Notice: The Unusual Activity report is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a stock-picking service or as financial advice. The charts and accompanying research are designed to support your analysis, serving as indicators rather than direct recommendations to buy or sell any security. The creator assumes no responsibility for actions taken by readers and strongly encourages individuals to fully understand the associated risks and potential outcomes before making investment decisions. Please note that any charts and/or information are intended to aid in research and should not be considered a definitive part of your personal trading strategy. Not all charts will lead to actionable buy or sell signals at any given time. Individuals should consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Unusual Activity Report

This daily report focuses on three key components that can lead to market momentum: unusual options activity, insider buying, and institutional sponsorship. By scanning for these signals each day, we uncover potential stock movements driven by notable trades, insider transactions, and institutional investments. Using advanced algorithms and proprietary research methods, we sift through vast amounts of data to identify unique opportunities, offering timely insights highlighting emerging market momentum.

Disclaimer: All data and information presented in this report are sourced from publicly available materials intended for informational purposes only. The content is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.

Standout Options Trades

This section highlights notable options trades reflecting significant sentiment—bullish, bearish, or mixed—characterized by high-dollar-value transactions or large trade sizes exceeding prior open interest. When open interest rises from the previous day, it often indicates the creation of new positions rather than the closing of existing ones, suggesting a fresh outlook on the underlying stock or ETF.

For instance, call buying generally signals an expectation of upward movement, while selling calls suggest the trader anticipates the price will stay below a certain level. Put selling reflects confidence that the price will hold above the strike, implying stability. In contrast, put buying may reveal a bearish outlook or serve as a hedge against a larger bullish position elsewhere.

Note: This report highlights large, unusual options trades identified for their size and potential impact, representing individual sentiment rather than broad market consensus. These trades are informational and are not intended as buy or sell signals. They reflect noteworthy activity observed during the trading day and should be viewed as one part of a broader analysis.

Options Flow Analysis: Trading Day 2024-12-20

The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2024-12-20. Each section highlights significant institutional activity, providing sentiment, key observations, and market expectations based on the data. All numbers represent large block trades likely executed by institutional players, not total-market figures.

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Significant call premium activity dominated, with $690M in call premium bought compared to $622M in calls sold. Minimal put activity highlights bullish sentiment, with only $1.3M in puts bought and $3.3M in puts sold.
Total Values: $69.5M net premium
Strike Price: Not specified but reflects large-scale bullish interest.
Expectations: Spot price analysis suggests upward price movement expected, supported by institutional confidence in maintaining higher price levels.

Concluding Observations:

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) exhibited the most significant bullish sentiment, with overwhelming call buying and minimal put activity, reflecting institutional confidence in upward price movement. Moderna, Inc. (MRNA), in contrast, showed bearish sentiment with notable put buying, suggesting expectations of further downside.

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) and Johnson Controls International plc (JCI) both reflected strong bullish sentiment driven by substantial call activity, reinforcing expectations of upward momentum or price stability.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) and IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) demonstrated clear bullish positioning, with strong call premiums and minimal put activity supporting expectations of price appreciation.

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) and Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) reinforced bullish sentiment with substantial put selling and dominant call premiums, respectively, indicating confidence in price stability and appreciation.

Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD), Schlumberger Limited (SLB), and IREN Limited (IREN) highlighted bullish sentiment, driven by strong call premiums and put selling, suggesting upward price movement and confidence in stability.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) presented mixed sentiment, with balanced call and put activity pointing to range-bound expectations.

Finally, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX), Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR), and Teradyne, Inc. (TER) all displayed bullish sentiment through strong call premiums and put selling, indicating confidence in stability or upward momentum.

Insider Transactions

Each day, insider transactions provide insights into the movements of key executives and shareholders within various companies. These transactions can signal confidence in future performance or a need to liquidate holdings. Today’s report identified the most significant insider purchases and sales, highlighting influential figures and companies that made notable moves.  Let’s take a look at some of today’s standout transactions.

US Insider Purchases

Occidental Petroleum Corp (OXY)
Buyer: Berkshire Hathaway Inc (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 3,372,309 (+1.3%)
Price: USD 45.55
Total Value: USD 153,594,511

Verisign Inc (VRSN)
Buyer: Berkshire Hathaway Inc (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 55,367 (+0.4%)
Price: USD 193.63
Total Value: USD 10,720,668

Sirius XM Holdings Inc (SIRI)
Buyer: Berkshire Hathaway Inc (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 2,038,051 (+1.8%)
Price: USD 20.85
Total Value: USD 42,486,026

AllianceBernstein LP (NONE)
Buyer: Equitable Holdings, Inc. (See Remarks)
Shares Purchased: 4,215,140 (+7.8%)
Price: USD 35.59
Total Value: USD 150,016,833

Tile Shop Holdings Inc (TTSH)
Buyer: Fund 1 Investments, LLC (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 327,000 (+3.5%)
Price: USD 6.65
Total Value: USD 2,174,550

PBF Energy Inc (PBF)
Buyer: Control Empresarial de Capitales S.A. de C.V. (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 341,500 (+1.2%)
Price: USD 26.86
Total Value: USD 9,173,168

Prelude Therapeutics Inc (PRLD)
Buyer: Vaddi Krishna (CEO)
Shares Purchased: 100,000 (+9.4%)
Price: USD 0.93
Total Value: USD 93,210

US Insider Sales

Salesforce.Com Inc (CRM)
Seller: Morfit G Mason (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 278,147 (-8.7%)
Price: USD 340.72
Total Value: USD 94,770,246

Cloudflare Inc (NET)
Seller: Prince Matthew (CEO & Chair of the Board)
Shares Sold: 38,753 (-69.4%)
Price: USD 108.68
Total Value: USD 4,211,812

