Author: James F. Taulman

TUE 5/13: CMS – Shares Continue to Fall After Several Called SELL SIGNALS

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, CMS, ST - CHART UPDATES

10:12 PM – CMS has continued to slide following multiple called SELL SIGNALS, and shares are now testing potential support at the 200 DMA ($69.42).

I initially called a BUY SIGNAL on April 22 at $73.37, followed by a second entry on April 24 at $74.28, for a 2/3 position. The trade showed a modest gain early on, but began to lose momentum quickly. I issued three SELL SIGNALS: on April 24 at $74.16 (+0.46%), April 25 at $72.21 (-2.2%), and May 9 at $71.69 (-2.9%), exiting the position in thirds as weakness accelerated.

Shares has since dropped further and is now down -6.2%, with the open drawdown on this trade totaling –$1,240.86. At this point, I’m watching to see if the 200 DMA can hold as support — a key level that could lead to stabilization or even a rebound if buyers step in.

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TUE 5/13: DOLE – Shares Recover After Earnings Shake Up Yet Resistnace Looms

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, DOLE, ST - CHART UPDATES

9:54 PM – This was a promising buy that unfortunately rolled over and turned into a loss. I called a BUY SIGNAL on April 28 at $14.88, followed by additional buys on April 30 ($15.05) and May 1 ($15.04), building out a full 3/3 position. The trade showed early profits, but momentum faded and shares dropped quickly on May 5 — that was the day that did us in.

After announcing earnings, DOLE took a sharp hit, but quickly bounced off the lows, showing some resilience. Still, the stock remains under pressure, and a key test lies ahead at the 50 DMA resistance near $14.34. I’ve already called two SELL SIGNALS — on May 6 at $14.72 (-1.8%) and May 9 at $14.80 (-1.3%) — exiting 2/3 of the position. The remaining shares are down -5.9%. Not the kind of performance we want to see from a swing trade.

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TUE 5/13: GEN – Stock Has Yet to Trigger a SELL SIGNAL +3.4%

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, GEN, ST - CHART UPDATES

9:44 PM – I called a BUY SIGNAL on this stock on May 8 at $28.15. It’s currently trading at $29.10, reflecting a +3.4% straight gain. Price action remains constructive, with shares printing a recent high of $29.49 and continuing in an uptrend. As noted on the chart, I did sell my personal shares, but I have not yet called an official SELL SIGNAL for members. At this point, shares are getting extended from their important 10 DMA ($27.22) — a condition that makes a pullback more likely, so I’m watching closely.

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THU 5/8: VIRT – CALLING A 1ST SELL SIGNAL @ $42.48 +2.4%

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, ST - CHART UPDATES, VIRT

3:58 PM – Stocks is starting to become extended from its 10 DMA ($40.36) by +5.2% as volume is below average for today’s session. This makes a pullback more likely, so we are locking in some decent profits here and calling a first of what can become three SELL SIGNALS here before the close.

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TUE 5/6: PLMR – Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, PLMR, ST - CHART UPDATES

8:58 AM – This specialty insurer announced first-quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025, delivering strong premium growth and record adjusted net income.

  • Gross Written Premiums: $442.2 million, up 20.1% year-over-year
  • Net Income: $42.9 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, versus $26.4 million, or $1.04 per diluted share in Q1 2024
  • Adjusted Net Income: $51.3 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, up 84.6% year-over-year
  • Total Loss Ratio: 23.6%, improving from 24.9% in Q1 2024
  • Combined Ratio: 73.1% (vs. 76.9%); Adjusted Combined Ratio: 68.5% (vs. 73.0%)
  • Annualized ROE: 22.6%; Adjusted ROE: 27.0%

Management highlighted sustained premium momentum across core specialty lines and continued expense discipline driving margin expansion.

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TUE 5/6: DRVN – Reports First Quarter 2025 Earnings

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, DRVN, ST - CHART UPDATES

8:52 AM – Company announced financial results for the quarter ended March 29, 2025, delivering solid performance and topping Wall Street forecasts across key metrics.

