The retailer posted a dismal fiscal second-quarter report and lowered its guidance
The shares of American Outdoor Brands Inc (NASDAQ:AOUT) are down 15% to trade at $17.87 at last check, after the retailer reported lower-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings and revenue, and lowered its 2022 guidance. Meanwhile, the company's board of directors approved a $15 million share repurchase program.
In response, the security received a price-target cut from Cowen and Company to $28 from $40, though all three analysts in coverage carry a "buy" or better rating. And while short interest has fallen 23.9% during the most recent reporting period, the shares failed to experience a rise on the charts, indicating potential technical weakness. It is also worth noting today's plunge has AOUT on the Short Sale Restricted (SSR) list.
What's more, American Outdoor Brands stock is now trading at its lowest levels since early January, and looking to secure its third-straight week in the red. Year-to-date, the equity is still holding on to a 4.3% gain, though.
The equity's typically quiet options pits are bursting with activity today, with options volume running at 30 times the intraday average, and pacing for the top percentile of its annual range. So far, 533 calls and 3,799 puts have crossed the tape. The January 2022 20-strike put is the most popular, followed by the December 22.50 put.
This penchant for puts appears to be the norm. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), AOUT sports a 10-day put/call volume ratio of 18.22, which sits higher than 91% of readings from the past year. This implies puts are getting picked up at a much quicker-than-usual clip.