Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (Ticker: OWW) shares jumped more than 30% to $9.12 on Thursday morning to the highest level since November after the online travel agency reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue above average analyst expectations. Orbitz attracted heavier than usual options activity during the morning hours of the session, with upwards of 12,000 contracts changing hands on the stock versus an average daily reading of around 1,700 contracts. Trading traffic is concentrated in Orbitz calls, driving the call/put ratio on the stock above 31 in the early going.
The most traded contracts by volume on OWW as of the time of this writing are the Mar $10 strike calls, with around 6,000 calls in play against open interest of just 200 contracts. Time and sales data suggests most of the volume was purchased this morning for an average premium of $0.32 each. The single largest print was the purchase of 2,500 of the $10 calls at a premium of $0.35 apiece. Buyers of the $10 strike call options stand ready to profit at expiration next month in the event that Orbitz shares rally another 13% over today’s high of $9.12 to exceed the average breakeven price of $10.32. Shares in the name last traded above $10.32 in September of 2013.
