M&A Chatter Bringing WhiteWave Foods Company (WWAV) Bulls?

WhiteWave Foods Co's (NYSE:WWAV) ascent up the charts shows no signs of slowing down. The shares have tacked on 2.7% amid unconfirmed buyout buzz to trade at $46.79, bringing their year-to-date lead to nearly 34% -- and putting the stock within striking distance of its all-time high of $47.55 from last Friday. Not surprisingly, option bulls have taken notice of WWAV.

At last check, the equity's calls were flying off the shelves at five times the average intraday pace, and more than 18 times the rate of puts. Data from Trade-Alert suggests new positions are being purchased at the June 50 call -- WWAV's most active option this afternoon. In short, these buyers think the stock will topple $50 by the close on Friday, June 19, when the options expire.

Elsewhere on the sentiment front, analysts are very optimistic on WhiteWave Foods Co (NYSE:WWAV). One dozen firms consider the shares a "buy" or better, compared to five "holds" and not a single "sell." However, the stock is quickly approaching its consensus 12-month price target of $49.39, which could pave the way for potential price-target hikes.