The choppy/consolidating (or perhaps worse) market conditions sometimes give the impression that growth plays do not exist. That is not the case, and one growth company worth reviewing is Cypress Semiconductor.

Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE: CY) is a manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits, memory chips and silicon solar cells.

Analysts really like Cypress' revenue growth prospects of 23-25% following a likely 45-50% increase in 2007.

Analysts also like Cypress' recent acquisition of PowerLight Corp. and expect the purchase to drive a significant earnings increase. CY's SunPower business is another plus, due to its potential growth and undervalued status.

NutriSystem (NASDAQ: NTRI), a weight management and fitness products and services company, is recently down $10.57 to $37 in pre-open trading, some 22%.

• NTRI announced disappointing third quarter results.
  
• Thomas Weisel says: "3Q fundamentals crumble; we expect challenges into FY08."
  
• NTRI overall option implied volatility of 59 is above its 26-week average of 47 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risk.

LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) is a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers.

• LDK shares were weak on 10/3 on allegations of inconsistency in inventory reporting.
  
• LDK says: "LDK's management team and board of directors formed an internal committee to investigate the allegations and conduct an immediate physical inventory of LDK's polysilicon materials. The management team found no material discrepancies."
  
• LDK October option implied volatility of 131 is above its 12-week average of 69 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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

LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, was sold off down $16.65 to $51.65. Piper Jaffray said "We have confirmed that the LDK financial controller recently left the company." LDK October option implied volatility of 133 was above its 12-week average of 69 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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