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FedEx's Report Was Soft, but the Guidance Isn't Bad

It is likely that value buyers will be looking for entry soon as the stock tests the $240 area.
Comments

The indices are following Asian markets higher this morning as the latest round in the trade war with China fails to scare investors. This news is not unexpected but the bounce occurred so quickly that the dip buyers never had a chance to do much buying.

While the indices are positive, there continues to be quite a bit of anemic action in individual stocks. There are 115 new 12-month lows compared to 80 or so new 12-month highs, but breadth is a bit better this morning with around 4000 gainers to 2500 decliners.

FAANG stocks are leading the charge in the indices with Apple (AAPL) doing some heavy lifting with a gain of 1.5%. The pot sector is still very active with Tilray (TLRY) squeezing shorts into the stratosphere.

Biotechnology is seeing some bounce with Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) making a big move on good data for a drug that treats fatty liver disease. The data was very strong and I'll be looking for entry points as this develops. I sold down more than half my shares premarket around $25 and have rebought a small amount this morning under $20.

On the downside this morning is Fedex (FDX) . The company missed earnings estimates by $0.36 but it did raise FY2019 estimates slightly due to the strong economy. The company expressed some concern about the impact of the trade war on their business as supply chains are likely to shift. Also, the company had higher employment costs than expected and is faced with some pricing pressures due to competition.

Most of the analysts liked the report and viewed weakness on the news as a buying opportunity. So far investors aren't paying much attention to that advice as the stock fell an additional $8 following the gap-down open. The stock is now challenging support at the 50-day simple moving average around $243.00.

It is likely that value buyers will be looking for entry soon as the stock tests the $240 area. This report was soft but the guidance is not bad. The stock is not particularly expensive with a trailing PE of 16 and estimated EPS growth of 16 but the EPS miss this quarter undermines confidence in management a bit and that is what is causing the pressure.

I'll be watching for buyers around $240 but would keep stops very tight.

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At the time of publication, James DePorre was Long VKTX.