Intel Options (INTC): Unusual Trading Activity

Options in mega-cap chipmaker Intel (INTC) are showing a large change in sentiment this morning. 

Since Intel reported disappointing earnings last quarter, the stock’s been on the outs with investors.

In mid-August, Intel hit a high of $26.80 a share.  After some disappointing news, it plummeted all the way down to a low of $22.83 a share on September 13^th.

This is an important technical level, as it marks a double bottom for 2012.

And guess what?  With the holiday season approaching and demand for electronic devices rising, INTC can easily see a turnaround.

But, while retail investors may be nervous, option traders are embracing this decline by jumping in on the weakness.

More specifically, one option trader came in right after the open this morning and purchased nearly 1,600 contracts of the INTC October $23 call options at an average price of $0.25 a piece.

Don’t forget… buying call options outright is a strategy used when a trader feels a stock is going to rise in value.  Plus, it offers unlimited upside potential.

And these Intel calls are already in the money by a few pennies.

While this trade only represents a $4,000 bet the stock is going to move higher, it holds unlimited profit potential above $23.25 a share.  No question about it, this wager could turn into big money!

So, why’s INTC worth this big bet?

As most of you know, Intel is the largest chipmaker in the world.  They manufacture microprocessors and platform solutions for the global personal computer market.  

Not only that, Intel has sustained its position at the forefront of technology by investing heavily in R&D.  As a result, the company holds roughly 80% market share in the global microprocessor space.

But most importantly, INTC sports powerful brand recognition.  You see, the company subsidizes marketing efforts by customers when they highlight their brand… making this coalition very profitable.

Bottom line…

Let’s not forget one of the keys I’ve noticed in my many years of trading options.  These traders are usually right more often than they’re wrong!

For more detailed information on unusual options activity and how you can profit from it, be sure to sign-up for our daily newsletter, Options Trading Research.  It’s always 100% free and packed full of option trading ideas you can use immediately in your own portfolio.  Click here to subscribe for free.

Safe Trading,

Marcus Haber

Tags: INTC call options, INTC option trading, INTC unusual option activity, Intel, Intel calls, Intel unusual call activity

Category: Unusual Options Trading Activity