Will G-Pass Be the Ticket for Groupon?
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Groupon launched its G-Pass entertainment-ticketing service yesterday, and some option traders liked what they saw.
A trader bought 4,978 July 16 calls for $0.70 and sold the same number of July 20 calls for $0.15, according to OptionMonster’s tracking systems. He or she can now own shares for $16, but is on the hook to sell them for $20.
The trader paid a net $0.55 for the right to control that spread, which carries less risk than buying the stock directly, and if Groupon rallies enough the position will make more than 600 percent. If the stock doesn’t move, however, the call spread will expire worthless.
Groupon’s direction has been mostly south since its initial public offering in November. It pushed over $14 early yesterday, but then returned to its downward trajectory and finished with a 3.47 percent drop to $13.08, its lowest close yet.
The company connects merchants to consumers by offering goods and services at a discount through coupons purchased online. Its G-Pass service is designed to allow customers to bypass box-office lines and head straight for the entrance of events such as concerts, games, and shows.
Groupon’s next earnings results will be released on May 14.
Overall calls in Groupon outnumbered puts by 20,000 to 12,000, a reflection of yesterday's bullish sentiment. Total option volume was twice its average amount.
(A version of this post appeared on InsideOptions Pro Wednesday.)
—Najarian has no positions in GRPN.
Additional News: Groupon Accounting Problems Put Spotlight on Board
Additional Views: Investors Won’t Tolerate More Groupon Missteps: Analyst
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Pete Najarian is a professional investor, CNBC contributor, regular co-host of CNBC’s “Fast Money” and co-founder of OptionMonster.com.
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