Tech Stock Near Top Of NYSE After Earnings

Cowen cheered Calix's recent earnings report

The shares of Calix Inc (NYSE:CALX) are up 23.6% to trade at $9.25, near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Powering the surge is the company's better-than-expected third-quarter earnings release, which came through last evening. Also helping is an upgrade out of Cowen to "outperform" from "market perform" anda price-target hike to $14 from $6, the highest on Wall Street.

Looking closer, the analyst in coverage at Cowen likes the profitability of the tech company's three new platforms. In addition, Craig Hallum chimed in with a price-target hike of its own, up to $11 from $10. All of this attention has CALX stock on track for its best day since February 2012. Earlier today, the shares hit a new three-year high of $9.32, and have now racked up a 54% gain in 2018.

More bull notes could be on the way. Of the four brokerages covering CALX, three rate it a tepid "hold," and the average 12-month price target of $10.38 sits only just above the stock's current perch.

The big move higher has sparked a flurry of options trading, too, albeit limited absolute volume. At last check, more than 250 put options have been traded, volume pacing for the 100th percentile of its annual range. Most of the action is centered around the January 2019 9-strike put, where new positions are being opened. Taking a broader view, put open interest currently also stands at an annual high.