AOL calls in demand after earnings beat sends shares higher

AOL, Inc. (NYSE:AOL) – Shares in online media company, AOL, Inc., jumped more than 16% today to a record high of $41.80 after the company posted third-quarter earnings and sales that beat analyst forecasts and said advertising revenue increased 7% in the quarter, the most in years. Options traders appear to be buying into the rally, snapping up front-month call options to position for continued gains in the price of the underlying in the near term. Bulls picked up nearly 5,000 of the deep in-the-money Nov. $39 strike calls for an average premium of $1.22 apiece this morning, and stand ready to profit at expiration as long as AOL’s shares top the average breakeven price of $40.22. Upside calls are also active at the higher Nov. $40 striking price, where upwards of 5,500 in-the-money calls changed hands against open interest of 1,239 contracts. Time and sales data suggests most of the $40 calls were purchased in the first half of the session at an average premium of $0.82 a-pop. Call buyers make money if shares in the Internet media company extend gains to settle above $40.82 at expiration next week.

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) – Health care services company, Tenet Healthcare Corp., is selling off ahead of its third-quarter earnings report tomorrow morning, with shares in the name down nearly 5% as of 1:30 p.m. ET to stand at $24.65. At least one options trader is preparing for the price of the underlying to extend losses in the near term, buying a 5,000-lot Nov. $21/$24 bear put spread at a net premium of $0.67 per contract. The put spread starts making money if shares in Tenet Healthcare slip 5.4% to breach the effective breakeven price of $23.33 by November expiration. Maximum potential profits of $2.33 per contract are available to the downside should shares plunge 15% to $21.00 by expiration next week.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) – Bullish sentiment on the specialty retailer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories was telegraphed in the options market this morning ahead of the company’s third-quarter earnings report before the opening bell on Thursday. Shares in Advance Auto Parts, Inc. are flat on the session to trade at $80.80 as of 1:00 p.m. ET. One options trader appears to have purchased a 3,000-lot Dec. $85/$90 call spread for a net premium outlay of $1.10 per contract roughly 10 minutes into the trading session today. The spread starts making money if shares in AAP rally at least 6.5% to surpass the effective breakeven price of $86.10, while maximum potential profits of $3.90 per contract are available on the position given a more than 11% move higher in the share price to $90.00 during the next six weeks to December expiration.

Caitlin Duffy

Equity Options Analyst

The material presented in this commentary is provided for informational purposes only and is based upon information that is considered to be reliable. However, neither Interactive Brokers LLC nor its affiliates warrant its completeness, accuracy or adequacy and it should not be relied upon as such. Neither IB nor its affiliates are responsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from the use of this information. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument. Securities or other financial instruments mentioned in this material are not suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue. The information contained herein does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation to you of any particular securities, financial instruments or strategies. Before investing, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.