Unusual Options Activity: HPQ, XOM, RYAM, and QIHU

Sinking HPQ, XOM, RYAM, and QIHU attracted option traders today

Aug 19, 2015 at 4:59 PM

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QIHU
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The Dow finished lower today, as crude oil hit a six-year low, despite a valiant effort to recover after a premature release from the Fed. Across all 12 options exchanges, 7.7 million calls crossed, compared to 8.6 million puts. The day's put/call volume ratio closed at 1.11.

Pre-earnings traders circled Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ), as the tech stock hit new lows. Calls traded at five times the average daily pace, thanks to a massive four-legged spread in the November series. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) also hit new lows, due to crude oil's slump. XOM puts traded at six times the normal clip, with one trader apparently liquidating a winning front-month play to buy October 85 puts.

Continuing that trend, Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc (NYSE:RYAM) sank 44.1% to end at $7.62 -- and hit a record low -- after the firm threw the gauntlet at Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN). RYAM puts traded at 86 times the norm, with last-minute bears buying to open August 7.50 puts. Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) fell in line with Chinese stocks, sending puts across the tape at three times the average rate.

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