DKS recently rallied off its 160-day moving average
Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE:DKS) stock is up 1% to trade at $37.99 today, after receiving a price-target hike to $42 from $37 at Cowen -- in annual-high territory. While many of its retail sector peers toast upbeat quarterly reports, Dick's has had to wait for its turn in the spotlight. That wait is almost over, as Dick's reports second-quarter earnings before the open next Wednesday, Aug. 29.
Looking at DKS' earnings history, the shares have moved 11.1% the day after earnings, on average, regardless of direction, looking back eight quarters. However, following its May earnings report, DKS stock gained 25.8%. This time around, the options market is pricing in a 12.3% move for next Thursday's trading.
Looking at the charts, Dick's Sporting Goods stock is now within a point of its May 30 annual high of $38.99. The stock spent most of July pulling back from these levels, but has since rallied off its 160-day moving average. Overall, DKS sports a 32% lead in 2018, and is headed toward its fourth straight weekly win and its biggest monthly gain since November, up 11.2% in August.
The bull note today is DKS' second price-target hike this week, after Wedbush upped its stance to $38 from $37 on Tuesday. Despite the recent string of bullish attention, many analysts remain on the sidelines. Of the 17 brokerages covering DKS, 10 rate it a "hold" or "strong sell." Furthermore, the security's average 12-month price target of $39.29 is only slightly above its current perch. Another strong earnings surprise next week could fuel a round of upgrades or more price-target hikes.
A short squeeze could also provide more fuel for the stock's fire. Short interest increased by less than 1% in the most recent reporting period. However, these bearish bets still represent a healthy 16% of DKS' total available float, and six days of pent-up buying power, at the security's average pace of trading.