  • Revenue: $516.2 million, down 9.8% year-over-year but 2.8% above the FactSet consensus of $502.3 million
  • Adjusted EPS: $0.27 per share, a 12.5% increase over $0.24 consensus estimates
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $125.1 million (24.2% margin), beating the $122.5 million street estimate
  • Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed: Management reiterated its fiscal 2025 outlook of approximately $2.1 billion in revenue and $1.20 in adjusted EPS at the

Driven Brands continues to benefit from steady same-store sales growth across its core Maintenance and Collision & Glass segments, while strategic portfolio realignments have bolstered operating efficiency.


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THU 5/1: EZPW – Very Bearish Action, Sharp Sell Off on More Than Twice Normal Volume

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, EZPW, ST - CHART UPDATES

9:55 PM -Today the company announced retirement of $103.4 Million convertible notes.

FROM MY 12:28PM SMS UPDATE:

Very disappointing action today, especially after yesterday’s somewhat bullish move.

I admittedly missed the SELL SIGNAL of a break of the recent low at $15.80 at 10:15AM.

FROM MY 3:54PM SMS UPDATE:

Today’s declines were halted near $15.40 twice.

Shares have been advancing into the close.

I’d like to see a close above $15.65.

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While the immediate market reaction was negative, primarily due to share dilution, the long-term effects could be beneficial. Reducing debt and preserving cash positions for potential future growth and financial stability.

Investors may need to weigh the short-term dilution against the company’s improved financial footing.

 

MON 4/28: DOLE – TRIGGERING OUR BUY SIGNAL @ $14.88

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, DOLE, ST - CHART UPDATES

Dole plc — (DOLE – NYSE)

3:56 PM – A world-leading fresh produce provider with an integrated supply chain spanning 110,000 acres of farmland, 13 vessels, 5 manufacturing plants, approximately 75 packing houses, and 160 distribution facilities across 30 countries. Organized into four segments—Fresh Fruit; Diversified Fresh Produce (EMEA); Diversified Fresh Produce (Americas & ROW); and Fresh Vegetables—it markets and distributes over 300 product lines, from bananas and pineapples to berries, avocados, and value-added salads.

In its quarter ended December 31, 2024, Dole reported revenue of $2.2 billion, up 4.6% year-over-year (10.1% on a like-for-like basis), while a non-cash write-down in the Fresh Vegetables business led to a net loss of $31.6 million.

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MON 4/28: DRVN – TRIGGERING OUR BUY SIGNAL @ $16.58

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, DRVN, ST - CHART UPDATES

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. — (DRVN – NASDAQ)

10:19 AM – A leading automotive services company in North America, offering paint, collision, glass, vehicle repair, oil change, maintenance, and car wash services across a network of more than 4,400 locations—including Take 5 Oil Change®, Meineke Car Care®, Maaco®, CARSTAR®, and platform services such as 1-800 Radiator & A/C® and the Automotive Training Institute. It serves over 50 million vehicles annually with best-in-class support and franchise economics.

In its latest quarter, the company delivered revenue of $564 million, up 2% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA of $131 million, up 5%, driven by resilient same-store sales growth and net new unit additions in its Maintenance and Paint & Collision segments.

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THU 4/24: EZPW – TRIGGERING OUR BUY SIGNAL @ $16.35

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, EZPW, ST - CHART UPDATES

EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: EZPW) experienced a notable uptick on April 24, 2025, closing at $16.38, marking a new 52-week high. This surge coincided with FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCFS) reporting robust first-quarter earnings, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.07, surpassing estimates of $1.77. FCFS’s strong performance likely influenced investor sentiment towards EZCORP, given their positions in the pawn and consumer finance sectors.​

The increased trading volume and EZCORP’s breakout above previous resistance levels suggest strong investor confidence. Monitoring EZCORP’s performance in the coming days will be crucial to assess the sustainability of this upward momentum.

​

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TUE 4/22: CMS – TRIGGERED OUR BUY SIGNAL @ $73.37

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, CMS, ST - CHART UPDATES

CMS Energy Corporation — (CMS – NYSE)​

CMS Energy Corporation is a Michigan-based energy company primarily focused on utility operations through its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy. Serving approximately 6.7 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents, Consumers Energy is the state’s largest electric and natural gas utility. The company operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Gas Utility, and Enterprises, with the latter engaging in independent power production and marketing. CMS Energy is committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy while pursuing a cleaner energy future through investments in renewable energy and infrastructure modernization.

