Auto parts name Aptiv (NYSE:APTV) has been charting a path steadily lower since topping out at a June peak above $103, down almost 40%. The bottom may not be in place yet, though, given the amount of optimism that's currently priced into the underperforming stock.
For starters, 16 of 17 analysts covering APTV maintain a "buy" or better rating, even as the security wallows in annual-low territory. This puts the stock at risk of downgrades, which could exacerbate headwinds on the shares.
Plus, the stock has racked up a 50-day call/put volume ratio of 2.31 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), which registers in the 79th annual percentile. This means that calls have been bought to open over puts at a quicker-than-usual clip.
Meanwhile, short sellers have been actively targeting the stock, with short interest more than doubling since the start of the year. More selling by shorts could amplify pressure on APTV.
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