Today’s tickers: YUM, STJ & SAVE
YUM - YUM! Brands, Inc. – Shares in the operator of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut dropped like a rock on Friday after the company forecast a decline in fourth-quarter same-store sales in China and projected full-year earnings that missed analyst estimates. The stock fell as much as 10.4% in the first half of the session to an intraday low of $66.98 and was cut to ‘Neutral’ from ‘Positive’ with 12-month target price of $69.00 at Susquehanna. Front month put activity on YUM suggests some traders are positioning for shares in the name to extend losses in the near term. Upwards of 4,500 puts changed hands at the Dec. $65 strike this morning against previously existing open interest of just 392 contracts. Time and sales data suggests the bulk of the put options were purchased for an average premium of $0.92 apiece, thus positioning buyers to make money in the event that YUM’s shares decline another 4.3% to breach the average breakeven price of $64.08 by December expiration. The company’s shareholder meeting is scheduled for Thursday of next week in New York City.
STJ - St. Jude Medical, Inc. – Bearish options on medical devices maker, St. Jude Medical, are in play today after one or more traders snapped up at-the-money puts expiring January 2013. Shares in STJ, which slumped to a multi-year low of $30.25 last week, are up 0.60% today to stand at $33.90 as of 12:20 p.m. ET. Fresh interest in the Jan. 2013 $34 strike put options at the start of the session suggests some traders are positioning for shares in St. Jude to potentially pullback during the next six weeks. Approximately 2,100 of the $34 strike puts traded within the first 10 minutes of the opening bell this morning, with most contracts purchased for an average premium of $1.35 apiece. Traders long the puts may profit at expiration next year should STJ’s shares decline at least…
Nasdaq quotes delayed at least 15 minutes, all others at least 20 minutes.
Markets are closed on certain holidays. Stock Market Holiday List
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Press Release Service provided by PRConnect.
Stock quotes supplied by Telekurs USA
Postage Rates Bots go here