Today’s tickers: VVUS, NUS & RHT
VVUS – Vivus, Inc. – A large options trade on Vivus, Inc. appears to be a directional bet on the biotech company’s shares ahead of impending recommendations from an advisory panel, as well as a possible decision from FDA regulators, on whether to approve obesity drug, Qnexa. Shares in VVUS are down 1.5% today at $20.06. The large call butterfly spread purchased on Vivus in the first half of the trading day yields maximum possible gains in the event that shares soar more than 50.0% in the next three weeks. The options player responsible for the single largest trade in the name today appears to have purchased 3,250 calls at the April $27 and $35 strikes, and sold 6,500 calls at the April $31 strike, all for a net premium of $0.55 per contract. Profits on the call ‘fly kick in if shares in VVUS rally at least 37.3% to surpass the breakeven share price of $27.55, while the maximum potential payoff of $3.45 per contract is available to the trader as long as the stock jumps 54.5% to settle at $31.00 at expiration next month. The strategist stands to lose the full amount of premium paid to establish the spread if shares settle below $27.00 or above $35.00. A decision from regulators is expected by April 17th, three days prior to options expiration.
NUS – Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. – Bearish activity in Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. options is on the rise this morning with shares in the maker of anti-aging skin products and other personal care items trading down 4.4% at $56.85 as of 11:15 a.m. in New York. Traders picking up $55 strike put options in April and May today appear to be positioning for the price of the…
