Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC) plunged after missing earnings expectations last week. While this was definitely material news, a look at the three-year weekly chart shows the stock finding solid footing around the $450 multi-year support level — and it’s already starting to show signs of a rebound. Even though several analysts have trimmed their ratings, the median price target still sits at $545 — a lot higher than where NOC is trading right now. Also worth noting: Northrop is part of the industrials sector, and a quick glance at XLI — the Industrials Select Sector SPDR ETF — shows that the group is looking strong and actively participating in the broader market recovery rally. Technical Indicators To zero in on a trade setup, I’m layering in a couple more technical indicators to confirm the signal and improve the odds of success. RSI (Relative Strength Index): Notice that the RSI pivoted on 4/22 and is now moving sharply higher, signaling a potential shift in trend. DMI (Directional Movement Index): The DMI (Directional Movement Index) is made up of three lines: the DI+ (green line), the DI- (red line), and the ADX (blue line). When the DI- (red) is above the DI+ (green), it signals a downtrend. But when these lines start to change direction, it often points to a potential shift in the current trend. In this case, the DI- (red) pivoted on 4/22, and the DI+ (green) followed with a clear reversal on 4/25, giving even more confirmation for this trade setup. To take a bullish trade on NOC, I’m setting up a strategy known as a “bull call spread.” This involves buying the $480 call and simultaneously selling the $485 call, combining them into a single trade structure The trade Here is my exact trade setup: Buy $480 call, May 30th expiry Sell $485 call, May 30th expiry Cost: $250 Potential Profit: $250 If NOC trades at or above $485 by the expiration date, this trade could yield a return of 100% on the amount risked. With 10 contracts, this equates to risking $2500 to potentially gain $2500. I dive deep into setups like this in my book Mean Reversion Trading , along with hundreds of real trade examples available on my website: tradingextremes.com . -Nishant Pant Founder: https://tradingextremes.com Author: Mean Reversion Trading Youtube, Twitter: @TheMeanTrader DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
