A company has recently purchased some stock of a competitor as part of a long-term plan to acquire the competitor. However, it is somewhat concerned that the market price of this stock could decrease over the short run. The company could hedge against the possible decline in the stock's market price by
a. Purchasing a call option on that stock.
b. Purchasing a put option on that stock.
c. Selling a put option on that stock.
d. Obtaining a warrant option on that stock.
Answer: b.