DraftKings is slumping but heeding signals indicate rebound
DraftKings stock is in a tailspin. But some analysts think that the stock’s haircut could give way to buying opportunity.
DraftKings is an American sports betting operator
Some market observers believe that retrenchment is making shares of the sportsbook operator DraftKings more attractive, and that the stock’s near-term technical outlook is compelling.
That pullback has sent DraftKings within one standard deviation of its 80-day moving average after a lengthy stretch above the trendline,” notes Schaeffer’s Investment Research.
“Schaeffer’s senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White defines that as the equity trading above the moving average for 60% of the time over the past two months and closing north of the trendline in eight of the last 10 sessions.”
Despite its recent struggles, DraftKings remains one of Wall Street’s favored gaming equities.
Heeding signals could push DraftKings up above $70
Some of the recent lethargy in DraftKings is attributable to lack of clarity on exactly how mobile sports betting will shape up in New York.
However, analysts are comfortable wagering that because of its established brick-and-mortar footprint in the fourth largest state, DraftKings is positioned to benefit if the state proceeds with a credible multi-operators system.
In fact, some analysts say DraftKings, along with contenders FanDuel and Rush Street Interactive, are the gaming companies with the best odds of winning under the expected New York framework.
“Five similar signals have occurred during the past three years. DraftKings was higher one month later after all five of these signals, averaging a one-month return of 13.6%,” according to Schaeffer’s. “A similar move from the security’s current perch would put the stock back above the $70 mark.”
Short interest is running high now
Should DraftKings start snapping out of its funk, more upside could rapidly accrue, because short sellers could be forced into covering. That possibility is worth acknowledging because, as Schaeffer’s notes, short interest in the stock is currently running high.
“There’s still more pessimism to be unwound to make a run at that record high; short sellers have increased their positions by 37.5% in the two most recent reporting periods, and account for a healthy 7% of it’s total available float,” said the research firm.
Options activity in DraftKings is decidedly bullish. But recent data from the International Securities Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, and NASDAQ OMX PHLX indicates traders are snatching up puts, potentially bracing for more handicap in the gaming equity.
Editing by Rachel Hu
