Trader bets on more downside for tobacco giant.
Tobacco companies have had a rough year, amidst long-term sales declines and a decision to pass on major investments in the growing cannabis industry.
One trader sees some more downside, with a large put option trade on
Altria (MO). On Thursday, over 9,500 contracts of the July 12th $49 put options traded, a 57-fold increase in volume on the option.
This option, with shares at $48, is already in-the-money. So while it expires in 15 days, the option can be exercised as long as shares are under the $49 strike price.
Any big down day for the tobacco company in the meantime should have a dollar-for-dollar move in the option as well. In short, this $1.50 option could go to $2.50 if shares drop from $48 to $47, although with so little time left on the option, there will be some noticeable loss of the remaining time premium.
Action to take: For a short-term bet on a falling market, the tobacco stocks have been a good place for a trade. For those with a longer-term outlook, buying into the tobacco space at these prices can get a good entry point, and historically high dividend yields relative to where shares of companies like Altria usually trade.