Publications

11/1/12 Trade Alert: Medical Technology Two-Timer

A European regulatory approval is the next big catalyst for this familiar medical-device company. Plus a vertical roll and a two-time gunslinger.
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11/1/12 Trade Alert: Medical Technology Two-Timer

1. Sell Put Credit Spread on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) “Buy to Open” February $34 Put and “Sell to Open” February $40 Put Option Symbols: MDT130216P34 and MDT130216P40 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $1.05 or more ($105 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Neutral to slightly bullish Options for Income Portfolio: Conservative Income Margin […]… Read More

10/25/12 Trade Alert: Testing, Testing

Takeover rumors swirl around this medical testing company, but its stable cash flows and shareholder-friendly stock repurchases make the company a good investment regardless.
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10/25/12 Trade Alert: Testing, Testing

1. Sell Put Credit Spread on Laboratory Corp of America (NYSE: LH) “Buy to Open” February $77.50 Put and “Sell to Open” February $85 Put Option Symbols: LH130216P77.5 and LH130216P85 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $2.40 or more ($240 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Neutral to slightly bullish Options for Income Portfolio: […]… Read More

10/24/12 Weekly Briefing: Comparing VIX Exchange-Traded Products

With stock market volatility rising off of five-year lows, betting on increased volatility is a wise move. Besides VIX options, several VIX ETFs and ETNs are available to get the job done…. Read More

10/19/12 Trade Alert: Two Gunslinger Meltdowns and Two Rolls

1. Roll Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP) to January “Buy to Close” October $45 Put and “Sell to Open” January $45 Put Option Symbols: TAP121020P45 and TAP130119P45 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $1.60 or more ($160 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Bullish Options for Income Portfolio: Conservative Income Approximate margin requirement per contract: […]… Read More

10/18/12 Trade Alert: Feeding the World is Corny

1. Sell Put Credit Spread on Monsanto (NYSE: MON) “Buy to Open” January $77.50 Put and “Sell to Open” January $85 Put Option Symbols: MON130119P77.5 and MON130119P85 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $1.50 or more ($150 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Neutral to slightly bullish Options for Income Portfolio: Conservative Income Margin […]… Read More

10/11/12 Trade Alert: Permian Power Play

1. Sell Put Credit Spread on Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY) “Buy to Open” February $70 Put and “Sell to Open” February $77.50 Put Option Symbols: OXY130216P70 and OXY130216P77.5 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $1.95 or more ($195 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Neutral to slightly bullish Options for Income Portfolio: Conservative Income […]… Read More

10/3/12 Trade Alert: Second Try

Seasonality remains positive, so here goes a second attempt at gaining exposure to this rock-solid money manager.
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10/3/12 Trade Alert: Second Try

Sell Put Credit Spread on BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) “Buy to Open” January $155 Put and “Sell to Open” January $165 Put Option Symbols: BLK130119P155 and BLK130119P165 Limit Order Price: Net credit of $2.05 or more ($205 per spread) Directional View for Underlying Stock: Neutral to slightly bullish Options for Income Portfolio: Conservative Income Margin requirement […]… Read More