SEDG Stock Slides on CEO Surprise, Analyst Downgrade

Solaredge shares are set for a rare pullback

Solaredge Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:SEDG) is set to slide 6.3% at the open due to news the alternative energy company's CEO Guy Sella is taking a medical leave of absence. Meanwhile, UBS downgraded the shares to "neutral" from "buy," though it also raised its price target to $90 from $73, saying it expects solar installations to peak over the next year.

SEDG stock has been a standout in 2019, adding 150% year-to-date and hitting an all-time high of $89.43 on Aug. 13. Helping the equity along the way was an impressive turn in the earnings confessional earlier this month, where the company gave a strong outlook. While most other analysts are bullish, the security's Wednesday close of $87.85 was actually above the average 12-month price target of $86.55.

Traders with short-term options positions are unusually put-skewed at the moment. This is according to the Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 1.38, which ranks in the 96th annual percentile. Peak open interest is at the far out-of-the-money September 35 put -- likely the result of shareholders trying to protect paper profits. Options overall have been popular, with total open interest of 63,038 ranking in the 96th annual percentile.

Despite Solaredge's strong performance in 2019, there has been notable interest from short sellers. Short interest accounts for 11.2% of the float, or 7 days' worth of buying power, going by average daily trading volumes.