Travelzoo Shares Popped: What You Need to Know

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Travel coupons wrangler Travelzoo (Nasdaq: TZOO  ) soared 11.4% over Monday's close price, or an even more impressive 13.7% from intraday lows, despite having no news of its own to report.

So what: But of course, the big talk of the day was Google (Nasdaq: GOOG  ) talking up Travelzoo rival Groupon to prepare a nice, juicy buyout. If Groupon is worth something like $5 billion to $6 billion, as the rumor mill would have it, that would put a premium on Travelzoo's shares as well.

Now what: Buyout chatter can be a powerful price catalyst. Pair that with a massive short position -- 31% of Travelzoo's float was sold short as of Nov. 15 -- and you have the makings of an impressive pop. But if the Groupon deal comes to pass as expected and nobody goes a-courting Travelzoo, be mindful of the effervescent effect wearing off before you take your profits.

Interested in more info on Travelzoo? Add it to your watchlist.