Dismal Sales Warning Has Retail Stock Spiraling to New Lows

Hibbett will unveil its full quarterly earnings report on Aug. 18

Managing Editor
Jul 24, 2017 at 10:09 AM
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U.S. stocks are trading mixed ahead of a busy week of earnings. Among specific equities in the news are oil services giant Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL), retailer Hibbett Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ:HIBB), and biotech stock Genocea Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:GNCA). Here's a quick look at what's moving shares of HAL, HIBB, and GNCA.

Earnings Beat Can't Save Halliburton Stock 

Halliburton stock was up 2% at the open, after the company reported adjusted profit of 23 cents per share on $4.96 billion in sales -- exceeding analysts' expectations. Nevertheless, the shares have since swung 2.7% lower to trade at $43.19. It's been a tough year for HAL stock, which is down 20% year-to-date, with last week's rally attempt quickly halted by its 80-day moving average.

Nevertheless, analysts have remained confident in HAL stock. Of  the 22 brokerages covering HAL shares, 18 rate it a "strong buy." Continued technical struggles could have analysts re-evaluating their upbeat outlooks.

Same-Store Sales Warning Has HIBB Stock Reeling

Hibbett Sports shares are down 26.6% to trade at $14.45 -- earlier hitting an eight-year low of $14.20 -- after the company said it expects second-quarter same-store sales to fall by roughly 10%, and will likely record a per-share loss of 19 cents to 22 cents for the period. HIBB stock is now staring at a stiff 61% year-to-date deficit.

Although the security is short-sale restricted today, short sellers have been betting on more downside recently. Short interest jumped 30% in the two most recent reporting periods, and now accounts for 22.5% of HIBB's available float. Hibbett Sports is scheduled to report earnings the morning of Friday, Aug. 18.

Positive Drug Data Has Genocea Stock Climbing

Genocea Biosciences stock is up 9.1% to trade at $5.51, after the company reported its GEN-003 drug for genital herpes achieved positive results for its mid-stage trials. GNCA stock has been reeling since topping out at an annual high of $7.29 on April 25, and is now trading north of its 40-day moving average -- a trendline that served as a stiff ceiling for the shares in mid-May and early June.

These recent technical struggles have likely been exacerbated by a sharp rise in short interest. These bearish bets increased by 41% during the last reporting period, and now account for nearly one-fifth of the stock's total available float.

 

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