Utah-based flash memory manufacturer Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO) popped 20% in a single day this past September, following Western Digital’s (WDC) acquisition of Virident and investor speculation that FIO could be next. Shares traded to nearly $16, but pulled back below $10 in November and are now trading at a more modest $11.25 per share.
Today, we saw a trader come in and sell 9,400 Sep 9 Puts for $0.70 while simultaneously buying 9,400 Sep 15 calls for $0.80. Known as a risk reversal, this trader has established this position for a net debit of $0.10 This is particularly bullish, as by selling puts to offset the cost of the calls this trader has assumed theoretical risk of over $8.5 million (in the unlikely event the stock becomes worthless).
FIO trades an average of 3.3 million shares per day, so this order has the potential to control about a quarter of the float. Shares have traded in a 52-week range of $8.40-$20.20. For this trader to break-even at expiration, the stock must be trading above $15.10.