A regional bank gave a dreary outlook for an important figure
U.S. stocks have spent the day in positive territory thanks to strong earnings. Three names making the biggest moves are regional bank Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ:ZION), paint seller Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:SHW), and vehicle maker Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII). Here's a look at the shares of ZION, SHW, and PII.
Outlook Scares ZIONS Traders
ZION shares have gapped 6.5% lower to $42.27 following a poorly received quarterly update. In particular, the lender warned about its net interest margins, which are expected to struggle with the Fed likely moving interest rates lower -- something analysts covering small banks have warned about. Several bear notes have come in, with KBW cutting its view to "market perform" from "outperform" and trimming its price target to $47 from $52.
Short interest is significant on Zions Bancorp, accounting for 13 days' worth of trading, based on average daily volumes. The stock is down more than 21% in the past year, facing notable resistance from the 180-day moving average along the way.
SHW Sales Send Shares to New Record
SHW is one of the best stocks on the S&P 500 today, trading up 7% to $486.59, topping out at a record high of $492.26 earlier. Wall Street is cheering the company's second-quarter sales, and there's potential for upwardly revised analyst outlooks going forward. Right now, there are nine "hold" recommendations remain for Sherwin-Williams, and the average 12-month price target of $489.75 is in line with current levels.
While the equity's note a favorite of options traders, many may be betting on the shares rising more in the coming months. This is based on the observation that peak open interest sits at the September 500 call. On the put side, those holding the very popular weekly 7/26 450-strike put could be hurting, if they bought to open the contracts.
PII Quarter Has Stock Testing Breakout
PII shares are also making a big move after earnings, jumping 10.2% to $91.05. This comes after a four-day losing streak for the stock, as it now tries to head north out of a recent series of lower highs. A few points overhead sits the 320-day moving average, which stiffly blocked the early May breakout.
Despite some major volatility in recent years, most of those on Wall Street sport bullish views. By the numbers, seven of 11 brokerages recommend buying Polaris. At the same time, short interest is somewhat high, representing 6.5% of the total float.