Option Bulls Cheer Viking Therapeutics Stock Explosion

There was notable open interest at the September 12.50 call

Sep 18, 2018 at 9:14 AM
facebook twitter linkedin


Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VKTX) is set to explode out of the gate this morning, up 129.5% in pre-market trading, thanks to news the company's experimental liver drug met its goals in a mid-stage study. The stock had already been a strong performer during the past year, surging from just $1.20 this time last year to yesterday's close at $10.39.

Data from the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) suggests this move would be good news for options traders. More than 3,600 calls were bought to open during the past 10 days across these exchanges, compared to just 213 puts.

One of the most popular options on the drugmaker, based on total open interest, was the September 12.50 call, which expires this Friday. Data shows a mix of buy- and sell-to-open activity there, so those who bought the calls are likely celebrating, while the call writers are licking their wounds.

It's also shaping up to be a bad day for short sellers. These bears control more than 36% of Viking Therapeutics' float, and going by average daily volumes, it'd take them more than four days to cover their positions.

On the other hand, sentiment in the analyst community has been very bullish. All six of the brokerage firms tracking VKTX say it's worth buying, and the average 12-month price target of $14.33 was a sharp premium to last night's close -- though obviously now some analysts may feel compelled to hike their price targets.

 

Minimize Risk While Maximizing Profits

There is no options strategy like this one, which consistently minimizes risk while maintaining maximum profits. Perfect for traders looking for ways to control risk, reduce losses, and increase the likelihood of success when trading calls and puts. The Schaeffer’s team has over 41 years of options trading success targeting +100% gains on every trade. Rest assured your losses are effectively limited to your initial cost at the time of making your move! Don't waste another second... join us right now before the next trade is released! 

 

300x250 - Banner 3 - v1