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Stock Advice Thread

Would be nice for Jan to be up, James, despite all the negatives. I suspect Trump tries the Emergency situation to get his 5-6 billion for the wall, maybe that works and people can go back to work, that would help the market some for sure.

In re to helping the market.......agreement with China that results in lifting of tariffs. Of course, that's coming from a guy who recently initiated positions in names like MU and STM. I'm hoping they keep negotiating a while longer say I can get all my lines in place before agreement reached, lol.
 
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In re to helping the market.......agreement with China that results in lifting of tariffs. Of course, that's coming from a guy who recently initiated positions in names like MU and STM. I'm hoping they keep negotiating a while longer say I can get all my lines in place before agreement reached, lol.
What about NVDA in that space, thoughts?
 
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What about NVDA in that space, thoughts?

I do have some limited thoughts. I have to run out for an engagement for most of evening. I'll share some thoughts tomorrow/tomorrow evening. Have a pleasant evening.
 
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I'd be higher on BABA if the Chinese consumer wasn't feeling the effects of the trade war but the billions in stimulus seems like a game changer or if not, an act of desperation.
 
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Sold my CROX, must have had a senior moment buying a 150 PE stock. Bought a starter position in NSP.
 
Here’s a potential risky, low cost play.

HEXO is a Quebec based producer. Signed a 5 yr big contract with Quebec to supply recreation. Has a contract with Molson. And supposedly operated in the positive for a number of yrs now.

Going NYSE on the 23rd.

Probably won’t be a major player like CGC but might be a big short term play.



Kushco is risky, low cost option too.
 
What about NVDA in that space, thoughts?

Great company. Leader. Wall Street darling. Are in the Megatrend growth markets that all of us should want exposure to, including: Gaming, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence for healthcare, Data centers. Great management.

Why don't you see them in my portfolio at this moment?

1) I made a decision (bet) that AMD can take market share from NVDA; 2) Even with haircut from last year's highs, current valuation of $90 billion means they need to not disappoint with most recent quarter ended like they did last quarter; rumored that SoftBank, who is the 3rd or 4th biggest stockholder, is looking to lighten or divest of their position this year; fall of crypto-currency mining (was another growth trend that was driving last year's high).

I want to own NVDA, but I've made the decision to stay on the sidelines for now. I think there will be better visibility at a later date, and I wouldn't be surprised if NVDA trades withing a range (consolidates) for a bit, giving me a better feel for entry off of a longer base.

If I wanted in prior to Feb. 6th earnings release, I might look at a long straddle or long strangle option play.

Just my two cents, probably not worth a penny. :smiley:
 
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To update on the deployment of cash that I started on Jan. 9th: On Friday added to AMD and CRNT. Limit buy to add to STM was set too low, as the gap at open was not filled by EOD. Will try to add to STM tomorrow.

Still have cash and over the weekend decided I would transfer-in cash from "modern portfolio" theory account to the "individual stock picker" account. Accordingly, I am looking to add another 10 or so names. Here are some names that I've either decided to add soon or am currently watching/looking to add here and there as conditions warrant:

XLNX, ADSK, TTD, , TWLO, ZS, TEAM, SPLK, VEEV, SHOP, ANET, ABMD, INVA, ISRG, VRTX, BTAI, GMED, MDT, TRXC, JNJ, FIVN, GDOT, V, PYPL

Figured I better put some more "juice" in my portfolio to go with DATA and CGC, as pretty much everything else I picked-up are "special situation" plays. :smiley:
 
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To update on the deployment of cash that I started on Jan. 9th: On Friday added to AMD and CRNT. Limit buy to add to STM was set too low, as the gap at open was not filled by EOD. Will try to add to STM tomorrow.

As one might expect based on today's open, I was able to re-enter the limit buy on STM lower than what I'd missed on Friday. Buy order filled. Also added a little again to CRNT. In front of tomorrow afternoon's quarterly release, picked up some March Calls on XLNX with a strike price of $95 for $2.92.

Correction: Paid $2.92 on those calls.
 
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To update on the deployment of cash that I started on Jan. 9th: On Friday added to AMD and CRNT. Limit buy to add to STM was set too low, as the gap at open was not filled by EOD. Will try to add to STM tomorrow.

