Private Education May See Bright Future

Apollo Group [[APOL]], DeVry [[DV]], Career Education [[CECO]] and Corinthian Colleges [[COCO]] have all been strong performers as the deteriorating job market incentivized many to continue their education instead of seek employment. However, this trend is only sustainable if future employment prospects improve. Luckily, this recession may be the perfect storm for private education companies.

The inverse relationship between employment and education is well-documented. A quick look at the unemployment rate charted over the same frame as private education stock prices demonstrates these trends. People tend to seek education at the government’s expense when employment is not available in order to productively occupy their time. However, this is only sustainable if employment recovers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment sits at 7.6 percent compared to approximately 4.7 percent during this time last year. The decrease in employment is certainly not a good sign, but historically an unemployment rate of 7.6 percent is not all that devastating. In fact, the 50-year historical unemployment rate is 5.9 percent while the worst in history was 24.9 percent during the Great Depression.

Investors looking to make a long-term play on these companies without putting much capital at risk may want to consider purchasing long-term options called LEAPS. These Long-term Equity AnticiPation Securities offer investors the benefits of stock ownership down the road without the risk of committing a lot of capital at the present moment. This means a higher return on investment, but at the cost of a higher breakeven point and a complete loss if shares drop below the strike price.

See “Using LEAPS as a Stock Substitute” for more information on this strategy or check out our Tools & Products for more ways to make money with LEAPS!

DryShips Restructuring Could Mean Opportunity

DryShips [[DRYS]] share surged higher after the company reached a preliminary agreement to restructure $220 million worth of loan facilities with Piraeus Bank. The stock fell sharply last week after the company violated some debt terms thanks to buyers that backed out of deals to purchase three ships. The new agreement waives financial and net asset coverage through January of 2011 and reduces the amount of principal paid by 47% in 2009 and 21% in 2010.

DryShips share have been hurting amid a sharp decline in the price of commodities. The lower pricing has led to a slide in demand for shipping services overseas. Lower spot and contract rates for DryShips and others in the sector have led to lower valuations. In fact, DryShips is now facing a price-earnings multiple of 0.27x and a PEG ratio of just 0.01. The reason: Many investors believe that the company may face bankruptcy.

The prospect of bankruptcy for DryShips has been reduced, however, after these debt covenants were waived. Still, some investors believe that the company could face trouble down the road. So, how can investors take a stake in this company without putting their portfolio at risk? One solution may be long-term options called LEAPS. LEAPS give investors the timeframe needed for long-term investment with the leverage offered by options.

Currently, investors can purchase the rights to 100 shares of DRYS at $5.00 anytime between now and January 21, 2011 for just $390 down. This compares to a $609 cost for purchasing the underlying shares while the breakeven point is just $8.90 per share. If commodity prices for drybulk recover, then companies like DryShips could see their stock rise to previous levels. LEAPS enable long-term investors to bet on this future while limiting their capital at risk.

See “Using LEAPS as a Stock Substitute” for more information on this strategy or check out our Tools & Products for more ways to use LEAPS to profit in any market.