Blue chip Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG) has been getting crushed since the company's disappointing earnings release last month. In fact, PG shares are pacing toward an 8.4% February loss, which would stand as its third-worst monthly performance in the past 10 years, and the biggest since February 2009. The stock was last seen trading down 1.7% at $79.14, breaking below its recent consolidation atop the $80 level. Making matters worse, seasonal headwinds could be bearing down on PG.
Specifically, the blue chip found its way on our list of the worst stocks to own in March. The equity has closed the month in positive territory just four times over the past 10 years, and has a median loss of 0.3%. Outside of this, an unwinding of optimism across Wall Street could also weigh on Procter & Gamble.
Despite the shares' dismal technical performance in recent months, the majority of analysts have remained bullish, with six firms even handing out "strong buy" recommendations. Meanwhile,the average 12-month price sits all the way up at $92.81. In other words, PG stock could be in danger of downwardly revised outlooks from analysts -- and in fact, Berenberg started coverage this morning with a "sell" rating and $78.50 price target.
The sentiment scene looks overly upbeat in the options arena, as well. Six of the security's top 10 open positions are overhead calls from the March, April, and June series. Most significant, the front-month March 82.50 call has seen heavy buying activity in recent weeks, hinting at potential options-related resistance in the near term.
It's also worth noting short interest has remained very low on the blue chip, as only 1.3% of the float is currently dedicated to short interest. If short interest begins to rise in the face of the recent technical weakness, it could act as yet another barrier for PG shares.