Take-Two Interactive Potential Takeover for Activision

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According to The Information, a technology and business news provider, there has been speculation that Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) may be considering a movie based on their Grand Theft Auto game, a franchise which has experienced wild success in the last decade.  It has also been reported Activision may be in the process of forming an internal movie studio, and with the success of games-turned-movies like Resident Evil, the game-maker might as well get into the movie business for itself. Activsion also owns Blizzard, and that could be the real reason for the creation of this studio, attempting to ride the wave of success experienced by the Warcraft and Diablo franchises.

Whether or not this project goes through is another matter. CEO Bobby Kotick is still in talks to get the necessary executive talent, and Kotick himself has been worried that movies might burn-out customers from the franchises. Activision certainly isn’t commenting on the rumor at this stage. However, the company might be in a bind. Call of Duty sales have been steadily dropping, and there’s no guarantee that Skylanders will remain a cash cow forever. Mike Hickey, analyst at Benchmark, indicates that Activision’s alignment may also be related in part to its interest in exploring a tie-up. He believes acquiring Take-Two would be a “no brainer” for Activision, and has Buy ratings on both stocks.

Alibaba: How the IPO Will Affect YHOO Share Price

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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s [IPO-BABA.N], China’s biggest e-commerce operator, is scheduled to go public sometime in early September. The company accounts for over 80% of all online retail in China–a staggering market share that has investors excited.  Alibaba issued stock-based compensation worth $59 a share, which indicates a market value of $138 billion based on 2.34 billion shares outstanding as of June 30, according to the Aug. 27 filing. The share count includes preferred and unvested restricted shares. The company’s mobile platform is state-of-the art, with mobile transactions growing to 32.8%  from 27.4%. Its Taobao and Tmall platforms are innovating forces in the B2C and C2C sectors , as opposed to simply linking buyers-to-sellers in the traditional fashion. With an operating income over $1.1 billion last quarter, Alibaba brings in 42% more than both eBay and Amazon combined. Net income also tripled last quarter, mounting to $1.99 billion.

These numbers have investors excited, and with a 22.5% stake in the company, Yahoo (YHOO) has performed well since acquiring stake in Alibaba, up over 100% in the past few years. With the likely high demand for Alibaba shares, investors who miss the opportunity for direct exposure may opt to buy into YHOO as an Alibaba play. The internet search engine might see a pop in share price as the result, but some investors are exercising caution. Yahoo’s foreign presence in China presents political challenges in the communist state, which could jeopardize Alibaba’s ability to conduct business in a highly-censored political environment. Either way, we believe that the IPO will be a positive catalyst, moving YHOO higher in the near future.

AAPL To Release Wearable Device Alongside iPhone 6

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On September 9th, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is scheduled to announce a wearable device alongside the highly anticipated iPhone 6 debut. If we look to the past, we can expect Apple to release 2 versions of the phone, with the premium model rumored to have a possible price tag of $650 – $800. Bigger screen, bigger battery and sleek design means a higher price tag. Despite the price, demand for the new device will undoubtedly be high, and there seems to be supply chain issues that could affect the launch. Reuters reported two weeks ago that suppliers have been having problems producing enough screens.
As for the wearable device, chances are it will feature Apple’s HomeKit–a system designed to control connected fitness and health devices–which monitors health metrics such as number of steps taken, heart rate, blood pressure, sleep quality, etc. Whether the device is a wristwatch is unclear, but rumors have suggested that it will come in multiple sizes with several different designs available at multiple price points. There is no indication when the launch is scheduled to take place, but experts estimate late 2014 to early 2015.  We believe that AAPL will chug higher and want to play a good reward to risk set-up.
The Trade: Buying the AAPL Sep 104-106-108 Call Fly for $.25 debit
Risk: $25 per 1 lot
Reward: $175 per 1 lot
Breakeven: $104.25 and $107.75
Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

Large Call Buyers in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. GS is currently trading around $178.25 in a 52 week range of $151.33 – 181.13. The company’s stock has been underperforming the market this year with shares increasing .55% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will reverse as order flow in GS has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today, a trader bought over 5000 GS September 180 Calls for around $1.75. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out nearly $1,000,000 in total premium.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/1usQnKR or through the only Unique Unusual Options Activity Scanner: http://bit.ly/1sCSaws

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the GS September 180 Calls for $1.75
Risk: $175 per 1 lot

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

Trade take HUGE Bullish Bet in BURL

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Burlington Stores, Inc. operates as a retailer of branded apparel products in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, such as women’s ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, baby products, footwear, accessories, home goods, and coats. BURL is currently trading around $34.25 in a 52 week range of $21.54-$35.00. The company’s stock has been outperforming the market this year with shares increasing 10.4% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will continue as order flow in BURL has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 3000 BURL December 35 Calls for $3.00. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out $900,000 in total premium. The stock looks strong today even though it has seen resistance at the $35 level in the past.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/1usQnKR or through the only Unique Unusual Options Activity Scanner: http://bit.ly/1sCSaws

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the BURL December 35 Calls for $3.10
Risk: $70 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $3.40, Sell 25% at $3.70, Sell 25% at $4.00, Sell 25% at $4.30

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I am long Calls in BURL)

Trader Takes Bullish Trade in SA

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Seabridge Gold Inc., a development stage company, together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties located in North America. It also explores for copper, silver, and molybdenum ores. SA is currently trading around $11.24 in a 52 week range of $6.65-$17.24. The company’s stock has been outperforming the market this year with shares increasing 62.2% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will continue as order flow in SA has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 1000 SA November 14 Calls for $.35. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out $35,000 in total premium. The stock looks strong today and might have found a short-term bottom at $6.65.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/1usQnKR or through the only Unique Unusual Options Activity Scanner: http://bit.ly/1sCSaws

