Traders are looking for HCA Holdings to hold firm through the end of next week.
optionMONSTER's tracking programs detected the sale of about 2,500 December 65.50 puts for $1.25 to $1.30 today. Volume was more than 62 times open interest at the strike, which indicates that new money was put to work.
Short puts lock in a price where investors must buy a stock, while letting them collect premium. Traders use the technique when they like a stock and think the risk of a big drop is limited. (See our Coaching section)
HCA is down 0.87 percent to $66.67 in morning trading and has fallen 21 percent in the last three months. The hospital operator reported bearish quarterly numbers on Oct. 14 and is expected to issue its next results on Feb. 2.
More From optionMONSTER