As a number of people here at SI already know [because I have mentioned it from time to time] I know dip-squat about options, but am posting this article here for people who do and might find it useful. I have read it, but do not understand if this means we should prepare ourselves for a potential move up or down. For those of us in for the long haul, if it goes down, we can just crawl in hole for a while--until things settle down and ZS gets back on price movement track.
"Traders Betting on a Big Move in Zscaler (ZS) Stock?"
Zacks Equity Research
September 10, 2018
Are Options Traders Betting on a Big Move in Zscaler (ZS) Stock?Zacks Equity Research
September 10, 2018
Investors need to pay close attention to Zscaler (ZS) stock based on the movements in the options market lately.
Investors in Zscaler, Inc. ZS need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sep 21, 2018 $30.00 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?
Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?
Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Zscaler shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Zscaler is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Internet - Services industry that ranks in the Top 44% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimates for the current quarter, while none have dropped their estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from a loss of 14 cents per share to a loss of 5 cents in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Zscaler right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
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