Options Corner: Why New Gold's Options Market Is Bullishly Defying The Merger Playbook - New Gold (AMEX:NGD)
Benzinga·2025-12-22 21:01

Core Viewpoint - New Gold Inc (NYSEAMERICAN: NGD) has experienced a significant stock increase of approximately 266% year-to-date, with a recent uptick of over 10% in the last five sessions, indicating strong buyer interest and potential for further gains [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Sentiment - The upcoming earnings report on February 18 is expected to influence NGD stock positively, as a favorable outcome could enhance the already bullish sentiment surrounding the stock [2]. - The recent rally in gold and silver prices is contributing to the positive market sentiment, which may continue into the new year [2]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE) announced an all-stock acquisition of New Gold valued at approximately $7 billion, with an exchange ratio that values NGD at $8.51 per share, representing an 8% premium over the current stock price [3]. Group 3: Volatility and Price Movement - Expected move calculators predict a 19.1% price movement for NGD stock following the February earnings disclosure, indicating potential volatility [5]. - Implied volatility (IV) provides insights into expected price dispersion, although it does not directly indicate the likelihood of specific outcomes [6][7]. Group 4: Price Projections and Trading Strategies - The forward 10-week returns for NGD stock are projected to range between $8.80 and $10, with price clustering likely around $9.30 [11]. - A unique 4-6-U quant signal indicates that despite fewer up weeks, the stock price has trended upward, suggesting continued bullish potential [12]. - A trading strategy targeting a $10 strike price through a 9/10 bull call spread expiring February 20, 2026, is suggested, with a maximum payout of about 43% [14]. - An alternative strategy involving a 9/11 bull call spread is also proposed, requiring NGD stock to rise through $11 at expiration, with a potential maximum payout of roughly 111% [18].