EARN25

Seagate Stock's a Steal Before Earnings

STX's 30-day moving average has been supportive in recent years

Oct 18, 2019 at 11:40 AM
    facebook X logo linkedin


    Seagate Technology PLC (NASDAQ:STX) stock rallied hard off its early August lows near $42, eventually topping out at an annual high of $57.20 on Sept. 18. The shares have since consolidated some of these gains, but are trading near a trendline that's had bullish implications in the past -- suggesting a rally to new highs could be on the short-term horizon for STX.

    Specifically, the shares have pulled back near their 30-day moving average, which has served as reliable support over the past three years. According to data from Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, following the five previous run-ins with this moving average, STX stock averaged a one-month gain of 5.8%, with 80% of those returns positive. From its current perch at $54.95, another move of this magnitude would put the shares above $58 for the first time since July 2018.

    Options traders have already been positioning for more STX upside. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), the stock's 10-day call/put volume ratio of 2.58 ranks in the 93rd annual percentile, meaning calls have been bought to open over puts at an unusually quick clip.

    Analysts, on the other hand, have been more skeptical of the data storage specialist. Despite Seagate Technology stock's 42.5% year-to-date gain, 14 covering brokerages maintain a "hold" or worse rating, compared to three "buy" or betters. Plus, the average 12-month price target of $50.11 is a nearly 9% discount to the security's current perch. A round of upgrades and/or price-target hikes could create tailwinds for STX.

    And even with Seagate Technology earnings due out before the market opens on Friday, Nov. 1, short-term options are still pricing in relatively tame volatility expectations at the moment -- making it an attractive time to buy options premium. This is per the stock's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 38%, which ranks in the 23rd percentile of its 12-month range.

    stx stock daily price chart on oct 18

     

    You Don’t Need 25 Alerts -- You Need ONE You Can Trust!

    That’s the idea behind Trade of the Week, Schaeffer’s newest trade alert.

    Every Monday morning before the opening bell, you’ll receive a single, expertly researched trade recommendation -- built from the same proprietary research we’ve been using for over four decades.

    It’s not just a signal.

    It’s a plan designed for traders who are tired of jumping from alert to alert without ever finding their edge.

    No juggling alerts. No switching directions mid-week. Just one clear, expertly researched trade idea -- delivered before the market even opens.

    👉 JOIN RIGHT NOW FOR JUST $1 TO GET THE NEXT TRADE!