stock options picks

[catrader]

RJ,

point taken that options are risky.  I am just trying to do this thread so that we all learn about options.  I imagine there is the learning curve that everone goes through.  People do lose money on them and like you said other strategies other than straight calls and puts might be the way to play.  So in the future I hope to research some stocks, maybe earnings coming up, maybe something in chart, maybe something in news, and then post plays here.  www.optionetics.com is another good site for information and to learn option startegies.  Did not realize so many companies announcing earnings these days.  So far only RJ and Vikingfan have added their thoughts here.  All are welcome to join the discussion and hopefully we can learn from each other.  So far from myshort option expererience, if you have profits take them.  Sometimes I've held on to position too long and position gone from a winner and loser.  By the same token, I've sold too early.  If you get into a position, it goes against you, yet the fundamental reason you bought still there, then don't sell.  Always have an exit strategy though.

[RJ]

Cat,
I will add that when I discovered this site, it was on the IIJI message board. When I investigated the site, the main subject was IIJI. I actually did "DD" and tried  to confirm as much as possible without waiting too long since the premiums rise with the emotions for a stock. I played the 7.50's (June) and settled on a 60% move. Almost holding out of emotion for potentially further gain (PLAN THE TRADE...TRADE THE PLAN... ). Emotions are one of the greater enemies.....I believe there is potential for profit but there needs to be a bit of preparation. Earnings runs are always good..if one selects the right one. ISSX had a lot of hype on the boards...if you had purchased a call and even hedged with a put at the money you would almost be even...I am not against this, just very cautious. I would like to participate in this and hope I can contribute. I will not continue to sound so dour as I believe the ease at which one is able to learn here is astounding. Thank you for the time......

RJ

[catrader]

a couple of possibilities, first is dhb, hold this one, i think graph looks decent, earnings today, stock is at $8.45  dhb jan 06 5 call at $3.90.  another possibility is dwa, don't hold this but thinking about it.  rumors that nbc might want to buy them out,  dwa is at $23.37  dwa mar 06 20 call at $5.

[catrader]

a couple of possibilities, first is dhb, hold this one, i think graph looks decent, earnings today, stock is at $8.45  dhb jan 06 5 call at $3.90.  another possibility is dwa, don't hold this but thinking about it.  rumors that nbc might want to buy them out,  dwa is at $23.37  dwa mar 06 20 call at $5.

update on dhb, it hit earnings estimate right at the number but guess that was not good enough for investors so stock is down a bit.  Still holding though as maybe it makes no sense to sell call now.  if did probably before earnings.  Now hope for rebound or buyout.  dhb jan 06 5 call now at $3.20

[catrader]

naps has earnings on aug 3, latest news + and graph looks ok.  so took position on this, naps currently at 5.24, bought the mar 06 2.50 call for $2.95.

[catrader]

being watching scln since it was in the mid 4's, think it is a good company hopefully just starting its run,  so let's see if it continues momentum wise, scln $7.60, get the mar 06 2.50 call for $5.40.  Only $0.20 time value for 9 months seems like a bargain.

[catrader]

wish i had been on the following, ntes -good earnings , rbk-earnings today and getting bought out by adidas.  so ntes lets say had bought the aug 60 call  13.80  +11.40   , and the rbk aug 42.50 call 14.40 +13.60.  don't you wish you had a crystal ball!

[ramlau]

Bought some PALM 25 and 30 calls today. Planning to hold for a while.

Ram

[catrader]

sina announcing after hours today, might it do well like ntes or not as good as sohu?  well still debating this one.  snda another like ntes but graph looks weaker announcing earnings next week.

[catrader]

Bought some PALM 25 and 30 calls today. Planning to hold for a while.

Ram

any reason behind it?  from tc2005, chart looks both good and bad.  Might be competition coming from dell in palm's segment right?

[catrader]

well prior picks on scln and dhb not doing too well.  maybe moral is to sell on the way done and rebuy when it seems to have reversed.  since held, there is still time so hope for something positive.  Looking at stocks, thinking of sohu and eyet, so plunged in with march 10 call on eyet for 6.20.  there is always the possibility of pfe buying it out since they excercised stock in the $40's.

[catrader]

anf would have been a good put candidate at the beginning of the month.  should have seen it coming if had done more research and paid more attention to the market.  anyone with put and call candidates?

[catrader]

well yesterday there were site problems here.  bought a couple of amln jan 30 calls for 2.65.  so far do good as there is potential with the products and short covering.

[catrader]

picked up a couple of agix jan 17.5 calls for 2.45.  Brought to my attention by eliteg's post in the 1mil board.  with the news of phase iii and buyout possibilities, and the graph looks good, worth it.

[catrader]

any vlo calls since monday would be way in the money.  might still be a play but somwhat risky because of run up.