Unusual Options Activity: HPQ, FB, LNKD, SPLS, and X

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) saw unusual options activity

Josh Selway

Jul 30, 2015 at 5:12 PM

X
SPLS
VIX
LNKD
HPQ
FB

Blue chips flirted with gains late in the day, but ultimately closed modestly lower. Across the 12 major exchanges, 7.2 million calls crossed, versus 5.8 million puts. The day's put/call volume ratio settled at 0.8.

Among the most notable trades was Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ), where someone likely sold to open 50,000 November 30 puts for $1.78 apiece. If that's the case, the trader collected $8.9 million in premium ($1.78 per contract * 100 shares per contract * 50,000), which he or she can pocket if HPQ stays north of $30 through November options expiration. Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) post-earnings options traders took a bearish rout, with puts crossing at three times normal. Sector peer LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) also saw accelerated put action ahead of earnings.

Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) saw a massive call spread in the January 2016 series. United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) saw heavy call volume, as well. Speaking of bullish bets, some traders are expecting Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to jump 21% next month. Also, is it a good time to buy CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) calls?

150731ov6

150731ov7

Follow @Schaeffers

You Don’t Need 25 Alerts -- You Need ONE You Can Trust!

That’s the idea behind Trade of the Week, Schaeffer’s newest trade alert.

Every Monday morning before the opening bell, you’ll receive a single, expertly researched trade recommendation -- built from the same proprietary research we’ve been using for over four decades.

It’s not just a signal.

It’s a plan designed for traders who are tired of jumping from alert to alert without ever finding their edge.

No juggling alerts. No switching directions mid-week. Just one clear, expertly researched trade idea -- delivered before the market even opens.

👉 JOIN RIGHT NOW FOR JUST $1 TO GET THE NEXT TRADE!