Stocks in Play - 9th July 2026
Today in Focus: SMPL, VRAX
Trading Services I Use:
StockAnalysis.com - I’ve been using Stock Analysis as an affordable but reliable method of looking at New and Upcoming IPOs, Earnings Calendars and most notably KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Stock Analysis allows you to view the KPIs for many companies with up to date metrics and segments that you can cross reference against Earnings Results. This is incredibly important when understanding what metrics move a stock. At $65 per year it’s a no brainer. They’ve given me a discount code if you use IRISHBORNINVESTOR they will give you another 10% Off.
Situational Awareness:
Market Condition: QQQ Testing underside of 10/20EMA, Short Term Bullish
Commentary:
Nice bounce yesterday. However we really are still just in a larger range. We might just rally to new highs from here but I personally think (and hope) that the good setups come to us in the form of earnings or catalysts rather than just a melt up.
I see people still chasing SNDK, MU etc. and while they might work they have had historic runs. I want to see ‘‘new’’ merchandise and those usually become apparent during earnings season.
Patience still required. I think we will be rewarded at earnings season.
Below I have posted a potential earnings turnaround play in SMPL. I don’t see any other super catalysts today that are coupled with good charts. VRAX a microcap looks like the pump of the day. High Octane stock so trade with caution if going there. Disclosure - I bought it Pre-Market at $7.50.
Also (while I have downtime!) I wanted to mention I’m exploring moving the newsletter over to Substack. I’ve already setup my profile there. There are pros and cons with all platforms but Substack allows more of a community discussion which I would enjoy without going down the Discord route! I will automatically move subscribers over. They have a great App also so it should make it easier for people to access the newsletter. If you wish to get a head start you can Subscribe here - https://stocksinplay.substack.com/ For everyone else nothing will change. You’ll still get the same newsletter to your Inbox.
In Play
SMPL: Turnaround Earnings Play
Key Metrics SMPL: Industry Group: Packaged Foods, Market Cap: 1.36B, Float: 82.22, Short Interest: 7.89%, Days to Cover: 2.26, Earnings: 7/9/2026 8:30:00 AM, Exchange: NCM
Catalyst:
This is not a 5* Turn Around by any means. The chart is solid. The price action is solid and the management commentary is indicating the turnaround. But the numbers are not blow out.
CEO Scalzo: results reflect "initial steps against the turnaround priorities," seeing "signs of improved alignment," performance "ahead of our expectations."
Beat on Revs, Raised Revs Guidance, Miss on Gross Margins, Raised EBITDA Guide. This is certainly a better than feared report. Consolidating around $15 Pre Market. Above $15 is good, below it is bad! Needs volume to come in during market hours.
Trade Updates:
Current Positions: APPS, DFTX, BB, ABVX, PENG
New: PENG
Stocks in Play Watchlist:
Note: This is my methodology for identifying stocks in play. There are many valid approaches to trading catalysts—find the setups, timeframes, and risk parameters that align with your strategy.
