These long puts lock in the amount investors will get by selling shares in the companies, so they provide insurance against lower prices. They can also provide significant leverage in the event of a decline and are safer than simple short-selling of the stock because the risk is limited to the price of the puts.
PulteGroup shares rose 0.47 percent to $8.53 yesterday, and Pryland shares gained 0.61 percent to $18.22. Both stocks have been climbing along with other homebuilders as traders bet that the housing market is finally starting to improve.
That sentiment could be challenged today when the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index is released at 9 a.m. ET.
Total activity the names was 12 times greater than average for Ryland in the session and five times above normal in PulteGroup. The bulk of the option trading occurred in less than two minutes in both companies, suggesting that it was the work of a single large investor.
—Russell has no positions in PHM or RYL.
Additional News: Pending Homes Sales Rise to Near Two-Year High
Additional Views: Homebuilders Say Market Positives Trump High Gas Prices
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David Russell is a reporter and writer for OptionMonster.
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