Setup: Main Level to Watch: A break and close above $263.66. This level is key for continuation and could signal further upside.
Entry Point: Enter on a pullback to the closing price of the earnings day, around $259.96. Stop Loss: Set below the low of the day (LOD) at $254.52. This places your stop just below a significant intraday support level, minimizing risk.
Profit Targets: First Target: $275 (a potential area of resistance or psychological level) Second Target: $295 (a higher target, assuming strong continuation)
Risk-to-Reward (R/R): Risking about $6 per share for a potential first target at $275 gives you approximately 2.36R. If the price reaches $295, the R/R increases even further.
Considerations for the Bullish Trade:
Positive Earnings Report: The earnings were bullish, suggesting potential for further upside.
Strong Buyers Support: The steady buying throughout the day and the close above VWAP indicate strong buyer interest.
Gapped Up with Volume: The gap-up and subsequent market cap increase demonstrate a strong market reaction to earnings, but also indicate some profit-taking potential after such a big move.
2. Bearish Trade Scenario
Setup: Main Level to Watch: A break below the LOD at $254.52. This could signal weakness or a potential fill of the earnings gap.
Entry Point: Enter a short position on a break of the LOD at $254.52. Stop Loss: Set above the closing price of the earnings day at $260.79. This gives some room above the recent support turned resistance if the stock reverses.
Risk-to-Reward (R/R): Risking about $6.27 per share with the potential for a gap fill or further downside.
Considerations for the Bearish Trade:
Overextension Risk: The stock gapped significantly from $232 to $262, adding over $10 billion in market cap overnight. This might indicate overextension and potential for a pullback.
Potential Profit-Taking: After a substantial gap up, there's often some profit-taking which could lead to a correction or retracement to lower levels.
Unpredictability of Stock Reactions: Despite bullish earnings, stocks can be unpredictable, and any market sentiment or macroeconomic factors could cause a sell-off.
Earnings Recap:
Key Financial Highlights
Total Net Sales: Current Quarter: $2.085 billion Year-Ago Quarter: $1.787 billion YoY Growth: 16.7%
Subscription Services Revenue: Current Quarter: $1.9 billion Year-Ago Quarter: $1.62 billion YoY Growth: 17.3% 12-Month Revenue Backlog: $6.8 billion, up 16.1% YoY Total Revenue Backlog: $21.58 billion, up 20.9% YoY
Professional Services Revenue: Current Quarter: $182 million Year-Ago Quarter: $163 million YoY Growth: 11.7%
Profitability and Efficiency
Operating Income: Current Quarter: $111 million Year-Ago Quarter: $36 million YoY Growth: 208.3%
Non-GAAP Operating Income: Current Quarter: $518 million Year-Ago Quarter: $421 million YoY Growth: 23% Non-GAAP Operating Margin: Improved from 23.6% to 24.9%
Cash Flow and Liquidity
Operating Cash Flow: Current Quarter: $571 million Year-Ago Quarter: $425 million YoY Growth: 34.4%
Share Repurchases: 1.4 million shares repurchased for $309 million