OptionsZone.com's Unusual Options Trading Activity

Implied Volatility Alert: MTXX, SPPI

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:59 GMT

MTXX calls active as shares rally 25%. SPPI straddle prices expensive into PDUFA.

Options Volume vs Open Interest - POT and USU

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:34:28 GMT

Options activity in Potash (POT) and Usec (USU).

Implied Volatility Alert: ELN, HGSI

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:45:00 GMT

ELN July volatility collapses on $1 billion JNJ deal. HGSI straddles expensive into Phase III data.

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: AXP and BSX

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:21 GMT

Options activity American Express (AXP) and Boston Scientific (BSX).

Implied Volatility Alert: SERP, ILMN

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:00 GMT

SEPR overall volatility low into disappointing data. ILMN volatility low into pre-announced lower Q2 revenue.

Implied Volatility Alert: SLE, MEDX

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:15:20 GMT

SLE October volatility near 10-month lows on active call volume, and MEDX volatility decreases as shares trend higher after June 22 positive report.

Options Volume vs Open Interest - NAV and VIX

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:44:13 GMT

Options activity in Navistar Corp. (NAV) and the VIX.

Implied Volatility Alert: SPPI

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:23 GMT

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (SPPI) July option implied volatility elevated at 214 into PDUFA.

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: KLAC, ENDP

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:19:11 GMT

Options activity in KLA-Tencor (KLAC) and Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings (ENDP).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: EXC, SLB, HAL

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:19:28 GMT

Options activity in Exelon (EXC), Schlumberger (SLB) and Halliburton (HAL).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - FRPT and SPPI

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:14:47 GMT

Options activity in Force Protection (FRPT) and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (SPPI).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: WFT, PTEN, PXP

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:25:24 GMT

Options activity in Weatherford International (WFT), Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN) and Plains Exploration & Production (PXP).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - PALM and MOS

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:41:27 GMT

Options activity in Palm (PALM) and Mosaic (MOS).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: BJS, HLX, NKE

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:24:00 GMT

Options activity in BJ Services Company (BJS), Helix Energy Solutions (HLX) and Nike (NKE).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - ANF and FSLR

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:30:46 GMT

Options activity in Abercrombie & Fitch ANF) and Fisrt Solar (FSLR).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: PAYX, AKAM, MT

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:53:13 GMT

Options activity Paychex (PAYX), Akamai (AKAM) and Arcelor Mittal (MT).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - MON and EXPE

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:22:22 GMT

Options activity in Monsanto (MON) and Expedia (EXPE).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: GENZ, MDT, MON

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:53:13 GMT

Options activity in Genzyme Corp. (GENZ), Medtronic (MDT) and Monsanto Co. (MON).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - SPX and RRD

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:04:36 GMT

Options activity in S&P 500 (SPX) and R.R. Donnelley & Sons (RRD).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: TXN, EXPE, CSCO

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:53:13 GMT

Options activity in Texas Instruments (TXN), Expedia (EXPE) and Cisco Systems (CSCO).

Options Volume vs. Open Interest: JCP, ANF, COH

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:48:15 GMT

Options activity in J.C. Penney (JCP), Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) and Coach (COH).

Options Volume vs Open Interest - STSI and RIMM

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:05:03 GMT

Options activity in Star Scientific (STSI) and Research in Motion (RIMM).

What's in the Q?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:03:55 GMT

Whether or not institutions are hedging, options trading in QLGC feels bullish and the stock is responding.

Is Deere (DE) on the Hunt?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:51:22 GMT

Option investors are willing to bet that something good is about to happen to AG.

EX Options Draw Traders' Attention

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:29:36 GMT

The May 22.50 line (EX) is busy at RHT, ANR and AKAM.

AmerisourceBergen (ABC) options spike

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:43:47 GMT

Could an analyst's call be on the money ahead of ABC's earnings announcement?

FMC (FMC) Calls Draw a Crowd

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:28:56 GMT

Buyers flock to FMC May call options ahead of earnings.

Is NetApp (NTAP) an Attractive Aquisition?

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:56:20 GMT

Now that the IBM/JAVA deal appears to be off, NTAP is snapping back.

Option Players are Filling Up on Fuel System (FSYS)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:07:04 GMT

FSYS might be garnering interest as part of the alternative energy stocks or there could be something bigger biting.

Allergan (AGN) in the Crosshairs

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:28:53 GMT

Chatter naming AGN as a takeover target pushing shares and options higher.

Illumina's (ILMN) Volume Lighting Up

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:28:25 GMT

With ILMN up 7.8%, it's a good bet that option traders are taking a bullish stance.

All Eyes on Oracle (ORCL)

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:01:38 GMT

All eyes are on what ORCL's earnings report has to say about corporate tech spending.

Expedia (EXPE) Ready to Take Flight?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:20:42 GMT

Trading activity in EXPE options indicate shares are about to take off.

