Oil Stock Ripe for Bearish Bets

There's a lack of sideline cash to fuel future rallies for EOG

In early August, oil name EOG Resources Inc's (NYSE:EOG) post-earnings pop was quickly halted at its 40-day moving average. The trendline was perched near $88 at the time -- a previously supportive region that also coincides with EOG's $50 billion market cap. The security is now trading below a trendline connecting higher lows since 2009, and more losses could be ahead for the energy shares.

Analysts have yet to adjust their ratings on a stock that's shed more than 17% in 2019, with 18 of 21 brokerages maintaining a "buy" or better rating on the equity. Downgrades could amplify selling pressure on EOG.

Meanwhile, short sellers have started covering during EOG Resources' downtrend, with these bearish bets falling nearly 19% in the last two reporting periods. Not only does the equity's inability to capitalize on this buying power point to underlying weakness, but these bearish bets account for just 1.6% of EOG's available float -- indicating a lack of sideline cash to fuel future rallies.

It's an attractive time to buy options premium on EOG stock, too. Its Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 33% registers in the 32nd annual percentile, suggesting lower-than-usual volatility expectations are being priced. Lastly, our recommended put will hit its 100% target profit on a 13% drop in the underlying equity.

Subscribers to Schaeffer's Weekend Trader options recommendation service received this EOG commentary on Sunday night, along with a detailed options trade recommendation -- including complete entry and exit parameters. Learn more about why Weekend Trader is one of our most popular options trading services.