CROX – Crocs, Inc. – Shares in footwear and apparel maker Crocs fell more than 6.0% during morning trading to $12.95, the lowest level since September 10th, after the stock was cut to ‘Neutral’ from ‘Overweight’ with a target share price of $15.00 from $18.00 at Piper Jaffray.
Trading in the March expiry put options suggests one or more traders are bracing for the price of the underlying to extend losses during the next five months. Upwards of 2,000 of the Mar ’14 $13 strike puts have changed hands so far in the session against open interest of 413 contracts, and it looks like most of the volume was purchased at a premium of $1.40 each. Put buyers stand ready to profit at expiration if shares in CROX decline 10% from the current price of $12.95 to breach the breakeven.
UPS – United Parcel Service Inc. – Trading in weekly call options on the package delivery company indicates some traders are positioning for shares in UPS to continue higher this week, with shares in the name up 3.2% on Monday at a new all time high of $98.65. The company reported third-quarter earnings ahead of the opening bell on Friday.
Traders prepared to benefit from continued gains in the price of the underlying shares in the near term purchased calls on UPS this morning, buying around 775 of the Nov 01 ’13 $97 strike calls for an average premium of $0.60 each, and picking up around 675 of the Nov 01 ’13 $98 strike calls for an average premium of $0.50 apiece. Call buyers stand ready to profit at expiration this week in the event that shares in UPS settle above the breakeven points at $97.60 and $98.50, respectively.