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the SA November 14 Calls for $.40
Risk: $140 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $50, Sell 25% at $.60, Sell 25% at $.75, Sell 25% at $.90

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I am long Calls in SA)

Trader takes HUGE Bullish Bet in GNRC

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Generac Holdings Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets power generation equipment and other engine powered products for the residential, light commercial, industrial, and construction markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It offers engines, alternators, transfer switches, and other components fueled by natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline, diesel, and bi-fuel. GNRC is currently trading around $47.21 in a 52 week range of $39.01-$62.50. The company’s stock has been underperforming the market this year with shares decreasing 16.6% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will reverse as order flow in GNRC has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 10000 GNRC November 55 Calls for $1.00. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out $1,000,000 in total premium. The stock looks strong today and might have found a short-term bottom at $42.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/1usQnKR or through the only Unique Unusual Options Activity Scanner: http://bit.ly/1sCSaws

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the GNRC November 55 Calls for $1.00
Risk: $70 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $1.10, Sell 25% at $1.25, Sell 25% at $1.50, Sell 25% at $1.75

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I am long Calls in GNRC)

Trader takes HUGE Bullish Bet in KND

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Kindred Healthcare, Inc. provides healthcare services in the United States. It operates in four divisions: Hospital, Nursing Center, Rehabilitation, and Care Management. KND is currently trading around $19.45 in a 52 week range of $12.95-$26.81. The company’s stock has been underperforming the market this year with shares increasing -.5% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will reverse as order flow in KND has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 46.9 times usual volume in November 20 Calls. The trade bought 1500 November 20 Calls for $1.30. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out $450,000 in total premium. The stock looks strong today even the stock has sold off 20% in the last week.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/1usQnKR or through the only Unique Unusual Options Activity Scanner: http://bit.ly/1sCSaws

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the KND Nov 20 Calls for $1.35
Risk: $135 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $1.45, Sell 25% at $1.60, Sell 25% at $1.80, Sell 25% at $2.00

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I am long Calls in KND)

Unusual Options Activity in SCHW

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The Charles Schwab Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides securities brokerage, banking, money management, and financial advisory services. The company operates through two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. SCHW is currently trading around $27.67 in a 52 week range of $20.44-$29.13. The company’s stock has been outperforming the market this year with shares rising 6.5% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will reverse as order flow in SCHW has been decidedly bullish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 6000ish SCHW August 28 Calls for $.25. This is an extremely bullish order and involves this trader laying out $150,000 in total premium. The stock looks strong today with rumors that Goldman Sachs might be interested in purchasing them.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room or through Premium Twitter feed with all entries, exits, and unusual options activity tweeted all day long.

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying SCHW August 28 Calls for $.30
Risk: $30 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $.35, Sell 25% at $.40, Sell 25% at $.50, Sell 25% at $.60

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Long
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I long SCHW Calls)

Trader takes HUGE Bearish Position in MAR

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Marriott International, Inc. operates, franchises, and licenses hotels and timeshare properties worldwide. The company operates through four segments: North American Full-Service, North American Limited-Service, International, and Luxury. MAR is currently trading around $64.79 in a 52 week range of $39.58-$67.12. The company’s stock has been outperforming the market this year with shares rallying 30% year to date. Options traders seem to think that this trend will reverse as order flow in MAR has been decidedly bearish during today’s trading session. Today a trader bought over 8600 MAR Sep 62.50 Puts for $1.20. This is an extremely bearish order and involves this trader laying out $1,032,00 in total premium. The stock looks weak today, and I think the stock can break through $62.5 on its way to $55.

Unusual Option Activity:
We define unusual option activity as large block trades that represent a large percentage of daily option volume. The block trade is considered “unusual” if the option volume is above the average daily volume over the past 22 days. At KeeneOnTheMarket.com we scan and analyze order flow from all of the major options exchanges in order to identify any unusual option activity.

Analyzing unusual order flow gives traders a window into what the positions that large institutional players have. The majority of unusual option activity can be traced back to hedge funds, mutual funds, and other large institutions. Knowing where these institutions are placing their bets can be hugely advantageous for any trader. These institutions have informational and technological advantages that the average trader doesn’t have, and the amount of time and analysis that goes into every one of their trades is substantial. We offer this service through our 7 hour daily LIVE trading room http://bit.ly/135QWt8 or through Premium Twitter feed with all entries, exits, and unusual options activity tweeted all day long: http://bit.ly/11f0L9u.

Order flow can however at times be deceiving. One might logically thing that a large block buyer of calls is bullish on the underlying. This is not always the case. Remember that a large number of participants in the equity options market are hedgers. Long calls are a hedge against short stock, and long puts are a hedge against long stock. With this in mind we have developed a 7 step trading plan that helps filter out unusual option activity that will not provide actionable trade setups. It is by using this plan that we are able to identify the most significant unusual options activity trades every day.

The Trade:
Buying the MAR Sep 55 Puts for $1.20 debit
Risk: $120 per 1 lot
Targets: Sell 25% at $1.40, Sell 25% at $1.60, Sell 25% at $1.80, Sell 25% at $2.00

Greeks of this Trade:
Delta: Short
Gamma: Long
Theta: Short
Vega: Long

(Full disclosure: I have no position on in this stock)