

  • Diversification: Avoids over-concentration in a single asset.

  • Emotional Control: Prevents impulsive decisions that can lead to losses.

Final Thoughts

Day trading presents exciting opportunities for quick profits, flexibility, and market adaptability. However, it requires discipline, skill, and risk management to succeed. While the potential rewards are high, so are the risks.

For those willing to invest time in learning and refining their strategies, day trading can be a dynamic and rewarding endeavor.

 
 
 
 
Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 10:19 AM
  • Intraday Option Activity
  • Buzz Stocks

Honeywell International Inc (NASDAQ:HON) announced plans to split into three independent companies following pressure from activist investor Elliott Management. The multinational conglomerate intends to separate its aerospace unit from its automation business and move forward with spinning off its advanced materials division.

Additionally, the blue-chip firm provided a lighter-than-expected 2025 forecast, projecting adjusted earnings between $10.10 and $10.50 per share, falling short of the FactSet consensus estimate of $10.92.

In response to the flurry of updates, HON was last seen 4.4% lower at $212.65, marking its lowest level since early November. The equity recently pulled back to its 200-day moving average, which previously contained a sharp late-October selloff near the $203 level. Honeywell International stock now carries a 5.7% year-to-date deficit.

The stock's typically quiet options pits are buzzing with activity today. So far, 11,000 calls and 2,966 puts have traded hands -- 5 times the average intraday volume -- with the March 240 call seeing the most action.

Published on Feb 6, 2025 at 10:13 AM
  • Buzz Stocks

Shares of semiconductor stocks Arm Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:ARM), Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:QCOM), and Skyworks Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:SWKS) are gapping lower after their respective earnings reports. Below, let's take a look at the results and the negative reactions.

Arm Misses on Revenue

ARM is down 3.8% to trade at $166.76 at last glance, after the company missed fiscal third-quarter revenue estimates and trimmed its full-year forecast. Nevertheless, nine analysts raised their price targets, including Rosenblatt Securities to $225 from $180. Shares still boast a 125% year-over-year lead, with support at their 20-day moving average poised to contain today's losses.

Drilling down to today's options activity, 45,000 calls and 36,000 puts have crossed the tape, which is five times the volume typically seen at this point. New positions are now being opened at the most popular contract, which is the weekly 2/7 170-strike call.

QCOM Brushes Off Bull Note

Qualcomm announced better-than-expected earnings and revenue for the fiscal first quarter, but unveiled a disappointing growth outlook for its patent licensing business. The stock was last seen down 5.1% to trade at $166.92, brushing off Deutsche Bank's price-target hike to $175 from $170. Today testing a floor at the $167 level, QCOM still added 20.5% in the last 12 months.

Overall options volume is today running at seven times the intraday average volume, with 32,000 calls and 25,000 puts exchanged. Most active is the weekly 2/7 170-strike call, where new positions are being opened.

SWKS Eyes Worst Day Ever

Underperforming its peers, SWKS is down a whopping 26.2% to trade at $64.26 at last glance, well on its way to its worst single-day percentage loss on record. While the firm beat profit estimates for the fiscal first quarter, its fiscal second-quarter forecast missed the mark. In the last 12 months, the stock shed more than 38%.

In response, Mizuho and Stifel downgraded the stock to "neutral" and "hold" from "buy" and "outperform," respectively, with Rosenblatt Securities mirroring the former. Shares also attracted at least eight price-target cuts, with both Susquehanna and  J.P. Morgan Securities lowering their objectives to $70 from $100. Brokerages are already leaned bearish prior to today, with 20 of 25 in coverage sporting a "hold" or worse rating.

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