Options Trades Point to Possible M&A Activity

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:05:02 GMT

It appears corporate merger and acquisition activity may be heating up in AMD, HUM and SNDK.

Acquisition Rumors Boost Stocks

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:11:48 GMT

Speculation about acquisitions for HSY and LXK has ramped up call buying.

Ford (F) Revving Up for a Run

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:11:48 GMT

It appears trades may be betting that F might really put the pedal to the metal.

Coal, Copper and Gold's Future in Asia -- Ivanhoe Mines (IVN)

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:17:36 GMT

Option activity has exploded in IVN.

Will Titanium Metals 'Tie' One On?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:06:55 GMT

Traders believe TIE could see rapid stock appreciation on its earnings announcement.

Is Supervalu (SVU) a Good Buy?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:10:47 GMT

The bulls are running into SVU options.

Something is Afloat at MarineMax (HZO)

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:55:54 GMT

Is it possible HZO is about to float to a higher level in the near-term?

Is Foot Locker (FL) Out of the Hurt Locker?

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:24:50 GMT

Are options players one step ahead of Foot Locker?

Call Selling High in Apollo Group (APOL)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:04:08 GMT

Traders are collecting some premium in APOL and don't think the stock will advance more than 20% in the next month.

Doing a Double Take: Zimmer and Stryker Look Like Twins

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:02:37 GMT

Traders seem to believe medical technology names ZMH and SYK may have passed through the storm relatively unscathed.

ADP's Latest Performance Review

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:25:26 GMT

Option investors believe ADP's steady performance is about to end.

Beauty and the Beast -- Avon Products (AVP)

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:56:10 GMT

Is it possible February will be ugly for beauty company, AVP?

Buckle (BKE) Up, Santa!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:04:46 GMT

Given activity in BKE's call options, one has to wonder if Santa is loading up on the stock.

Ho Ho Holigic (HOLX)

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:50:36 GMT

Is it time to load up Santa's bag with some HOLX?

How Safe is Brinks (CFL)?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:30:58 GMT

Traders are selling CFL puts, which makes us wonder how safe the stock's value is.

Genentech -- Not What It Used to Be

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:22:28 GMT

While DNA has strong fundamental prospects, traders believe the big money win is unlikely in the next couple of months.

Simpson Manufacturing (SSD) Coming Unhinged?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:39:14 GMT

After a run-up, options traders are betting that SSD's jig is up.

A Doubler Over the Next Six Months?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:36:10 GMT

Traders believe that Eastern European TV operator CETV will appreciate by more than 100% in six months.

Is there gold in 'em hills? Gold Field Ltd. (GFI)

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:30:51 GMT

Is it time to start digging in GFI?

Is Hansen Living on the Coke side of Life?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:06:18 GMT

HANS calls are bubbling up today on renewed talk of a Coca-Cola takeout.

A Line in the Beach Volleyball Sand? (SINA)

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:30:00 GMT

More than 10,000 of the SINA Dec 25 Puts were sold today.

3 Cheers or Jeers for 3M?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:24:21 GMT

We've seen notable put buying in MMM, but is it investors' insurance or a sign of things to come?

PetMed Express Getting Bitten

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:49:49 GMT

10-times the normal volume of puts have traded in PETS.

Life Time Fitness (LTM) -- Any More Pounds to Shed?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:43:54 GMT

With the stock at $12, are traders saying they would be back at the gym if LMT hits $9.15?

Leverage Works Two ways -- Liberty Media (LCAPA)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:39:04 GMT

Traders in

LCAPA have implemented an interesting stratagy for the next six months.

Dell Looking to 'Shack' Up with Radioshack (RSH)?

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:46:03 GMT

Is DELL going shopping for RSH anytime soon?

Tim Horton's (THI) Hitting the Grinder

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:55:32 GMT

THI reports earnings soon -- is it leaving a bad taste in traders' mouths?

Investors Aquiring Chesapeake (CHK) Because of Acquisition?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:48:00 GMT

Option investors are buying about 150,000 CHK calls on the belief the company may be acquired.

Yahoo (YHOO) Front-Month Calls Active

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:03:17 GMT

Is this just another false start in YHOO?

Is this bunny running on empty? Energizer (ENR)

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:01:32 GMT

Does the ENR bunny need to have his batteries changed?

Before You Eat Your CAKE, Consider Some Sweet and Sour Pork

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:20:20 GMT

Option investors believe consumers would rather eat at home than go to the Cheesecake Factory or P.F. Chang's.

Debt, Asbestos and Saying Grace -- W.R. Grace and Co. (GRA)

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:08:14 GMT

Just as GRA has had some success in the courts, it may begin to have success in the market.

Cavium Networks (CAVM) Far from Caving

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:47:48 GMT

We're seeing unusual trading in CAVM for the second time in less than a week -- traders might be getting positioned for a decent move.

