The most traded call options on JCP as of the time of this writing are the 21 Mar ’14 7.0 strike calls, with roughly 23,000 contracts in play (this is approximately 70% of open existing interest at that strike of around 33,800 contracts). Time and sales data from this morning suggests most of the volume changing hands at that strike today was purchased at a premium of $0.75 each. Buyers of in-the-money call options could be buying to open near-term bullish positions on the stock or adjusting previously established positions on the heels of the sharp rally in the stock overnight. Traders getting long the calls at $0.75 per contract today may profit at expiration next month if shares in the retailer rally another 3.3% over today’s high of $7.50 to exceed the effective breakeven point at $7.75.
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