Still have cash and over the weekend decided I would transfer-in cash from "modern portfolio" theory account to the "individual stock picker" account. Accordingly, I am looking to add another 10 or so names. Here are some names that I've either decided to add soon or am currently watching/looking to add here and there as conditions warrant:

XLNX, ADSK, TTD, , TWLO, ZS, TEAM, SPLK, VEEV, SHOP, ANET, ABMD, INVA, ISRG, VRTX, BTAI, GMED, MDT, TRXC, JNJ, FIVN, GDOT, V, PYPL

Figured I better put some more "juice" in my portfolio to go with DATA and CGC, as pretty much everything else I picked-up are "special situation" plays. :smiley:
I think we missed TWLO but who knows?

Added to my long time V position recently but it's been flat. I'm a fairly new owner of SPLK and JNJ and hoping for more lower. The secular trend is much higher I think for those. Plenty of bargains after today. Might do a strangle option if I knew wtf that was. lol
 
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What’s the deal with STM? Should I buy in and why?

Should you buy in? I haven't a clue, lol. Don't take this wrong, but I know nothing of your investment time horizon, tolerance for risk, investment objective, etc., etc. I just make investment decisions for myself. :)

What's the deal with STM and why did I choose to start building a position recently?

First off, STM is in a position to benefit from the predicted explosive growth in smart sensors. The predicted growth in smart sensors is being driven by the growth in Electric Vehicles (electrification of the power train), Advanced Driver Assistance of Cars, Autonomous Driving, Smart Appliances, Smart Watches, Smart Speakers, Chips for Facial Recognition Technology (3D Imaging Sensors), Robotics/Factory Automation to increase efficiencies. etc.

For example, I've read that Electric Vehicles (EV) are projected to go from 1.5% of cars in 2106 to 22% by the end of 2022 and 58% by 2030. The chip content in EV is 3 times that of what's in a cars powered by a gas combustion engine. I've read that it's even more than triple for a premium electric car.

In a nutshell, recipient of growth from a Megatrend; while competition is and will be fierce, STM is very well positioned and has some first-mover advantage in the supply chain. The innovations have been made, and IMHO we are in the early stages of the acceptance phase of usage by the masses.

From my viewpoint, the current market valuation of around $12.5 billion ($14 per share) under values the company and makes a compelling argument that the market has swung too far in pricing-in all the recent negatives and cyclical nature of semiconductors. Given that the company is well-positioned to benefit greatly from the massive growth in smart sensors, combined with the current "value" proposition, I have concluded that I want to build a position now with the full understanding that it may take the market quite awhile (over a year) to catch-up to a more accurate current valuation (low $20's per share), and even more time to then see share appreciation from the growth in revenues and cash flow (think 3+ years).

I have the patience for this type valuation and currently out-of-favor play. Many people don't....it can be boring!

Oh, what are the negatives that chopped the Company's value in half?

-Semiconductor industry in down cycle/industry inventory concerns = pressure on all semiconductor stocks
-Slow order flows from China/China based worries (STM has number of customers in China)
-Phone supplier hit (STM is an Applie iPhone supplier)

It is my belief that the current valuation is a product of overly pessimistic sentiment that has priced-in an ugly 2019. I believe that we'll see an upturn in the industry during the 2nd half of 2019, and that today's price is a bargain bin valuation.

Another potential positive is that there is room for management to improve operating margins going forward. Combine increased operating margins with top-line growth generated by megatrend = the potential (within 5 years) to get back to and exceed the stock's all-time high back in 2000 of $54 a share.

**The above provides a glimpse into why I have decided to build a position in STM at current pricing. I am in no way advocating or suggesting that you or anyone else buy the stock. I am not a licensed securities representative, nor am I a registered investment advisor. I am an individual investor merely sharing why I made a decision for my own account. [smoke]
 
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Should you buy in? I haven't a clue, lol. Don't take this wrong, but I know nothing of your investment time horizon, tolerance for risk, investment objective, etc., etc. I just make investment decisions for myself. :)

What's the deal with STM and why did I choose to start building a position recently?

