This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies. We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

Alibaba (BABA) - a Stock to Buy Following Earnings

Alibaba’s earnings came in ahead of expectations and, as per MarketWatch, three analysts have revised up their price targets since. Take a look at the following article which discusses how the Coronavirus might alter consumer behavior to Alibaba’s benefit - Alibaba's Looking For Black Swan Opportunities, and also check out this article published by Zack’s which breaks down the earnings report - Alibaba Surpasses Q3 Earnings & Revenue Estimates.

Earlier this year, BABA scaled above the 2018 high of $212 to trade at a fresh record high. There was a correction since, however, the price action over the past few weeks shows the stock regaining some momentum and holding above the prior high which is now viewed as support. Further, the 50-day moving average comes into play and held the stock higher on a dip earlier this month. A rally above recent highs at $226 can offer confirmation of a bullish continuation while it would take a sustained drop below $212 to alter the near-term bullish view.

If you agree there's further upside ahead for BABA, consider this trade which is a bet that the stock will continue to advance over the next five weeks, or at least a little.

Buy To Open BABA 20MAR20 215 Puts (BABA200320P215)
Sell To Open BABA 20MAR20 220 Puts (BABA200320P220) for a credit of $2.20 (selling a vertical)

This price was $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when BABA was trading near $220. Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will only be $1.30 per spread. Each contract would then yield $218.70 and your broker would charge a $500 maintenance fee, making your investment $281.30 ($500 – $218.70). If BABA closes at any price above $220 on March 20, both options would expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 78% (890% annualized).

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run. Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading.