dividend posts
FeedPosted Nov 9th 2010 2:00PM by Elizabeth Harrow (RSS feed)
Filed under: Yamana Gold (AUY), Options, Technical Analysis, Commodities

Gold futures have continued their quest for
all-time highs today, and options players are reacting by opening new bullish bets on stocks within the precious metals sector. One such equity is Yamana Gold (
AUY), which saw call volume ramp up to more than double its daily average by midday.
Within the first couple hours of the session, about 24,000 calls changed hands on AUY, easily outstripping its average daily volume of roughly 11,000 calls. The most active strike today is AUY's January 2011 15 call, with 4,079 contracts trading. The majority of these calls traded at the ask price, indicating they were most likely purchased. Not far behind is AUY's April 2011 20 call, where 2,774 contracts crossed the tape -- 78% at the ask price.
Continue reading Call Volume Surges on Yamana Gold
Posted Nov 4th 2010 12:50PM by Brent Archer (RSS feed)
Filed under: Altria Group (MO), Options, Technical Analysis

Altria (
MO -
option chain) shares are rising to a new 52-week high today of $26.15, up more than 20% from the stock's summer low. Altria has been moving steadily higher for the past four months, hitting new yearly highs with great frequency during that time. If you purchased MO in late June, the stock boasted a 7% annual yield, which has decreased as the stock price advanced. However,
the company boosted its dividend recently to 0.38 per quarter, which at today's stock price is still good for 5.8% annually. To lift that adjusted dividend rate even higher, consider a hedged trade on MO where you can lower your basis by selling options.
MO opened this morning at $25.93. So far today the stock has hit a low of $25.83 and a high of $26.15. As of 12:15, MO is trading at $26.10 up 0.34 (1.3%). The chart for MO looks bullish and
S&P gives MO a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.
Continue reading Altria Shoots to New 52-Week High
Posted Oct 15th 2010 1:20PM by Brent Archer (RSS feed)
Filed under: Major Movement, Good news, Options, Technical Analysis
Reynolds American (RAI - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced several pieces of news this morning. RAI said its board has approved a 2-for-1 stock split as well as a 10% hike in its quarterly dividend to 49 cents per share from 45 cents per share on a split-adjusted basis. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on RAI.
RAI opened this morning at $60.63. So far today the stock has hit a low of $60.60 and a high of $61.82. As of 11:24, RAI is trading at $61.73 up 1.76 (2.9%), which is a huge move for this conservative, income stock. The chart for RAI looks bullish and S&P gives RAI a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.
Continue reading Reynolds American Increases Dividend, Announces Stock Split
Posted Sep 30th 2010 12:00PM by Elizabeth Harrow (RSS feed)
Filed under: Good news, Management, BP p.l.c. ADS (BP), Options, Technical Analysis
Oil major BP (BP) could restore its dividend as soon as the first quarter of 2011, according to new CEO Bob Dudley. Speaking on BBC television today, Dudley explained, "The board will get together and talk before the end of the year about restoring a dividend in some form in the first quarter."
The new chief executive went on to clarify, "It's obviously for the board to decide," but added, "I believe we will get there." Dudley also said that he's comfortable with the amount of funds set aside to cover BP's liabilities stemming from the catastrophic Gulf of Mexico spill. "Generally, we're in, I think, good shape," he stated.
Continue reading New BP Chief Says Dividend Will Return in 2011
Posted Sep 15th 2010 9:30AM by Steven Mallas (RSS feed)
Filed under: Microsoft (MSFT), Technology
I'm underwater on my Microsoft (MSFT) position. I made some initial purchases earlier in the year at higher prices. Yesterday, I decided to buy more to improve my cost basis. It still isn't that great; my average cost per share is over $29. But I may buy more, and I may sell some covered calls against the position to further improve the basis (assuming I can find appropriate premiums).
Why did I buy more of the software behemoth? Was it because of the new blockbuster Xbox 360 game Halo: Reach? Not a chance. Even though the title will sell a ton of copies, it doesn't constitute a trade-worthy catalyst. It just won't have enough of a financial effect.
Continue reading Was Buying Microsoft the Right Move?
Posted Sep 14th 2010 3:30PM by Tom Taulli (RSS feed)
Filed under: Apple Inc (AAPL), Cisco Systems (CSCO)

Back in the 1990s, Cisco (
CSCO) was a classic growth company. It benefited tremendously from the dot-com boom and offered high-margin products. At the same time, the company was savvy in juicing growth with lots of acquisitions.
But with revenues of $40 billion, it's getting tougher to get traction on the top-line (the long-term goal is to hit 12% of annual growth). True, large acquisitions can help -- but the price tags are often at premium valuations.
Continue reading Cisco Goes for a Dividend
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