First off, STM is in a position to benefit from the predicted explosive growth in smart sensors. The predicted growth in smart sensors is being driven by the growth in Electric Vehicles (electrification of the power train), Advanced Driver Assistance of Cars, Autonomous Driving, Smart Appliances, Smart Watches, Smart Speakers, Chips for Facial Recognition Technology (3D Imaging Sensors), Robotics/Factory Automation to increase efficiencies. etc.

For example, I've read that Electric Vehicles (EV) are projected to go from 1.5% of cars in 2106 to 22% by the end of 2022 and 58% by 2030. The chip content in EV is 3 times that of what's in a cars powered by a gas combustion engine. I've read that it's even more than triple for a premium electric car.

In a nutshell, recipient of growth from a Megatrend; while competition is and will be fierce, STM is very well positioned and has some first-mover advantage in the supply chain. The innovations have been made, and IMHO we are in the early stages of the acceptance phase of usage by the masses.

From my viewpoint, the current market valuation of around $12.5mm ($14 per share) under values the company and makes a compelling argument that the market has swung too far in pricing-in all the recent negatives and cyclical nature of semiconductors. Given that the company is well-positioned to benefit greatly from the massive growth in smart sensors, combined with the current "value" proposition, I have concluded that I want to build a position now with the full understanding that it may take the market quite awhile (over a year) to catch-up to a more accurate current valuation (low $20's per share), and even more time to then see share appreciation from the growth in revenues and cash flow (think 3+ years).

I have the patience for this type valuation and currently out-of-favor play. Many people don't....it can be boring!

Oh, what are the negatives that chopped the Company's value in half?

-Semiconductor industry in down cycle/industry inventory concerns = pressure on all semiconductor stocks
-Slow order flows from China/China based worries (STM has number of customers in China)
-Phone supplier hit (STM is an Applie iPhone supplier)

It is my belief that the current valuation is a product of overly pessimistic sentiment that has priced-in an ugly 2019. I believe that we'll see an upturn in the industry during the 2nd half of 2019, and that today's price is a bargain bin valuation.

Another potential positive is that there is room for management to improve operating margins going forward. Combine increased operating margins with top-line growth generated by megatrend = the potential (within 5 years) to get back to and exceed the stock's all-time high back in 2000 of $54 a share.

**The above provides a glimpse into why I have decided to build a position in STM at current pricing. I am in no way advocating or suggesting that you or anyone else buy the stock. I am not a licensed securities representative, nor am I a registered investment advisor. I am an individual investor merely sharing why I made a decision for my own account. [smoke]



Right on. No problem. And thx for the analysis.

The vast, vast majority of my investment portfolio are mixed and varied funds. When I discuss about buying into companies like CGC, etc, it's a small portion of my overall portfolio. And, since I'm in on companies like CGC, I don't mind volatility/risk.......or being patient for long term plays.

STM sounds interesting. I've owned Micron for a while now as they tend to have the market cornered on microchips......still waiting for them to go off. Perhaps, I'll jump on STM at some point. Seems like I've got some time though. I'll be watching.
 
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Should you buy in? I haven't a clue, lol. Don't take this wrong, but I know nothing of your investment time horizon, tolerance for risk, investment objective, etc., etc. I just make investment decisions for myself. :)

What's the deal with STM and why did I choose to start building a position recently?

First off, STM is in a position to benefit from the predicted explosive growth in smart sensors. The predicted growth in smart sensors is being driven by the growth in Electric Vehicles (electrification of the power train), Advanced Driver Assistance of Cars, Autonomous Driving, Smart Appliances, Smart Watches, Smart Speakers, Chips for Facial Recognition Technology (3D Imaging Sensors), Robotics/Factory Automation to increase efficiencies. etc.

For example, I've read that Electric Vehicles (EV) are projected to go from 1.5% of cars in 2106 to 22% by the end of 2022 and 58% by 2030. The chip content in EV is 3 times that of what's in a cars powered by a gas combustion engine. I've read that it's even more than triple for a premium electric car.

In a nutshell, recipient of growth from a Megatrend; while competition is and will be fierce, STM is very well positioned and has some first-mover advantage in the supply chain. The innovations have been made, and IMHO we are in the early stages of the acceptance phase of usage by the masses.