Sell Calls Against Your Long-term Long Stock Positions

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:41:45 GMT

Writing covered calls can put a few dollars in your pocket with very little risk.

Time for a Bounce? Liberty Media Interactive (LINTA)

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:36:36 GMT

With options volume at 14-times the usual, is it time to play a bounce in LINTA?

On the Down Low, Investors Step In -- Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:56:12 GMT

A single trade is more than half of all of the open interest and 16 times usual volume.

Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) Getting Bit?

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:39:24 GMT

Via puts purchased in ZBRA, option investors show they believe manufacturing is not well.

Rising Wind -- Wind River Systems (WIND)

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:55:34 GMT

Historically, WIND call buyers have had success with their investments.

Jabil (JBL) Set to Fly Like a Magpie

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:19:21 GMT

With earnings behind JBL a double-bottom holding and almost 40% upside to the option strike price, its option action warrants attention.

Does BMC Software (BMC) Bounce?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:04:34 GMT

Momentum stock investors will tell you buying stocks at 52-week lows is not a good idea; someone forgot to tell the BMC option investors.

Where Have All The Family Dollars (FDO) Gone?

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:11:18 GMT

It seems as if put traders in FDO know what they're doing.

Teen Time Out: Tween Brands, Quiksilver, Skechers

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:45:31 GMT

Trading activity in TWB, ZQK and SKX indicate that teens may be staying home from the mall.

Is Iron Mountain (IRM) on the Downslope?

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:38:58 GMT

Put buyers are betting that IRM shares aren't so ironclad after all.

Petrohawk (HK) Soars on Oil Price Updraft

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:59:18 GMT

With oil prices again on the rise, option traders are watching HK like, well, hawks.

Where Do You Put Your Money Now -- Gold?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:20:47 GMT

Diamonds may be forever, but gold options are the 'in' thing now.

What's Cookin' at Career Education (CECO)?

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:01:47 GMT

Put option trading in CECO is sizzling today.

Can MKS Instruments (MKSI) Buck the Markets?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:43:15 GMT

Can MKSI buck the end markets and their customers' woes?

Merrill Lynch (MER) Next In Line

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:38:43 GMT

Could MER start feeling the same pain as LEH, FNM and FRE?

Hershey Co. (HSY) Is A Tease

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:07:56 GMT

Could HSY have unexpected good news coming before September options expire?

Smoking Gun at Webster Financial (WBS)?

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:35:47 GMT

Although WBS might be adequately capitalized, is there a smoking gun here?

No Pain, No Gain: Pain Therapeutics (PTIE)

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:27:08 GMT

The bet is that gains can be made from PTIE's pain between now and early next year.

Check Out Kroger (KR)

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:05:01 GMT

Are traders shopping for call options because someone's shopping for a KR takeover?

Line 'Em Up – Merrill Lynch (MER)

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:45:09 GMT

It looks like there's a line forming behind the woodshed for financials to receive their beatings.

OfficeMax (OMX)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:40:00 GMT

OMX put buyers may leave the company wishing it had an 'Easy' button of its own.

High End Off the Deep End: Saks (SKS)

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:39:05 GMT

Investors are placing sizable bets that sales at SKS will continue to decline.

Cleaning Up with Clorox (CLX)

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:23:49 GMT

Investors seem to think CLX can appreciate to $65 in the next few weeks.

Timberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrland! (TBL)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:19:07 GMT

Takeover rumors are taking up TBL call options.

Playing Defense: Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:05:21 GMT

Option investors are getting nervous about LMT.

PMC Sierra (PMCS): Do You Remember $255?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:54:16 GMT

Call activity in PMCS has exploded!

In The Flow: Integrated Device Tech. (IDTI)

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:17:32 GMT

IDTI's flow changed course with the company reporting better-than-expected results and guidance.

Micros (MCRS) Moving Toward Micro Stock Valuation?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:34:53 GMT

Thursday looks to be Judgment Day for MCRS.

How Deep Will Government Spending Cuts Go? Ask Ceradyne (CRDN)

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:05:17 GMT

Is CRDN going to feel the chill from Washington?

Solar Sector Heating Up

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:38:26 GMT

Trading activity is firing on all cylinders in stocks like STP, SPWR and others.

Is Someone Talkin' to Chuck (SCHW)?

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:45:48 GMT

If someone is 'talking to Chuck,' then it looks like options traders are listening!

Sky's the Limit -- Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:33:03 GMT

There's been a rumor that INTC might aquire NVDA; some option investors are willing to bet it's true.

NVIDIA's (NVDA) Tide Turning?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:50:41 GMT

There's been a rumor that INTC might aquire NVDA; some option investors are willing to bet it's true.

Zimmer (ZMH) May Get Zapped

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:18:43 GMT

Short-term speculation in ZMH says a quick spike may be in store.