Magna International Inc (NYSE: MGA) stock breakout may be on the horizon

The daily stock chart for Magna International Inc. already shows a pattern of multiple price channels, which have already been broken out and even tested. Regardless of how long the patterns may take to form, stock breakouts from price channels are by nature inevitable; and that is the condition we see with the present price pattern of Magna International Inc. (NYSE: MGA).

However, the direction of a breakout is not an exact science. That is why every serious trader knows that before making any trading decision, a choice has to be made as to which side of the trade you believe gives you the highest probability of success. So, applying that logic to Magna International Inc. (NYSE: MGA), you have to decide whether to prefer the short side of the market, the long side, or perhaps not be in the market at all. For those with option experience, a straddle or a strangle in this case would help alleviate any anxiety.

Stock Fundamentals

Magna missed big time on the last quarterly earnings, reporting $.32 when the estimate was $1.02. More important, though, was the market’s reaction. There was no giant sell-off; and that by itself was a bullish sign that traders were looking beyond.

From the aspect of company fundamentals, though, Magna International Inc. is a diversified global automotive supplier. It designs, develops and manufactures technologically advanced automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components. It even engineers and assembles complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks.

Furthermore, Magna operates in three reporting segments: North America, Europe and the rest of world. At the end of 2010, for example, Magna had 256 manufacturing operations and 82 product development, engineering and sales centers, in 26 countries.

The company's capabilities include interior systems, seating systems, closure systems, body and chassis systems, vision systems, electronic systems, exterior systems, roof systems, powertrain systems, vehicle engineering and contract assembly and hybrid and electric vehicles/systems. Magna's products include CellForm Lightweight Structural Composite and FutureForm Thin Seat.

For the record, I have worked with Magna on a few projects in my engineering career, with them in the supplier position and me in the Tier 1 position. I do not recall any serious negative experiences.

Divining the Tale of the Tape

MGA is currently trading within a channel of $45 and $50. If you believe in a long position, the you could enter on a pullback to $45. Another strategy is to wait for th eprice dynamics to define itself more clearly. For example, wait for a break above $50 with a stop placed below the level of entry.

Then again, you may not agree with the bullish side. In that case, a short trade could be made on a break below the $45 level, or on a pull-up test to the $50 resistance, the upper level of the latest band.

For those who still don’t trust either strategy, then check out the trend of the general market, as that tends to lead most stocks like sheep. For example, take a look at the S&P 500. Then ask yourself: Is it trending higher or lower? Has it recently broken through a key resistance or support level? This, too, is a viable and useful strategy, because it helps you make these decisions ahead of time in tune with the higher energy, the general market trend bias. In that manner, you can help yourself decide which side of the trade might give you the best opportunity for success.