From my viewpoint, the current market valuation of around $12.5 billion ($14 per share) under values the company and makes a compelling argument that the market has swung too far in pricing-in all the recent negatives and cyclical nature of semiconductors. Given that the company is well-positioned to benefit greatly from the massive growth in smart sensors, combined with the current "value" proposition, I have concluded that I want to build a position now with the full understanding that it may take the market quite awhile (over a year) to catch-up to a more accurate current valuation (low $20's per share), and even more time to then see share appreciation from the growth in revenues and cash flow (think 3+ years).

I have the patience for this type valuation and currently out-of-favor play. Many people don't....it can be boring!

Oh, what are the negatives that chopped the Company's value in half?

-Semiconductor industry in down cycle/industry inventory concerns = pressure on all semiconductor stocks
-Slow order flows from China/China based worries (STM has number of customers in China)
-Phone supplier hit (STM is an Applie iPhone supplier)

It is my belief that the current valuation is a product of overly pessimistic sentiment that has priced-in an ugly 2019. I believe that we'll see an upturn in the industry during the 2nd half of 2019, and that today's price is a bargain bin valuation.

Another potential positive is that there is room for management to improve operating margins going forward. Combine increased operating margins with top-line growth generated by megatrend = the potential (within 5 years) to get back to and exceed the stock's all-time high back in 2000 of $54 a share.

**The above provides a glimpse into why I have decided to build a position in STM at current pricing. I am in no way advocating or suggesting that you or anyone else buy the stock. I am not a licensed securities representative, nor am I a registered investment advisor. I am an individual investor merely sharing why I made a decision for my own account. [smoke]
Love your thinking “out loud” here, Dayton! I’m currently on the last duck hunt of the season, will read that list of stocks you’re considering next week when I’m not lashed by cold winds...too old for backwater boat rides, but still love the shooting and eating.
 
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Right on. No problem. And thx for the analysis.

The vast, vast majority of my investment portfolio are mixed and varied funds. When I discuss about buying into companies like CGC, etc, it's a small portion of my overall portfolio. And, since I'm in on companies like CGC, I don't mind volatility/risk.......or being patient for long term plays.

STM sounds interesting. I've owned Micron for a while now as they tend to have the market cornered on microchips......still waiting for them to go off. Perhaps, I'll jump on STM at some point. Seems like I've got some time though. I'll be watching.

Good deal! Thanks for the follow-up response!

I initiated a 1/2 position in Micron Technology (MU) on Jan. 9th. Just for clarification, different type of chip.

MU makes memory chips (DRAM and NAND). MU competes with Samsung in the memory chip space, as well as SK Hynix, Toshiba, etc.

STM competes with companies like NXP Semiconductors, Cypress Semiconductor, ON Semiconductor, MCHP, SLAB, etc.

Later on or tomorrow I'll share why I initiated MU----another one of those "boring", undervalued, out-of-favor plays that take patience. That's why we have CGC in our portfolio---to help us bide our time with the likes of MU, STM, etc. :smiley::sunglasses:
 
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Passing on.......

PALM BEACH, Florida, January 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

FinancialNewsMedia.com News Commentary

If the Internet of Things keeps growing at its present pace... we will "Need a bigger boat!" A recent review of the IoT by ZDNET, titled: "What is the IoT? Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things right now" made the following amazing statement: "Big and getting bigger -- there are already more connected things than people in the world. The term "IoT" has been with us since 1999 when Kevin Ashton coined the phrase, but "it took another decade for the technology to catch up with the vision. "The IoT integrates the interconnectedness of human culture -- our 'things' -- with the interconnectedness of our digital information system -- 'the internet." Ashton told ZDNET. They ZDNET article went on to say that: "... around 8.4 billion IoT devices were in use in 2017, up 31 percent from 2016, and this will likely reach 20.4 billion by 2020. Total spending on IoT endpoints and services will reach almost $2tn in 2017, with two-thirds Active Tech Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Trackloop Analytics Corp. (CSE:TOOL) (OTC:TLOOF), Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTC: GOPH), Splunk Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLK), International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM), Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL).

