Time to Unload Firearm Stock?

by Sam Collins | April 4, 2012 1:53 am

Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR[1]) — The Trade of the Day first recommended RGR on Oct. 11[2], at about $29. Since then, this U.S. firearms manufacturer has been able to avoid market slumps and has vaulted to a gain of almost 80%.

Earnings have grown from $1.42 in 2009 to $1.46 in 2010 and $2.08 in 2011. The company has topped earnings estimates for 11 of the past 12 quarters and has a dividend yield of 1.21%.

RGR attributes its success to an increase in the number of states with statutes allowing a license to carry. Additionally, demand has been driven by the expectation that the federal government will take action to restrain gun ownership, resulting in a rush to buy.

Technically the stock has advanced with a series of “step-ups,” which are characteristic of bull market trends. But recently RGR jumped on a “continuation gap,” which accelerated the trend and moved it away from its 50-day moving average — a jump that makes it susceptible to profit-taking.

Longer-term investors should protect their position by writing calls or buying puts. Traders should use further strength to nail down a profit.

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Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2012/04/trade-of-the-day-sturm-ruger-and-co-nyse-rgr/

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