On Nov. 4, I made my second real-money portfolio buy -- a purchase of an in-the-money call on title insurer Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF). This option currently trades down from my initial purchase, and offers a better buying opportunity. While investors would do fine simply owning the underlining stock, I believe the June 2011 options offer an interesting way to capitalize on a near term rebound in the stock. Watch the video and then read on below:
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Fidelity National is the undisputed leader in the title insurance industry. The company has both economies of scale and an investment portfolio that few other competitors can match. That being said, recent headline news -- both industry and company specific -- has wounded the stock. While the cloud surrounding bank foreclosures will continue to be an overhang for several months, I believe concerns over the company's leadership changes and dividend cut will blow over sooner rather than later.
As more clarity slowly surfaces around "foreclosuregate" and non-income focused investors cycle into the stock, the market will begin to price Fidelity's more favorably. The beauty of this option investment is that if the rebound materializes sooner than expected, my real-money portfolio stands to book an impressive return in less than a year. However, if FNF's stock stays in the doldrums through expiration, I'll happily purchase the shares. Heads I win, tails I win ... later.
If you like opportunistic option plays or have a fetish for the title insurance industry, check out my Rising Star profile here and follow me on Twitter @TMFAloha!
