Cyberark Software Ltd (CYBR) is moving higher once again
Call volume has picked up on Cyberark Software Ltd (NASDAQ:CYBR), with the contracts running at three times the rate expected for this point in the day. In fact, seven of CYBR's 10 most active contracts are calls, with the June 70 strike coming in as the most popular option once again. Data suggests buy-to-open activity here, meaning traders expect shares of the cybersecurity name to top $70 by week's end, when front-month options expire.
Even though CYBR has been a long-time outperformer on the charts, option traders have preferred puts over calls. Trading data from the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) reveals 1.64 puts have been bought to open for every call during the past 10 sessions. What's more, the stock's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) comes in at 1.10. This means put open interest outweighs call open interest among CYBR's front three-months' series of options.
As alluded to, this interest in puts comes even though the shares have been strong on the charts. In fact, CYBR is up over 72% in 2015, with today's 2.9% gain bringing the shares to $68.39. It could be, then, that some of this put buying is from shareholders hedging against any downward moves from the security.
No matter the case, Cyberark Software Ltd (NASDAQ:CYBR) could stand to benefit from a reversal of option trader behavior. Moreover, the equity could also see a lift if analysts turn bullish, as well. As of now, five of eight brokerage firms rate CYBR a "hold" or worse. On top of this, its average 12-month price target of $59.80 sits at a discount to current levels. It wouldn't be surprising to see some bullish analyst notes come down the pike and spark additional gains for the stock.