HOS gets back to $25

Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. operates offshore supply vessels (OSVs) and multi-purpose support vessels (MPSVs) primarily in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Latin America. The company owns and operates a fleet of U.S.-flagged OSVs and MPSVs that support the deep-well, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater exploration, development, production, construction, installation, inspection, repair, maintenance, well-stimulation, and other enhanced oil recovery requirements of the offshore oil and gas industry. It also operates a shore-base support facility located in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, as well as provides vessel management services, such as crewing, daily operational management, and maintenance activities for other vessels owners.

Take a look at the 1-year chart of Hornbeck (NYSE: HOS) below with the added notations:

HOS has been trending its way lower since its July peak. However, since bottoming in December, the stock seems to have stabilized and has been trying to work its way higher. Twice over the last 4 months HOS has found support at the $25 level (purple), which was also a tough resistance back in December. A break back above $25 should result in higher prices for the stock.

The Tale of the Tape: HOS has a key level at $25. A trader could enter a long position on a break above $25 with a stop placed under the level. However, if traders are bearish on the stock, or the market overall, a short trade could be made at the $25 level instead.

Before making any trading decision, decide which side of the trade you believe gives you the highest probability of success. Do you prefer the short side of the market, long side, or do you want to be in the market at all? If you haven’t thought about it, review the overall indices themselves. For example, take a look at the S&P 500. Is it trending higher or lower? Has it recently broken through a key resistance or support level? Making these decisions ahead of time will help you decide which side of the trade you believe gives you the best opportunities.

No matter what your strategy or when you decide to enter, always remember to use protective stops and you’ll be around for the next trade. Capital preservation is always key!

Good luck!

Christian Tharp, CMT

@cmtstockcoach