Think of this as Santa's stock list for Christmas. Not the one with Uncle Frank who brings deviled eggs to every gathering, or your cousin who still hasn't paid back that fifty bucks. This is about stocks that are either handing out profits like candy canes or worth avoiding like a regifted fruitcake.
Some stocks are flashing every signal of becoming massive winners next year. Others? You need to sell them right away. The difference often comes down to something most people ignore: options pricing.
The Expensive Ones: When Being Right Still Loses Money
These stocks have options premiums so inflated they're trading way above average. If you're buying calls or puts on these names, tread carefully. Expensive options can drain your account even when your directional bet is correct, because you've overpaid from the start.
After scanning over 4,000 stocks and comparing current options prices to their yearly ranges—the highs, lows and everything between—these five emerged as the worst offenders for traders right now.
Oracle Corp. (ORCL)
Oracle is a heavyweight in enterprise software and cloud services, and it's delivered solid performance this year. But the options market tells a different story.
When the data came back, Oracle's pricing was off the charts. Implied volatility jumped from around 24 earlier in the year to 64 today. With earnings scheduled in two days, the market is jacking up premiums aggressively. If you're considering calls here, pump the brakes. This setup favors selling premium, not buying it.
lululemon athletica Inc. (LULU)
Lululemon has built a loyal customer base with strong retail performance. The stock is no stranger to sharp price swings either.
But when the scan ran, LULU showed up with options priced well above their normal range. They're simply too expensive to justify a long call or put position. Even if you nail the direction, you're paying so much premium that the move needs to be perfect just to break even.
Paychex Inc. (PAYX)
Paychex operates in payroll and HR services. Nothing flashy about the business, but it's consistent.
The options, however, are anything but consistent. They're inflated well beyond the stock's normal range. Like Oracle, this creates a scenario where being directionally correct might not be enough. Overpaying for time premium stacks the odds against you before the trade even starts.
Ciena Corp. (CIEN)
Ciena manufactures networking equipment that powers telecoms and data centers. The stock has posted some solid moves this year.
But even with chart movement, the options are overpriced. CIEN appeared near the top of the "too expensive" list, and that's a red flag for anyone considering calls or puts. The setup might look appealing, but the math doesn't work when premiums are this elevated.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS)
FactSet provides data and analytics to the financial industry. Strong business model, healthy margins, and a solid chart lately.
But just like the other names on this list, options are trading rich. Premiums have climbed faster than the stock price itself, throwing off the risk-reward equation. If there's a trade here, it leans toward the seller side, not the buyer.
The Bargain Bin: Options Trading at Year-Lows
Now these are the names worth attention. All five showed up with options trading at or near the lowest levels seen all year. That creates room to buy time premium without overpaying.
Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER)
Uber has posted a strong few months, bouncing back from earlier lows and catching some upward momentum.
What stands out is how cheap the options have become. Implied volatility dropped from nearly 80 back in April to about 30 now. With no earnings scheduled for the next 58 days, that premium has room to stay compressed. If you're bullish on Uber heading into year-end, this makes sense as a buyer's play.
Rubrik Inc. (RBRK)
RBRK isn't a flashy name, but consistency can be valuable when it comes with discounted options.
This stock appeared at the top of the bargain list. It's trading at the absolute bottom of its implied volatility range for the year, meaning options are about as cheap as they get. That opens the door for call buying if the chart pattern supports it.
Tempus AI Inc. (TEM)
Tempus AI operates in healthcare software and artificial intelligence. Not a household name, though it's been gaining traction as an under-the-radar AI trade, and it showed up strong in the data.
Just like RBRK, it's sitting at the lowest option premium levels of the year. If any kind of move materializes here, buying premium could be a smart way to capture it.
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST)
Ross is an off-price retailer that tends to hold up well, especially heading into the holiday season.
What caught attention is the options pricing. When the high and low volatility levels show as equal in a scan, that signals we've hit a new low—and that's exactly what's happening with Ross. If any bullish setup forms, the timing looks ideal for long calls.
Ventas Inc. (VTR)
Ventas is a real estate investment trust focused on healthcare and senior living facilities. It tends to fly under the radar.
But the options market deserves attention. Premiums have dropped to near year-lows, making it one of the more attractive REIT setups for option buyers. If a catalyst emerges, this could turn into a quiet winner.
Why Options Pricing Matters More Than Direction
Volatility isn't just a number on a screen. It's a signal that tells you what to buy, when to buy it, and when the price tag is simply too high to justify the risk.
You can be completely right about where a stock is headed and still lose money if you overpay for options. That's why scanning for relative value in the options market matters just as much as technical analysis or fundamental research. The cheapest premiums give you breathing room. The expensive ones suffocate your trade before it has a chance to work.
Looking ahead to 2026, the five stocks with inflated options deserve caution. The five with compressed premiums deserve a closer look. The difference between the two lists could determine whether you're celebrating gains or explaining losses.