Another analyst puts worldwide spending on IoT at $772.5bn in 2018 -- up nearly 15 percent on the $674bn that will be spent in 2017. IDC predicts that total spending will hit $1tn in 2020 and $1.1tn in 2021. According to this 2(nd) analyst, hardware will be the largest technology category in 2018 with $239bn going on modules and sensors, with some spending on infrastructure and security. Services will be the second largest technology category, followed by software and connectivity." ZDNET sums up the direction of IoT devices, saying that: "The IoT promises to make our environment -- our homes and offices and vehicles -- smarter, more measurable, and chattier. Smart speakers make it easier to play music, set timers, or get information. Home security systems make it easier to monitor what's going on inside and outside, or to see and talk to visitors... and smart lightbulbs can make it look like we're home even when we're out.
 
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Alright, I'm gonna nibble this afternoon on 4 new names to initiate positions. Nibble = 1/6 of a full position.

ZS, TTD, TWLO, SPLK. I bought those March calls yesterday on XLNX (stock trading down 2% today) and not the shares as they report later today after the close.

Hoping to spend time tonight reading-up more on VEEV, SHOP, ZEN, COUP, GDOT, FIVN.........

Hoping others may chime in with their thoughts on some of these new names.

Correction: SHOP not SPOT
 
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The XLNX earnings release after the close was quite positive. Never have been one to place much weight on after-hours-trading, but it is nice to see the stock is trading up 9% at the moment.
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From Investors Business Daily:

Dow Jones Futures: These 3 Stocks Are Notable Earnings Movers — And Bullish For The Market Rally

Dow Jones futures edged lower late Wednesday, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures, after chip stocks Xilinx (XLNX), Lam Research (LRCX) and Texas Instruments (TXN) reported earnings late. Top-rated Xilinx stock soared, signaling a breakout, while Lam Research stock and Texas Instruments stock also rose. But those results also lifted other chip stocks, including Intel(INTC), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Applied Materials (AMAT) and Nvidia (NVDA) — ahead of Intel earnings Thursday night. That's a good sign for the stock market rally, as semiconductors usually participate in successful uptrends.

Stock Market Rally Update
The stock market opened higher Wednesday, rebounding from Tuesday's sell-off. The Dow Jones led the way, fueled by earnings-related gains in IBM (IBM), Procter & Gamble (PG) and United Technologies (UTX). But the major averages soon lost steam, all testing their 50-day moving averages again. But bulls regained control late in the day, with the Dow Jones closing up 0.7%, the S&P 500 index 0.2% and the Nasdaq composite 0.1%.

Xilinx Earnings Crush Views; Xilinx Stock Signals Breakout
Xilinx earnings soared 42% in the fiscal third quarter. Revenue leapt 34%, the fourth straight quarter of accelerating growth. The chipmaker also gave upbeat Q4 revenue guidance. Xilinx stock, a member of the IBD 50 and on the Leaderboard watch list, shot up 9.4% to 98 in late trading. That suggests Xilinx stock will clear a 95.28 cup base buy point at Thursday's stock market open.

Why Chip Stocks Matter To The Stock Market Rally
Semiconductors were stock market laggards in 2018, especially over the summer. That was a warning sign in what turned out to be a down year for Wall Street. Chip names often lead and almost always participate in a stock market rally.

Chip stocks collectively have a hefty market capitalization, especially in technology, So if chips are rolling, that'll have a notable market impact. Further, semiconductors are in virtually every tech product, from the Apple (AAPL) iPhone to data centers, not to mention everything from your car to your home appliances. If chip stocks aren't doing well, that could be a bad sign for their corporate customers. Notably, Apple chipmakers largely slumped in 2018, even as Apple stock hit record highs. Ultimately, Apple issued a pair of warnings that have pummeled the tech titan.

To stress once again, overnight action may not translate into daytime stock action. Intel earnings and guidance will be key for the chip sector as well.
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Chippy type day! That XLNX report after the close put some yeast on the stock price today. The stock has traded up to $107.55, which is a 20% pop from yesterday's close. One would think that given the short interest, today's action includes some covering.

STM reported this morning as well. Need to read and digest report.
 
Chippy type day! That XLNX report after the close put some yeast on the stock price today. The stock has traded up to $107.55, which is a 20% pop from yesterday's close. One would think that given the short interest, today's action includes some covering.

