Posts Tagged ‘TM’

Toyota Motor (TM) option strategies No, that title’s not a misprint and you don’t have déjà vu. Japanese automaker Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) is under fire again because of another recall, which this time impacts 1.7 million vehicles worldwide. The culprit this time is a fairly broad one – “defective parts” – including but not limited to leaky fuel systems.

In the U.S., the recall is expected to impact about a quarter-million Lexus vehicles.  The majority of the impacted autos were sold in Japan.  This latest recall brings the total number of Toyota vehicles recalled to more than 15 million globally since late 2009.

On the “plus” side, arguably, is the company’s transparency surrounding the latest defect. TM has been shouldered with fines of nearly $50 million due to its perceived hesitancy in reporting problems it discovers. As a result, the automaker has pledged to be more forthcoming with information. (more…)

Toyota Motor (TM) option strategies The recall drama isn’t over for Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM), which last week announced the recall of 1.1 million 2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles, citing engine control troubles.  The potential flaw may result in stalling, which is ironic given that the automaker’s recent high-profile recall dealt with unwanted acceleration.

There hasn’t been any acceleration in the stock of late – unwanted or otherwise.  Since mid-June, the stock has been see-sawing between the 68 and 74 levels. At their current perch, TM is within a chip-shot of its 52-week low and 25% south of its 52-week high, reached in mid-January.

Range-based trading such as Toyota’s can be frustrating for stock traders who see their investments heading nowhere fast. The options market, however, has some potential solutions for sideways-trending stocks, and the short straddle described below is one of them.  We’ve also outlined a bearish put ratio spread for investors who believe this latest recall could spur further downside in the shares.

These are not trading recommendations, merely examples of different options trading strategies for educational purposes. The prices are taken as of Friday afternoon, when TM shares were trading at $69.15, up 43 cents on the day. For a full dissection of the strategies including profit/loss information, (more…)

Toyota logo2010 is shaping up to be a rough year for TM (Toyota Motor Co), first problems with the Prius and several other models with reported ‘sticky’ accelerator issues and now the dangers affecting an SUV in the premium Lexus Line. A fresh review of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 by Consumer Reports magazine revealed serious concerns with the vehicle. The publication issued a rare “don’t buy” recommendation for the 2010 Lexus GX 460 sport-utility relating to roll over risk.

Consumer Reports already suspended its recommendations for eight other Toyota models earlier this year.

In the first three months of 2010, Toyota sold about 4,800 of the GX 460, with sticker prices starting at about $52,000.

I bring this up, not to slant Toyota in any way, but to make you aware of the unexpected things that can often occur with a publicly traded company.

Planning Ahead

When you are selecting a company to invest in, you should be obviously do your homework and learn about the company itself, but there are several other matters to consider, including:

  • The business of the company
  • Overall macro climate of the industry sector
  • Earnings history
  • Prospect of future earnings

Earnings and prospect of future earnings are especially important to consider since they are typically a large determining value in stock price. However, even with all the research in the world, surprises can occur. This brings to light the importance of having a contingency plan or exit strategy if something fundamentally changes with the company.

When Should You Exit?

A good contingency plan will depend on the amount of time you anticipate being in the trade. (more…)

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