Options Update: Crocs (CROX), Mechel Steel (MTL), Elan Corp (ELN)

Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX) is trading at $5.06 late this morning, well below its close of $8.94. CROX lowered Q2 and 2008 financial guidance. Robert Baird Co lowered its rating to Neutral from Outperform. CROX over all option implied volatility of 91 is above its 26-week average of 84 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Mechel Steel (NYSE: MTL) closed at $22.84, and is trading up this morning at $26.40. MTL sold off 38% on July 24 after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ordered antitrust authorities to investigate selling prices at steel and coal group MTL. MTL August option implied volatility is at 162, October is at 105, above its 26-week average of 66 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Elan Corp (NYSE: ELN) closed at $32.34 and, as of 11:15 Friday morning, is trading at $33.43. ELN's & WYE's Bapineuzumab (Alzheimer's treatment) Phase 2 trial results will be presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease on July 29. ELN August option implied volatility is at 97, October is at 70; above its 26-week average of 69 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

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