Summer is in full swing, and, man, is it a scorcher. We’ve already had some record-breaking temperatures, and the dog days of summer have just begun.
To help take your mind off the sweltering heat, we’re bringing you four option trades that should deliver some cool profits before the end of the year
Netflix (NFLX)
By Sam Collins
With the uncomfortable temperatures we’re experiencing this summer, it’s great to turn up the air conditioning and settle in with a movie from Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX).
The company’s earnings per share have increased from $1.79 to an estimated $2.67 in the past five quarters, and analysts’ estimates have recently been raised. But the stock had such a sharp run-up that many analysts backed off from recommending it at higher prices despite its 34% growth in Q2 net income. Netflix is benefitting from decreased competition from rental stores and from its growing use of streaming video over Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Sony PS3.
The stock has pulled back to around $100, falling from its high of $126 in June. Most analysts target the stock at $110 to $126 by year-end.
Buy the NFLX Sept 100 Calls with a target of $16.
EMC Corp. (EMC)
By Sam Collins
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is one of the world’s largest suppliers of enterprise storage systems, software and services. So if you’re going to enjoy some streaming video from Netflix, the chances are that your hard drive and other storage media used to accomplish that feat were made by EMC.
The company’s revenues are expected to increase by 18% in 2010, according to S&P, which rates the stock a “five-star strong buy.” And its future appears bright since data storage needs are expanding exponentially.
Buy the EMC Oct 20 Calls with a target of $4.
Callaway Golf (ELY)
By Chris Johnson and Jon Lewis
Looking at the monthly chart for Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY), we noticed that the stock is a seasonal mover that favors the second half of the year. Makes sense as this is when their sales and revenue figures will pick up with the summer activity.
We also like the fact that there is a large amount of short interest on the stock as it begins what appears to be a short-term bounce. This means that there is a higher likelihood that short-covering will produce more of an updraft for ELY shares.
The stock is approaching its 50-day moving average at $7.11. A cross above this technical trendline will accelerate the move higher.
There are some lofty expectations from a few of the analysts that see the stock moving as high as $15. While we don’t think that figure is in the near-term future, we do like the idea of buying the ELY Sept 7.50 Calls. A rally back to the $10 level for this summer seasonal stock will net some huge gains on these options.
AutoZone (AZO)
By Chris Johnson and Jon Lewis
AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO) just won’t stop its incredible run. The stock is up more than 30% this year, and more than 50% off its November 2009 bottom. Drawdowns have been well contained by the 20-day and 50-day moving averages. In fact, the shares haven’t closed a day below their rising 50-day since early February.
What’s intriguing about AZO is that many keep trying to call a top in the stock. And they keep guessing wrong.
The put/call ratio is on the rise, indicating an increase in put activity compared to calls. And 14 of 24 covering analysts refuse to acknowledge the stock’s monster run by stubbornly rating it a “hold.” What are they waiting for?
Such skepticism may be what’s keeping the shares on their current trajectory — the old “wall of worry” phenomenon. Whatever the reason, the stock is trading near an all-time high and many still haven’t jumped on the bandwagon.
Buy the AZO Sept 210 Calls to profit from AZO’s ascent through the rest of the summer.
Double Your Money on the Rumor AND the News — Learn how to cut through the rumor and manipulation surrounding corporate earnings announcements and bank money-doubling option trades all year long. Download our FREE trading guide here.