STM reported this morning as well. Need to read and digest report.
I have a question. What would be the point on holding these calls to expiration if the gain was made? If holding, why not buy the stock instead?
 
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I have a question. What would be the point on holding these calls to expiration if the gain was made? If holding, why not buy the stock instead?

Good question, and you're right. Recall, that I wanted to own the stock long-term, but with ER a couple days away, I felt like buying calls was the best approach to limit (cap) my downside exposure in case the market didn't like the report or guidance. As you know, each call gives me the right to buy 100 shares of the stock at the strike price ($95) at anytime up to expiration (March 15th).

Going in, I ultimately wanted to own 200 shares of XLNX as a long-term investment. I would typically scale in with the first purchase (up to 1/2 desired), and then add as the forward action guided me. Also, prior to today, the stock's chart reflected a pivot point of $95.18 for a breakout from the recent 33 day consolidation, giving the appearance of being a perfect candidate to both own for the long-term and to swing trade if it broke thru the pivot point on strong volume.

Given such, I bought more calls than I would need to get up to a full-position of shares for the long-term, i.e., sufficient calls to exercise by the expiration, and sufficient calls to sell for a nice trading profit should the stock breakout.

So yes, I've sold some (the excess) of the calls today (speculative profit), and I'll let the stock's on-going action guide me on what to do with the balance. Even though I want a long-term position in XLNX, I'm choosing not to exercise any contracts at the moment, as I like having the unused cash available in the account for the time being.

That's what make sense for me, given my objectives and investment style, etc. A different approach/answer can certainly be right for someone else, i.e., different objective, different time horizon, different investment styles, etc.
 
Alright, I'm gonna nibble this afternoon on 4 new names to initiate positions. Nibble = 1/6 of a full position.

ZS, TTD, TWLO, SPLK. I bought those March calls yesterday on XLNX (stock trading down 2% today) and not the shares as they report later today after the close.

Hoping to spend time tonight reading-up more on VEEV, SHOP, ZEN, COUP, GDOT, FIVN.........

Hoping others may chime in with their thoughts on some of these new names.

Correction: SHOP not SPOT

To update: I did initiate the 1/6 position in ZS, TTD, TWLO & SPLK yesterday afternoon.

I have not been able to complete my reading on VEEV, SHOP, ZEN, COUP, GDOT, FIVN.

I'm itching to initiate VEEV soon.......self-control/discipline always a challenge when wanting to buy!
 
Alright, the itch got me. Put in a limit order to nibble on VEEV and SHOP. If they hold thru the close, won't be filled. (Gotta get that reading done tonight).

Also put in orders to nibble some more on ZS, SPLK.

Bought some 48 Feb. calls on CGC as a speculative trade, or to have in case I trade out of some shares should we get a breakout move from the current consolidation. (I really like the way the tight consolidation has developed over last 7 trading days---staying within upper half and/or just above the body of that Jan. 14th candle). Setting up nicely and would love to see a nice push on through the 44.50 area first and then just blast through that resistance level at 46.62 - 46.72 area on a volume surge.

Lastly, decided to pick-up KEYS as a trade (8% stop).
 
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Holy crap, Dayton.

I don't understand 90% of what you're saying but my goodness is it refreshing. Certainly challenges me to learn more and more......keep it up....
 
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Holy crap, Dayton.

I don't understand 90% of what you're saying but my goodness is it refreshing. Certainly challenges me to learn more and more......keep it up....

Haha, thanks. Also, I want to say "thank you" to all those here, as y'all have been very welcoming and kind. This forum gives me a place to record my thoughts out loud (one needs to always review and reflect on what the hell were they thinking, lol), get feedback and insight from others, etc. I'm a lone wolf so to speak, so it can be very refreshing to exchange posts here with you and the others.

Don't think that I don't realize that I'm the "newbie" here on this thread and I hope the frequency of my posting hasn't rubbed any of the regulars the wrong way. I think putting it out as I do it gives me a chance to receive constructive criticism, challenging questions, and a record of when trades go wrong.

