SPI boasts a 402% year-to-date gain
The Dow is climbing today thanks to a big push from FAANG name Apple (AAPL). Three stocks making notable moves higher are video game maker Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), auto name Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), and alternative energy concern SPI Energy Co Ltd (NASDAQ:SPI). Here's a quick look at what's got the shares of EA, F, and SPI moving today.
EA Stock Riding Firestorm Trailer Hype
Earlier today, Electronic Arts released the trailer for its latest "Battlefield V" video game, Firestorm -- to rave reviews -- sending EA up 7.6% to trade at $104.38. Also boosting the stock today are numbers from SuperData revealing "Apex Legends" made $92 million in February, "the best launch month of any free-to-play game in history." EA stock is on track to topple its 160-day moving average, a trendline that has kept a lid on another "Apex Legends"-related breakout in mid-February.
Those wanting to speculate on the equity's short-term trajectory should consider options. EA's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 34% sits in the 23rd percentile of its annual range. This implies that near-term options are attractively priced at the moment, from a historical volatility perspective.
Plus, the stock's Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) stands at 87 out of a possible 100. This means EA has tended to make outsized moves over the last year, compared to what the options market had priced in -- a potential boon to premium buyers.
Ford Hires First Outside CFO Since 1949
Ford Motor has a new CFO, and it marks the first outside hire at the position since 1949. Tim Stone comes from Amazon and Snap, and will take over at the end of 2019. In response, Ford stock is up 1.5% to trade at $8.64, bringing its 2019 lead up to 12.8%. Still, F has churned below the $9 level for the past three months, with $8.20 providing a firm floor.
Perhaps a breakout could be aided by a shift in analyst attention. RBC already believes the hire could "lend some insight" into Ford's core business. But overall, nine of the 13 brokerages in coverage rate the equity a tepid "hold" rating. Plus, the stock's consensus 12-month price target of $9.51 is only a 10% premium to its current perch.
SPI Soars on Solar Project Buzz
One of the top stocks on the Nasdaq today is SPI Energy, up 63.6% to trade at $4.27, as the company nears the completion of a solar project acquisition in Greece. SPI earlier traded as high as $7.32, but is still on track for its highest close since early July. The stock has added 402% in 2019 alone, after spending most of 2018 in a channel of lower lows that culminated in a $0.60 bottom on Dec. 28.