Options Traders Blast AMC Entertainment Stock on Special Dividend

Schaeffer's Research2022-08-08

AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc posted worse-than-expected second-quarter losses of 24 cents per share, while its revenue came in slightly above estimates. To make amends, the movie theater concern announced a special dividend in the form of one preferred share for every AMC common share held. As a result, the retail trader favorite expects roughly 517 million preferred shares to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the "APE" symbol.

Nevertheless, the equity was last seen up 18.86% to trade at $22.18. The security still settled at its best level since early April. AMC Entertainment could add to its 36.7% year-to-date deficit.

Analysts are overwhelmingly pessimistic towards AMC, with all six in coverage calling it a "hold" or worse. The equity is still heavily shorted, too, despite short interest dropping 14.9% in the last two reporting periods. In fact, the 96.16 million shares sold short make up 18.7% of the stock's available float.

Meanwhile, the options pits have displayed a clear preference for calls. This is per the security's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 3.05 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), which sits higher than all but 1% of readings in its annual range. This means long calls have been getting picked up at a much faster-than-usual rate.

Overall options volume is running at triple the intraday average, with 69,000 calls and 33,000 puts across the tape. Most popular is the 8/12 20-strike call, where new positions are being opened, followed by the 25-strike call in that series, both of which expire on August 12.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

  • keffykeffy
    2022-08-08
    keffykeffy
    A shorted stock that everyone are awaredJust need to plan out your investment strategy. [Miser] [Miser] 
  • Paggie
    2022-08-08
    Paggie
  • jeff123
    2022-08-08
    jeff123
    Go go go
  • blessed_1
    2022-08-08
    blessed_1
    Thanks 
  • Remotecam
    2022-08-08
    Remotecam
    Congrats to AMC holders. Being shorted at 18% is very normal. Why this article sound so negative. 
  • BeRich
    2022-08-08
    BeRich
    Ok
Leave a comment
9