Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Is the Options Market Predicting a Spike in The Macerich Company (MAC) Stock?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Investors in The Macerich Company (MAC - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Jan 21, 2022 $5.00 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for The Macerich Company shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, The Macerich Company is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the REIT and Equity Trust - Retail industry that ranks in the Top 31% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimates for the current quarter, while two have dropped their estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 45 cents per share to 44 cents in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about The Macerich Company right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Macerich Company (The) (MAC) - free report >>

Published in