With the distributions being so concentrated for USAC it trades very predictably around its payouts. The equity saw a fairly sharp climb to current levels where it's found what I think is it's maximum price for now. Looking at the apparent topping pattern from the past couple days I don't think investors are wanting to push this stock higher ahead of distributions. It's safe to short here and I'm entering that trade. I'm predicting a sharp sell-off in the next couple weeks and am looking for a bottom around the middle of November. I'm buying puts at the $17.50 and $15.00 strike for mid November and December.