Common Themes in 52-Week Lows (APOL, CEU, DF, MDC, PHM, RYL, SVU)

We are seeing a new round of 52-week lows this Monday with some basic themes from education to food to homebuilders.  Some of those tracked hitting 52-week lows are Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL), China Education Alliance Inc. (NYSE: CEU), Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF), M.D.C. Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MDC), Pultegroup Inc. (NYSE: PHM), Ryland Group Inc. (NYSE: RYL), and SUPERVALU Inc. (NYSE: SVU).

Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) still struggles under its new business model that will obviously lower enrollment under a new tighter regulatory environment.  Shares hit yet another 52-week low of $33.80 today versus a high of $66.69.  Currently shares are down 1% at $34.11 in rather light trading volume.

China Education Alliance Inc. (NYSE: CEU) is getting killed this Monday, although this is a China online education and training company.  Shares are down 42% at $2.55, but this hit a low of $2.34 in today’s trading.

Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) is still reeling from its woes.    On light trading volume this post-Thanksgiving Monday, shares hit another 52-week low of $7.34 versus a 52-week high of $18.79.  Shares are now down $0.02 at $7.35.  Be advised, this is a decade low.

Trouble is still there for homebuilders with three seen hitting 52-week lows this Monday. M.D.C. Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MDC) hit a low of $24.56 for the last year versus a high of $39.28.  Pultegroup Inc. (NYSE: PHM) is down 0.5% at $6.17, but the low today now gives a 52-week trading range  of $6.13 to $13.91.  Ryland Group Inc. (NYSE: RYL) is down 1.25 at $14.20 in early afternoon trading, but the low today gives a new 52-week trading range of $14.17 to $26.03.    14.28    -0.09    -0.63%    14.63    14.16    448,260

SUPERVALU Inc. (NYSE: SVU) is now fighting its name as investors are deciding if there is anything super or any value.  The slide has continued despite the brief recovery this morning.  While shares are up 0.9% at $8.75, the 52-week range is now $8.67 to $17.89.  Today’s lows go back to 1995 or so.

JON C. OGG