The most recent short interest data has been released by the NASDAQ for the 05/15/2014 settlement date, and we here at Dividend Channel like to sift through this fresh data and order the underlying components of the S&P 500 by "days to cover." There are a number of ways to look at short data, for example the total number of shares short; but one metric that we find particularly useful is the "days to cover" metric because it considers both the total shares short and the average daily volume of shares typically traded. The number of shares short is then compared to the average daily volume, in order to calculate the total number of trading days it would take to close out all of the open short positions if every share traded represented a short position being closed.
Shareholders of International Game Technology looking to boost their income beyond the stock's 3.5% annualized dividend yield can sell the January 2016 covered call at the $15 strike and collect the premium based on the 95 cents bid, which annualizes to an additional 4.6% rate of return against the current stock price (at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost), for a total of 8.1% annualized rate in the scenario where the stock is not called away. Any upside above $15 would be lost if the stock rises there and is called away, but IGT shares would have to climb 18.7% from current levels for that to occur, meaning that in the scenario where the stock is called, the shareholder has earned a 26.2% return from this trading level, in addition to any dividends collected before the stock was called.
International Game Technology (IGT) stock is slipping on Wednesday after the company slightly beat earnings estimates after warning of lower sales and profits in March.
Trade-Ideas LLC identified International Game Technology (IGT) as a "water-logged and getting wetter" (weak stocks crossing below support with today's range greater than 200%) candidate
Two analysts cut their target prices and earnings per share estimates on International Game Technology (IGT). UBS reduced its target price to $15 and set a "neutral" rating. The firm said downside is driven by product sales with market share pressure and decline in replacement sales. Credit Suisse reduced its target price to $12 and set an "underperform" rating given the company's new guidance.
Trade-Ideas LLC identified International Game Technology (IGT) as a "water-logged and getting wetter" (weak stocks crossing below support with today's range greater than 200%) candidate
Casino games developer International Game Technology (IGT) is plunging on Wednesday after management cut previously-issued earnings guidance and warned of a workforce reduction.
Even though it would be great if Yahoo! still owned 40% of Alibaba, its investors should thank their stars the old board didn't give the whole thing away.