Story
Kenvue Options Volume Surpasses 16,000 Contracts, Puts Edge Out Calls
Summary
Options trading in Kenvue Inc. saw a significant spike on Monday, with total volume reaching 16,298 contracts. Put options, often used for hedging or bearish bets, slightly outnumbered calls, with particular focus on July and September expirations.
Options trading volume for Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) surged on Monday, with 16,298 contracts changing hands by 11:50 a.m. New York time. The activity showed a slight tilt towards bearish or hedging sentiment, as put options narrowly outpaced call options.
Trading Volume Breakdown
According to exchange data compiled by Bloomberg, the day's activity was split between two types of contracts:
- Put Options: Totaled 8,386 contracts. Puts grant the holder the right to sell a stock at a specified price and are often used to bet on a price decline or to hedge a long position.
- Call Options: Accounted for 7,912 contracts. Calls give the holder the right to buy a stock at a set price and are typically used to speculate on a price increase.
The higher volume in puts suggests a marginal increase in investor concern or portfolio protection strategies related to Kenvue's stock price.
Most Active Contracts
AdThe bulk of the trading activity was concentrated in a few key contracts. The most active option was the July 17, 2026 $19 put, which saw 6,165 contracts traded against a relatively small open interest of just 134 contracts. This high volume compared to existing positions indicates the opening of significant new bearish bets.
On the bullish side, the July 17, 2026 $20 call was also highly active, with 5,552 contracts traded. This contract already had a substantial open interest of 6,811 contracts, suggesting continued interest in that strike price.
Notable Trading Strategies
The data also revealed several complex options strategies being deployed by traders. A spread involving the July 17, 2026 $20 and $20.50 calls accounted for 1,147 contracts, indicating a bullish strategy with a defined risk-reward profile.
Additionally, a straddle-like position combining the July 17, 2026 $20 call and the Sept. 18, 2026 $20 put saw 773 contracts traded. Such a strategy typically profits from significant price volatility in either direction around the $20 strike price.