Covered Call Recommendation on Humana (HUM)

Covered Call Recommendation on Humana (HUM)

STRATEGY:

Look at the October 2011 80 covered call.  For each 100 shares of Humana (HUM) stock you buy, sell one October 2011 80 covered call option for a 75.89 (78.19 – 2.30) debit or better.  This is potentially a 5.42% assigned return. The ex-date is 9/26/2011 for a $0,25 dividend per share which will increase the return.

Blanket Put:  If you are looking for a blanket put for protection, look to buy the Jan 2012 77.50 Put for $7.00.  You will sell the Blanket Put when the covered call position is closed.

Potential Risk: The technicals for HUM are bullish with a possible trend reversal. The stock is under accumulation with support at 76.35. S&P rates this stock 4 STARS (out of five) – buy.

S&P research notes:

S&P reiterates Buy opinion on shares of Humana (HUM) . HUM agrees to acquire MD Care, a California-based Medicare Advantage HMO with 15,000 members. Terms were undisclosed. HUM expects the transaction to close by year end. We see it benefiting modestly from improved economies of scale, as HUM already has 400,000 Medicare members in California. Nonetheless, we think it will improve its competitive position in the state. MD Care had ’10 revenue of $155M, but HUM does not expect the transaction to materially affect ’11 earnings guidance. Our EPS model is unaffected by the transaction until it occurs, and we keep our $90 target price.