SYMC – Symantec Corp. ? Shares in the maker of security software traded up as much as 1.0% to a new 52-week high of $22.91 during the first few hours of the trading day, but are off earlier highs at present to stand just 0.05% higher on the day at $22.68 as of midday in New York. The stock has risen nearly 30% during the past six months, and some options traders appear to be positioning for the price of the underlying to extend gains during the next couple of months.
The most actively traded options contracts on Symantec today are the April $25 strike calls, with upwards of 8,000 call options changing hands against open interest of 600 contracts. Traders paid an average premium of $0.20 apiece for the $25 calls, and may profit at April expiration in the event that SYMC shares rally 11% during the next nine weeks to top $25.20.
FLO – Flowers Foods, Inc. ? Put options are changing hands on Flowers Foods this morning, with shares in the maker of breads, buns and snack cakes down 1.4% at $27.61 in early afternoon trading. Heavy put buying on Flowers in the early going drove overall options volume above 4,500 contracts, sizable volume versus the stock?s average daily level of around 470 contracts.
Most of the activity is in the Mar. $25 strike puts, which appear to have been purchased roughly 4,000 times for an average premium of $0.37 apiece. Traders snapping up downside puts on Flowers stand ready to profit at expiration next month should shares in the food products company drop 11% to settle below the average breakeven price of $24.63.
The Thomasville, Georgia-based bread maker has bid on certain Hostess bread bakeries and bread brands ahead of a competitive auction at the end of the month. Flowers Foods shares have rallied more than 35% since Hostess declared bankruptcy in mid-November.
ADS – Alliance Data Systems, Inc. ? Bullish options in play on Alliance Data Systems this morning are looking for shares in the provider of consumer relationship management solutions to move higher during the next four weeks. The stock today is higher by 1.7% to stand at $154.96 as of 12:45 p.m. ET.
Options traders positioning for the price of the underlying to potentially hit record highs in the near term snapped up more than 600 calls at the Mar. $165 strike for an average premium of $0.50 apiece. Call buyers profit at March expiration if shares in ADS surge 7.0% over the current price of $154.96 to surpass the average breakeven point at $165.50.
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