http://www.slate.com/blogs/breaking...s_perpetual_motion_stock_gizmo_sputters_.html
"The companyâs operating loss of $4.6 million last year was partially offset by a $2.2 million gain from writing put options on its own stock. The firmâs rationale for doing this is that if the stock dips, it gets to buy equity back at a discount. And if the share price rises, it pockets the option premium. Thatâs what happened last year as the stock rose sharply - helped by about $30 million of buybacks, a substantial outlay for a firm with revenue of $110 million and a market capitalization of about $330 million. "
"The companyâs operating loss of $4.6 million last year was partially offset by a $2.2 million gain from writing put options on its own stock. The firmâs rationale for doing this is that if the stock dips, it gets to buy equity back at a discount. And if the share price rises, it pockets the option premium. Thatâs what happened last year as the stock rose sharply - helped by about $30 million of buybacks, a substantial outlay for a firm with revenue of $110 million and a market capitalization of about $330 million. "