Option update: TGT volatility elevated on expectations of activist interest

Target (NYSE: TGT) volatility elevated on hopes Ackman's position will lead to changes. TGT is recently up .63 to $62.42. William Ackman's Pershing Square, an activist hedge fund, reported owning a 9.6% position in TGT on 7/16. www.Thestreet.com says "The giant retailer's intent now may be to maintain control of the valuable credit card business while unlocking cash." TGT September & October option implied volatility of 38 is above its 26-week average of 28 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

Rambus (NASDAQ: RMBS) volatility increases on renewed takeover chatter. RMBS, a technology licensing company specializing in the invention and design of high-speed chip interfaces, is recently up $1.30 to $17.08 on unconfirmed and renewed takeover chatter. RMBS has a market cap of $1.7 billion with March 2006 total quarterly revenue of $47 million. RMBS has upcoming patent infringement & anti-trust claim issues in 2008. RMBS call option volume of 22,361 contracts compares to put volume of 3,000 contracts. RMBS September option implied volatility is 75, October at 68 above a level of 58 from last week; February 2008 is at 68. RMBS average option implied volatility over the last 26-weeks is 57 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

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