Small Cap Stock Analysis

Breakouts and Breakdowns: BEST, SPPI, CHIP, CVG

Convergys Corporation, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Shiner International, and VeriChip Corporation are worth a trader's closer review.

Published: Friday, September 25, 2009 @ 8:54 AM PDT
Rating N/A
While the market's headed into what will likely be a mildly bearish close for the week, a few stocks are actually setting up some trading fireworks. They are Convergys Corporation (CVG), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SPPI), Shiner International, Inc. (BEST), and VeriChip Corporation (CHIP). Let's take a closer technical look at each one.

It was fun while it lasted, but the party may already be over for VeriChip Corporation (CHIP). After a one-day breakout on the 21st, shares have stalled, forming a wedge shape in the process. That triangle may be infinitely important regarding where this stock goes next.

Our expectation is unfortunately a bearish one. Between the gap left behind on the 21st and the fading volume on the 22nd despite the way VeriChip continued to climb that day just suggests there's not enough reaming interest. In the flip side, the volume behind the slight dips on the 23rd and 24th was very light... so not all hope is lost.

The key to a CHIP trade in either direction really hinges on the wedge shape. Whichever side breaks first (and the bulls seem to have the edge today) will be the higher-odds trade. Be patient though.

The breakdown we've seen from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SPPI) isn't a complicated one. A rising support line that's been in place since April (and tested three times since then) started to crumble last week, and totally fell apart this week. The selling volume has been getting progressively stronger as well.

At the same time, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals' first Fibonacci retracement line at $6.77 was also snapped by today's low of $6.35. Between those two support lines' failures, SPPI has some room to fall.

The first - and most likely - landing spot is going to be $4.75. That's the next Fibonacci line for Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, but it's also where you'll find the low and reversal point from July. A move there would be a decent short trade for SPPI, though it would be an even better breakdown if that support level failed. Don't get greedy or presumptuous though - play it be ear once we're there.



----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sign-up for Free to Receive Future Commentary and
Trading Alerts on CHIP. CVG, BEST, and SPPI.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Though it found support there for nearly two months, a key support line for Convergys Corporation (CVG) finally cracked yesterday. If this breakdown is anything like recent ones, it could be more than just a little trouble.

There are several lines on the CVG chart... one is resistance, while the other three are support. The only ones we're interested in at this point though are the two lowest support lines around $8.22 and $8.60. Those two are the most likely landing spots for Convergys shares.... a 20% or so tumble from current levels.



Note the support around $8.60 now is rising every day, but the support at $8.22 is horizontal support for Convergys. That's where the stock bottomed in July when the last pullback was reversed.

Either way, the breakdown of support seen in August and this month is a very decisive move lower.

Finally, Shiner International, Inc. (BEST) is literally at the very tip of what should end up being a bearish wedge. Following a huge rally to a high of $2.25 on the 17th, we've seen nothing but lower highs for the stock. We've not really seen lower lows though... just horizontal support at $1.24. Thus, the triangle shape.

Technically speaking then, BEST hasn't made a breakdown yet - it's only on the verge. Between the excessive run up from a week ago, and the lower highs, the high-odds move here is indeed a move lower for Shiner International shares.

On the off chance that BEST is itching to rally again though, the smart thing to do is wait for the stock to move under $1.22 before shorting it (if you're so inclined). Considering there's a base around $0.90 though, this may be more of a warning for any potential buyers than it is a suggestion for anybody looking for a short trade.

If you'd like to know of any changes in our opinion of SPPI, CHIP, CVG, and BEST (or if we officially recommend them as trades), be sure to sign up for our free newsletter today. It's delivered 2 to 3 times per week.
Rate It : 1 2 3 4 5

 
Post A Comment
 
 
 
 
Search SCN
Bookmark and Share

Get the SCN
Newsletter Today!

Find out WHAT's Hot and What's Not from Top Traders and Investors.

Gain Insight into Which Small Cap Growth Stocks Have the Potential for Monster Returns.

Identify Market Trends and Changes Before the Rest of the Crowd.

Whitelist Us

Having Trouble Getting Our Email Newsletter?  Whitelist Us.

Click here for more info...

Fri, Mar 19, 2010 @ 10:39 AM PDT
Despite the fact that the market's pullback today is likely to bleed into next week (and perhaps longer, give the size of the recent runup), a handful of small caps - largely unknown to investors - are...
Rating N/A
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:53 AM PST
Considering about half of a stock's individual performance relies on sector and industry influence rather than the company's merits, it makes sense to stay abreast of industry trends. With that in mind...
Rating N/A
Fri, Mar 05, 2010 @ 10:25 AM PST
Are there any sectors or industries of any market cap that have simply been overlooked by the bulls and the media over the last twelve months? Sure, and they're very undervalued as a result. We'll take...
Rating 5
Fri, Feb 26, 2010 @ 12:29 PM PST
It was a busy week on the economic announcement front. Lots of housing and real estate data, in particular, was spewed forth from the media machine without putting it all in its proper perspective. I want...
Rating N/A
Fri, Feb 19, 2010 @ 11:30 AM PST
Before anyone gets hysterical about looming interest rate increases, take a breath, and keep reading. While the news writers made something more than it as (as usual) in the case of yesterday's increase...
Rating N/A
SmallCap Network Newsletters

This community is currently in beta and is constantly undergoing active development.  Please be patient as we strive to bring you a usable, full-featured community that you will enjoy.  If you should have any questions, problems, suggestions, feature requests, rants, and/or raves, please do not hesitate to let us know by writing us as : webmaster@smallcapnetwork.com.