Stratasys to release Q1 earnings Week of May 9

TUCSON, AZ--(OpenPR – May 9th, 2016) - 3D printer maker Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS) will report its first-quarter results on May 9. The company will post its results before the market open, with analysts expecting a loss of 15 cents per share. During the same period last year the company earned four cents per share, and the stock is down 9.4% on the year.

Technical Analysis
$SSYS was recently trading at $20.58, down $18.87 from its 12-month high and $6.10 above its 12-month low. Technical indicators for Nasdaq: SSYS are bearish and the stock is in a strong downward trend. The stock has fallen below recent support, and has recent resistance below $24.90. Of the 14 analysts who cover the stock, four rate it a "strong buy", one rates it a "buy", six rate it a "hold", one rates it a "sell", and two rate it a "strong sell". The stock receives S&P Capital IQ's 3 STARS "Hold" ranking.

Analyst's Thoughts
The 3D printing sector has been a major disappointment over the last several years, as the technology never hit the mainstream the way analysts expected. One reason to be skeptical of NASDAQ: SSYS ahead of its earnings report is the recent report from its main competitor 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD). $DDD reported its third straight quarter of year over year sales declines, as the 3D market continues to struggle. The report pulled $DDD lower, and Stock: SSYS traded lower in sympathy. The good news for Nasdaq: SSYS shareholders is that a lot of the negativity has been priced into the stock, so even if the report shows weakness there should not be a huge amount of downside, since it has already moved lower in expectation of an disappointing report, but the stock will move lower to some degree. The company did report better than expected results back in March, but given the weakness in DDD's recent quarter, I would not suggest taking a bullish stance on the stock ahead of its upcoming report. Should the results show strength, investors may consider setting up a long play on the stock, and with shares trending lower over the last month, traders will still be able to buy into the stock at a good price even if they wait until after the post-earnings move.

Stock Only Trade
I would not suggest setting up a stock-only trade on $SSYS ahead of the upcoming earnings report.

Bullish Trade
If you are looking for a bullish hedged option trade on NASDAQ: SSYS consider a June 10/15 bull-put credit spread for a 30-cent credit. That's a potential 6.4% return (55.5% annualized*) and the stock would have to fall 25.6% to cause a problem. There is some downside risk to the stock ahead of the report, but with 25.6% downside protection this trade should be OK even if we do experience a post-earnings dip.

Bearish Trade
If you are looking for a bearish hedged option trade on $SSYS, consider a June 25/30 bear-call credit spread for a 50-cent credit. That's a potential 11.1% return (95.6% annualized*) and the stock would have to climb 23.9% to cause a problem.

Covered Call Trade
If you want to set up a long position in the stock, consider a covered call trade to lower your cost basis. Consider a June $17.50 covered call. Buy $SSYS shares (typically 100 shares, scale as appropriate), while selling the June $17.50 call for a debit of $16.50 per share. The trade has a target assigned return of 6.0% and a target annualized return of 53.4% (for comparison purposes only).

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

About Hasit Vibhakar

Hasit Vibhakar is a proactive, performance-driven middle market executive with 20 years + progressive expertise in C-level leadership and problem solving for additive manufacturing, advanced CNC manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, supply chain, technology services, and startup operations. Proven track record of enhancing enterprise value and shareholder value. Experienced at building small cap and middle market companies.

Hasit Vibhakar is an Industrialist specializing in strategic direction and growth. A seasoned c-level business executive with many years of proven track record of building enterprise value and shareholder value. He has successfully started eight technology, industrial and manufacturing enterprises and all have been successfully acquired at premium multiples in the industry. Prior to being a serial entrepreneur he has been employed with leading aerospace, telecom, technology, industrial and supply chain based companies.

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