Facebook Security Breach Sends Stock Spiraling

FB stock is on track for its worst quarter since 2012

Sep 28, 2018 at 2:11 PM
facebook twitter linkedin


The U.S. stock market is set to end a strong quarter on a positive note, as oil prices rise. Among individual names making notable moves are FAANG stock Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB), as well as shipping concerns CAI International Inc (NYSE:CAI) and Triton International Ltd (NYSE:TRTN). Here's a quick look at what's moving shares of FB, CAI, and TRTN.

FB Options Traders are Targeting Even More Downside

Facebook said a security breach allowed hackers to access the personal information of -- and potentially control -- up to 50 million accounts. The access was granted through the social media site's "view as" mode, with the company also resetting another 40 million accounts that had used the feature within the last 12 months.

In reaction, FB stock has swung 3% lower to trade at $163.83, bringing its quarterly deficit to 15.7%. This would mark Facebook's worst quarter since September 2012 -- due mostly to a massive earnings-induced sell-off in July. Plus, the stock's 40-day moving average recently emerged as stiff resistance, rejecting a rally attempt earlier this week.

Day traders have rushed to bet on bigger losses for FB stock through tonight's close. Amid accelerated options trading -- the roughly 428,000 options on the tape is 1.8 times the expected intraday amount -- speculators appear to be buying to open weekly 9/28 165-strike put for a volume-weighted average price of $0.80. If this is the case, breakeven for the put buyers $164.20 (strike less premium paid).

CAI Stock Breaches Key Trendline After Downgrade

Wells Fargo cautioned on risks to shipping stocks today, including trade. For CAI International, the brokerage firm lowered its rating to "market perform" from "outperform, while cutting its price target to $22 from $31. This is sending the shares down 11.9% to $22.42 -- below recent support at their 200-day moving average. CAI stock is now down 20.5% year-to-date.

Short sellers are likely cheering this move, even as they are sidelined today with CAI on the short-sale restricted list. Short interest rose 5.2% in the two most recent reporting periods to 1.18 million shares -- a healthy 7.3% of the stock's available float, or 9.2 times the average daily pace of trading.

Triton Stock Sinks After Rare Bear Note

Wells Fargo also downgraded Triton International to "market perform" from "outperform," while also slashing its price target by $9 to $35. TRTN stock has gapped 13.3% lower to trade at $32.46, sinking back below its 320-day moving average, which served as a ceiling in April.

The shares are now down 12.8% on the year, and more bearish brokerage notes could come down the pike. At last night's close, all five analysts maintained a "buy" or better rating on Triton stock, with not one "sell" on the books. Plus, the average 12-month price target of $42.60 is a 30% premium to TRTN stock's current price.

 

Minimize Risk While Maximizing Profits

There is no options strategy like this one, which consistently minimizes risk while maintaining maximum profits. Perfect for traders looking for ways to control risk, reduce losses, and increase the likelihood of success when trading calls and puts. The Schaeffer’s team has over 41 years of options trading success targeting +100% gains on every trade. Rest assured your losses are effectively limited to your initial cost at the time of making your move! Don't waste another second... join us right now before the next trade is released! 

 

300x250 - Banner 3 - v1