Symbol Buy Date Last Price Buy Price Position Size % Gain/Loss 1st Support 2nd Support Buy Time Sell Signals
CMS 04/22/2025 $73.70 $73.37 1/3 +0.45% 50 DMA 10 DMA 3:17 PM 0

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Technical Overview

  • Trend: CMS is trading within a rising trend channel, indicating increasing investor optimism and potential for continued price appreciation.

STOCK TRADE PERFORMANCE REVIEW TEMPLATE

James F. Taulman BreakOut

Raymond James Financial Inc. (RJF – NYSE)

RJF was entered on March 17 with two separate 1/3 positions at $145.02 and $143.66, creating a blended entry of $144.34. The stock showed a brief push higher, triggering a sell signal at $147.38 before pulling back below the entry. Two more sell signals were triggered on the way down, including a sharp decline to $136.20 by March 31. The combined position closed the month at $138.91, resulting in a –3.76% loss.

Performance
C–

Segment Value Return % P/L
Position Value @ 3/31 $19,248.96 –3.76% –$751.04
Total (RJF) $19,248.96 –3.76% –$751.04

RJF chart

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Chart-Based Analysis

  • Entry setup: Breakout setup with strong initial action from support zone near $143.
  • Price action: Early push higher failed and gave way to consistent weakness through late March.
  • Volume behavior: Distribution showed up late in the move — fading demand after breakout attempt.

Sell Signals Called

Sell Signal Date Price % Change from Buy
Sell Signal 1 3/19 $147.38 +2.1%
Sell Signal 2 3/27 $142.41 –1.3%
Sell Signal 3 3/31 $136.20 –5.6%

Trade Execution Highlights

  • Entry timing: Solid intraday breakout grab, but no strong continuation followed.
  • Follow-through: Weak — setup failed after early move.
  • Partial sells: Early trim into strength helped soften the impact.
  • Trend riding: Downtrend set in — appropriate exits preserved capital.

Trade Summary

Symbol RJF
Buy Dates 3/17/2025
Buy Times 11:04 AM & 3:46 PM
Blended Entry $144.34
Position Size $20,000
Closing Price (3/31) $138.91
Gain/Loss –$751.04
Return –3.76%

Lessons Learned

  • Even strong setups can fail — quick exits protect downside when follow-through fades.
  • Staggered entries can help test strength, but shouldn’t override weak action.

Technical Action to Monitor Going Forward

  • Support levels:
    • – 1st support: $136.00
    • – 2nd support: $130.00
  • Needs to reclaim $144 to rebuild positive momentum.

Trade Outcome / Grade

  • Outcome: Failed breakout with clear distribution pattern.
  • Grade: C–
  • Comment: Solid entry, but weakness showed up fast — well-managed exit limited damage.

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4/21: FCFS – A Close Below $120.00 Will Have This Stock Removed From Coverage

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, BreakOut Alert - Update, FCFS

FirstCash, Inc. (FCFS – NASDAQ)

6:44 PM – Added to our watch list on 3/24 at a tracking price of $121.46, FCFS confirmed its breakout today, trading up to $121.62. It’s currently sitting at $120.42, just 0.86% below your entry signal.

  • Last Price: $120.42 (–0.84% on the day)
  • Trigger Price: $121.46 on 3/24
  • Day’s Range: Low $119.58 (–1.5%) — High $121.62 (+0.13%)
  • Volume: 268,020 vs. trigger 388,650 (–31%)
  • Breakout: Yes (cleared trigger level)
  • 52‑Week High: $133.60 (–9.87% from today)
  • Supports: 1st – $120.00; 2nd (50 DMA) – $111.74

Sell Signals

  • Signal 1 (4/4): $127.38 (+4.87%)
  • Signal 2 (4/7): $120.49 (–0.01%)
  • Signal 3 (4/8): $118.41 (–2.51%)

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TUE 4/15: LINC – Posts Bullish Action for its First Day +2.7%

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, LINC, ST - CHART UPDATES

Lincoln Educational Services Corp. (LINC – NASDAQ)

10:18 PM: Yesterday afternoon, LINC was called a BUY with a 1/3 position at $16.85. The stock showed an encouraging push immediately after entry, closing strong near highs and continuing to rise the today. It’s now holding above the entry with improving volume action and positive momentum, closing at $17.31 for a modest gain of +2.7%.

