M&A Updates Send Arconic and Tilray Stocks Lower

EDIT is near the bottom of the Nasdaq, too

Stocks are sinking to start off the holiday-abbreviated week. Among the names struggling are metals specialist Arconic Inc (NYSE:ARNC), gene editing stock Editas Medicine Inc (NASDAQ:EDIT), and weed stock Tilray Inc (NASDAQ:TLRY). Below, we'll take a look at what's moving the shares of ARNC, EDIT, and TLRY.

ARNC Plummets After Ditched Sale

This morning, Arconic scrapped its plans of a potential sale, after reports emerged last week the company was talking with Apollo Global Management about a $10 billion deal. The news today has sent ARNC down 16.8% to trade at $16.94,the worst stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today and on track for its worst day since April 30. The aluminum stock is now a chip-shot from its Dec. 26 two-year low of $15.63. The shares bounced from there, but were rejected by their 100-day moving average last week.

Although the stock finds itself on the short sale restricted (SSR) list today, short sellers had been active before today, with short interest ramping up 20.3% in the most recent reporting period. Still, there's ample room aboard the bearish bandwagon, as the 12.74 million shares sold short represents a slim 3% of ARNC's total available float, and only 2.5 times the average daily trading volume.

C-Suite Exit Cripples EDIT

Along with now fellow gene editing specialist Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP), near the bottom of the Nasdaq today is Editas Medicine, down 17.6% to trade at $21.53, after the company's CEO and President Katrine Bosley announced her resignation effective March 1. EDIT stock has been moving lower for months, and its 100-day moving average has emerged as a stiff ceiling.

Analysts may want to re-think their bullish stances. Half of the brokerages in coverage view EDIT as a "buy" or better, with zero "sells" on the books. What's more, the stock's average 12-month price target of $46.71 is nearly double its current perch.

Natura Deal Triggers Tilray Pullback

Earlier today, Tilray announced a $26.3 million takeover deal for fellow cannabis cultivator Natura Naturals. In response, TLRY is down 5.3% to trade at $73.10 and on the short-sale restricted list (SSR). Despite shedding almost 20% last week, the shares have more than tripled their July 19 open at $23.05, their first day on the Nasdaq.

Regardless of direction, for those looking to speculate on TLRY, it's an attractive time to buy premium on short-term options. The security's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 89% ranks in the 13th percentile of its annual range, indicating near-term contracts are pricing in relatively low volatility expectations at the moment.