Opendoor’s Warrant Dividend Sparks Sharp Rebound After Earnings Miss
Opendoor Technologies stunned the market with a dramatic intraday recovery after posting a larger-than-expected third-quarter loss and signaling continued losses in the fourth quarter. A new warrant dividend aimed at rewarding shareholders and raising the cost of bearish bets helped flip a steep decline into a flat finish by the close.
The company announced a distribution of tradable warrants to investors of record on November 18. Holders will receive three warrants for every 30 shares owned, each with strike prices of $9, $13, and $17 and expirations in November 2026. The warrants give investors the right to purchase Opendoor shares at preset prices, effectively layering additional option value onto the stock and strengthening shareholder incentives.
The structure also complicates short positions. Short sellers, who borrow shares to sell them, must make lenders whole for the warrant value—either by sourcing and delivering the warrants or compensating owners—raising the cost and risk of maintaining bearish exposure. With roughly 28% of the float sold short as of mid-October, the move prompted covering and fueled the reversal. CEO Kaz Nejatian said the decision is meant to align management and investor interests, adding that it may unsettle a few short sellers along the way.
Key Points – Opendoor shares erased a roughly 20% intraday decline to close flat after a Q3 earnings miss and a weak Q4 outlook. – The company declared a warrant dividend to shareholders of record on November 18. – Distribution: three tradable warrants per 30 shares, with strike prices of $9, $13, and $17, expiring November 2026. – Warrants add option-like upside for shareholders and raise the cost of short positions. – About 28% of Opendoor’s shares were sold short in mid-October, intensifying the impact of the announcement. – Management framed the move as aligning with investors while pressuring short sellers.
