Calls Active as Genworth Pops (GNW)

Shares of Genworth Financial GNW are popping higher this morning, currently up by 3.24% and trading at $14.19. There has been some takeover chatter regarding the name around trading desks, though no specifics could be found. Options traders are taking no chances and are buying upside on the name. Within the first hour of trading, 12,000 calls have traded on the name (well above the daily average) versus only 912 puts. The majority of the action is focused on the March 2011 $14, $15, and $16 strikes. Volume has exceeded open interest on the $15 and $16 strikes. Genworth Financial, Inc. is a financial security company dedicated to providing insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions to more than 15 million customers, with a presence in more than 25 countries. As of December 31, 2009, the company operated through three segments: Retirement and Protection, International and U.S. Mortgage Insurance.