Speaking of which, I'm reviewing whether to lighten-up on the MYGN, ZG and DLR that I originally purchased back on Jan. 9th. I opened each with 1/2 position. Thinking I'll scale back on them soon. Need to study and review those three, as there are lots of others out there looking ripe for a move.
 
Good question, and you're right. Recall, that I wanted to own the stock long-term, but with ER a couple days away, I felt like buying calls was the best approach to limit (cap) my downside exposure in case the market didn't like the report or guidance. As you know, each call gives me the right to buy 100 shares of the stock at the strike price ($95) at anytime up to expiration (March 15th).

Going in, I ultimately wanted to own 200 shares of XLNX as a long-term investment. I would typically scale in with the first purchase (up to 1/2 desired), and then add as the forward action guided me. Also, prior to today, the stock's chart reflected a pivot point of $95.18 for a breakout from the recent 33 day consolidation, giving the appearance of being a perfect candidate to both own for the long-term and to swing trade if it broke thru the pivot point on strong volume.

Given such, I bought more calls than I would need to get up to a full-position of shares for the long-term, i.e., sufficient calls to exercise by the expiration, and sufficient calls to sell for a nice trading profit should the stock breakout.

So yes, I've sold some (the excess) of the calls today (speculative profit), and I'll let the stock's on-going action guide me on what to do with the balance. Even though I want a long-term position in XLNX, I'm choosing not to exercise any contracts at the moment, as I like having the unused cash available in the account for the time being.

That's what make sense for me, given my objectives and investment style, etc. A different approach/answer can certainly be right for someone else, i.e., different objective, different time horizon, different investment styles, etc.
I appreciate the time you took to answer but I still don't understand the strategy of many options trades vs other option trades vs buying the common stock. I don't have a finance background so I have a similar issue with preferred vs common stock. I understand the relatively simple math of calls, puts, spreads and such but the other strategies and timing of each are a puzzle. The why I get. The level of risk basically vs owning or shorting stock. The right option to choose is not so clear to me. There's a time and place for everything though.
 
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Alright, the itch got me. Put in a limit order to nibble on VEEV and SHOP. If they hold thru the close, won't be filled. (Gotta get that reading done tonight).

Also put in orders to nibble some more on ZS, SPLK.

Bought some 48 Feb. calls on CGC as a speculative trade, or to have in case I trade out of some shares should we get a breakout move from the current consolidation. (I really like the way the tight consolidation has developed over last 7 trading days---staying within upper half and/or just above the body of that Jan. 14th candle). Setting up nicely and would love to see a nice push on through the 44.50 area first and then just blast through that resistance level at 46.62 - 46.72 area on a volume surge.

Lastly, decided to pick-up KEYS as a trade (8% stop).

Well, as one might expect, the limit buy orders on VEEV and SHOP were not filled. Will need to revisit today, especially VEEV as I want to own them going forward.

I did end up adding a little to the following positions yesterday: DATA, ZS, SPLK. New (trading) position as mentioned was filled at market: KEYS

When I bought the CGC 48 Feb 15 CALLS yesterday, I did so thinking we were a few days away (i.e., early next week) from giving a go at the overhead resistance. Figured I'd go ahead and add them instead of waiting another day or two. If today's trading follows this morning's pre-market action, we may be knocking on the that 46.62 - 46.72 resistance area here real soon, lol. Given the high short interest in the stock, with a strong push through resistance and into 47's on strong volume could result in a flurry of short covering that takes us higher. 7 days of consolidation.....prefer a few more days, but let's see what happens. CGC is fun stuff!!
 
Just went ahead and took down some profit on CCG when it hit 48.55. Sold 1/2 those CALLS bought yesterday for 140% profit. Letting the other 1/2 ride for a bit. Also took some profit on 40% of the shares first bought on Jan 9th and then added to the following week.
 
Just went ahead and took down some profit on CCG when it hit 48.55. Sold 1/2 those CALLS bought yesterday for 140% profit. Letting the other 1/2 ride for a bit. Also took some profit on 40% of the shares first bought on Jan 9th and then added to the following week.


Good call. I was going to sell off half myself if it crossed 50. I think it'll yo-yo a few more times before the hemp industry starts to pick up the pace towards the end of the yr.
 
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