One company announced the immediate departure of its CEO today
Stocks are pushing modestly higher this afternoon, as investors take a cautious approach to tomorrow's U.S.-North Korea summit. However, some individual stocks making big moves today include car manufacturer Adient PLC (NYSE:ADNT), data storage concern Seagate Technology PLC (NASDAQ:STX), and exercise name Planet Fitness Inc (NYSE:PLNT). Below, we will take a closer look at how shares of ADNT, STX, and PLNT are trading on the charts.
ADNT Plunges After CEO Resigns
ADNT stock is 17% lower to trade at $47.45 -- just off an annual low of $47.03, and pacing for its worst day ever -- after the company announced the resignation of CEO Bruce McDonald, effective immediately. Adient also slashed its full-year profit forecast for the third time. Today's price action is just more of the same, with ADNT down 40% year-to-date.
In reaction, RBC cut its price target on ADNT to $55 from $64 -- and more bear notes could come down the pike. While three of 12 analysts still maintain a "strong buy" rating on the stock, the average 12-month price target of $60.45 is a 27.3% premium to current trading levels.
Susquehanna Boosts Seagate Technology Price Target
Seagate Technology stock is up 3.8% at $58.11, after a price-target hike to $58 from $55 at Susquehanna. STX has picked up nearly 90% over the past nine months thanks to strong support from its 120-day moving average, and is now trading near its mid-April three-year high of $62.70.
Analyst sentiment is not optimistic, however, with 18 out of the 21 firms following the stock currently sporting "hold" or worse ratings. This suggests that STX could be in store for a round of upgrades, which could draw more buyers to the table.
Looking at options data, Seagate Technology stock's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 1.61 ranks in the lofty 73rd percentile of its annual range. In other words, options traders are more put-heavy than usual among contracts set to expire in three months or less. This could also create tailwinds, as the hedges related to these bets unwind.
Outperforming PLNT Stock Surges to Fresh High on PT Hike
Planet Fitness stock has been on a tear for years, and today is getting a boost after Cowen and Company raised its price target to $50 from $45. As a result, PLNT is trading up 1.1% at $43.60, fresh off a record high of $44.24.
Part of the recent upside has likely come as a result of a recent round of short covering. Short interest fell 16% during the past two reporting periods, and now represents nearly 6% of the stock's total available float. At PLNT's average daily trading volume, it would take just over three days for shorts to buy back their bearish bets.
Those wanting to bet on more upside for PLNT shares may want to consider options. The equity currently sports a Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 27%, which ranks in the 11th percentile of its annual range. This suggests that near-term options are pricing in relatively low volatility expectations at the moment, which could help maximize the benefit of leverage for premium buyers.