Option update 7-23-07: Apple volatility elevated into EPS

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) -- August volatility Elevated into EPS as AAPL at record High. AAPL is recently down $1.08 to $142.67. RBC Capital Markets says "Reports Q3 July 25, with focus on iPhone, but expects Mac momentum to drive results." Thomson First Call expects EPS of 72 cents. AAPL August option implied volatility of 58 is above its 26-week average of 37 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) -- volatility increases into KKR's $22 billion FDC debt offering. FDC, the world's largest processor of credit-card payments, announced on April 2 that it would be purchased by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) for $29 billion. FDC shareholders will receive $34 in cash for each share. FDC named Michael Capellas as CEO of FDC on June 10. KKR is expected to raise $22 billion in late July to finance FDC buyout. FDC over all option implied volatility of 18 is above 14-week average of 14 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Option volume leaders today are: Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) and Micron Technology Inc. (NYSE: MU) according to Track Data.

Daily Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.