Performance B

Segment Value Return % P/L
Current Position Value $10,273.07 +2.73% +$273.07
Total (LINC) $10,273.07 +2.73% +$273.07

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Chart-Based Analysis

  • Entry setup: Initiated after bounce off rising 10 DMA with strong closing action.
  • Price action: Tight consolidation broke to the upside with clean momentum follow-through.
  • Volume behavior: Healthy volume rise on entry day, confirming institutional interest.

Sell Signals Called

No sell signals have been triggered/posted at this point. LINC remains active.

Trade Execution Highlights

  • Entry timing: Excellent — just above support with strong volume and near day highs.
  • Follow-through: Immediate continuation the next session confirmed strength.
  • Trend riding: Still early — strong hold over 10 DMA is a bullish sign.

Trade Summary

Symbol LINC
Buy Date 4/14/2025
Buy Time 3:51 PM
Entry Price $16.85
Position Size $10,000
Current Price $17.31
Gain/Loss +$273.07
Return +2.73%

Lessons Learned

  • Positioning near support with confirming volume gives strong risk/reward setups.
  • Early gains can be telling — strong continuation reinforces initial thesis.

Technical Action to Monitor Going Forward

  • Support levels:
    • – 1st support: 50 DMA ($16.59)
    • – 2nd support: $16.00
  • Needs to hold above $16.00 and push above $17.40 to trigger further momentum.

Trade Outcome / Grade

  • Outcome: Early gains and strong hold over moving average — healthy so far.
  • Grade: B
  • Comment: Well-timed entry with early confirmation. Monitoring for continued strength.

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MON 4/14: LINC – TRIGGERING OUR BUY SIGNAL @ $16.85

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, LINC, ST - CHART UPDATES

3:51 PM – The stock showed a clean bounce off the 10 DMA with strong intraday volume and looked to be closing near the day’s highs. This setup fit our core swing trading criteria. We are buying near support (10 DMA), the stock is holding trend structure, and there is visible demand on the tape. The risk-reward is favorable with a clear support zone just below. This type of entry allows us to get involved early with defined risk, while still giving the trade room to develop.

THU 4/10: ULS – Continues to Show Bearish Technical Signs

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, ST - CHART UPDATES, ULS

​ULS continues to trade below its key 10-day moving average (DMA).

Wednesday’s bullish gains were effectively capped at this level, and the 10 DMA is now showing signs of rolling over.

These ​are all negative technical development​s for the stock.

To date, I’ve issued three SELL SIGNALS on ULS:​

  • 3/26: $54.90 (+0.97%)
  • 4/2: $58.11 (+6.9%)
  • 4/8: $53.15 (-2.2%)

 

THU 4/10: PLMR – One of the Strongest Stocks in This Market

James F. Taulman BB - SIDEBAR, PLMR, ST - CHART UPDATES

PLMR has been one of the strongest stocks in the market over the past several weeks.

Since its gap-up breakout on earnings in mid-February, PLMR has been trending higher, showing excellent relative strength. Aside from a brief pullback to the 50-day moving average (50 DMA) on Monday—which acted as solid support—the stock has maintained its uptrend and recently hit new price highs.

Technical snapshot:

  • Relative Strength Rating: 96

  • Composite Rating: 98

  • RS Line: Hitting new highs ahead of price, a bullish signal

  • Volume: Above-average on up days, lighter on pullbacks—confirming institutional support

  • 10 DMA: The stock continues to hold above this KEY moving average.

I have called two SELL SIGNALS on the first buy and one on the second buy:

  • 3/17 at $132.91 (+2.1%)

  • 4/4 at $133.92 (+2.8%)

  • For the second buy, 4/4 at $133.92 (+1.3%)

 

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