Freshworks Inc (FRSH)
Seller: Mathrubootham Rathnagirish (Executive Chairman)
Shares Sold: 835,000 (-60.2%)
Price: USD 15.45
Total Value: USD 12,900,750

Gulfport Energy Corp (GPOR)
Seller: Silver Point Capital L.P. (Non-Executive Director, Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 529,410 (-14.5%)
Price: USD 162.81
Total Value: USD 86,193,242

Toast Inc (TOST)
Seller: Comparato Christopher P (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 142,495 (-43.5%)
Price: USD 36.03
Total Value: USD 5,133,952

Salesforce.com Inc (CRM)
Seller: Morfit G Mason (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 722,300 (-18.5%)
Price: USD 346.11
Total Value: USD 249,995,253

nCino Inc (NCNO)
Seller: Horing Jeff (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 4,474,158 (-49.8%)
Price: USD 35.75
Total Value: USD 159,955,623

EVgo Inc (EVGO)
Seller: Nanus David (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 23,000,000 (-79.6%)
Price: USD 5.00
Total Value: USD 115,000,000

Freshworks Inc (FRSH)
Seller: Mathrubootham Rathnagirish (Executive Chairman)
Shares Sold: 539,741 (-38.9%)
Price: USD 15.85
Total Value: USD 8,554,895

CDN Insider Purchases

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc (CF)
Buyer: Daviau, Daniel Joseph (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 215,710 (+14.5%)
Price: CAD 11.13
Total Value: CAD 2,399,946

Extendicare Inc (EXE)
Buyer: Manji, Samir Aziz (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 27,800 (+62.5%)
Price: CAD 10.10
Total Value: CAD 280,780

First National Financial Corp (FN)
Buyer: FNSC Holdings Inc. (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 13,596 (+0.1%)
Price: CAD 40.47
Total Value: CAD 550,230

Skyharbour Resources Ltd (SYH)
Buyer: Cates, David Daniel (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 65,000 (+5.1%)
Price: CAD 0.46
Total Value: CAD 29,900

Cardinal Energy Ltd (CJ)
Buyer: Brussa, John Albert (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 65,000 (+14.5%)
Price: CAD 6.09
Total Value: CAD 395,850

Brunswick Exploration Inc (BRW)
Buyer: Savard, Mathieu (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 1,100,000 (+255.8%)
Price: CAD 0.23
Total Value: CAD 253,000

CDN Insider Sales

Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd (HEAT)
Seller: Currie, Donald James (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 10,000
Price: CAD 14,575.00
Total Value: CAD 145,750,000

Rogers Sugar Inc (RSI)
Seller: Walton, Michael (Officer)
Shares Sold: 20,000 (-9.1%)
Price: CAD 5.96
Total Value: CAD 119,200

Mandalay Resources Corp (MND)
Seller: Mills, Bradford (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 400,000 (-4.0%)
Price: CAD 4.30
Total Value: CAD 1,720,000

Real Brokerage Inc (REAX)
Seller: Gamzu, Guy (Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 14,905 (-0.1%)
Price: USD 4.65
Total Value: USD 69,308

Docebo Inc (DCBO)
Seller: Pirovano, Fabio (Officer)
Shares Sold: 124 (-5.4%)
Price: CAD 67.00
Total Value: CAD 8,308

Institutional Spotlight: Highlights from the Past Week’s Major Moves

Institutional investors demonstrated strong engagement across various sectors over the past week, with notable transactions indicating strategic shifts and confidence in specific equities. Below are the highlights from the last seven days:

Carl Icahn (Icahn Enterprises) solidified his commanding position in CVR Partners, LP (UAN), acquiring an additional 4,054,457 shares to maintain a significant 38.40% ownership. This move underscores his strategic focus on the fertilizer sector amid favorable market conditions.

Aaron Cowen (Suvretta Capital Management LLC) increased his stake in Pavmed Inc. (PVLA) by purchasing 714,463 shares, bringing his total ownership to 8.60%. Additionally, Mark Lampert (Biotechnology Value Fund LP) acquired 1,168,117 shares in Pavmed, securing 9.99% ownership and signaling institutional confidence in the healthcare technology firm.

Wilmot Harkey (Nantahala Capital Management LLC) took a 9.99% position in Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (UNCY), acquiring 10,879,142 shares, showcasing interest in the biotech sector.

Richard Mashaal (Rima Senvest Management) invested in nLight, Inc. (LASR) with a purchase of 2,469,077 shares, now holding 5.10% ownership in the laser technology company.

Steve Cohen (Point72 Asset Management) made a significant move in Bicycle Therapeutics plc (BCYC), acquiring 4,230,302 shares for an 8.90% ownership, while Julian Baker (Baker Bros Advisors LP) further expanded his position in Bicycle, holding 22.90% ownership through 10,885,357 shares.

Boaz Weinstein (Saba Capital Management LP) demonstrated continued interest in municipal and income-generating funds with 906,850 shares of Voya Emerging Markets High Dividend Equity Fund (IHD) and 59,196,237 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Trust (BIGZ), representing 5.02% and 27.05% ownership, respectively.

Alec Litowitz (Magnetar Financial LLC) increased his stake in Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (CCRN) by acquiring 1,946,934 shares, achieving 6.03% ownership, signaling confidence in the healthcare staffing sector.

Jason Wild (JW Asset Management LLC) made a significant acquisition in TerrAscend Corp. (TRSSF), owning 102,529,276 shares, equivalent to 33.74% ownership, reflecting strong confidence in the cannabis industry.

Avinash Amin (Madryn Asset Management LP) took a leading position in Neuronetics, Inc. (STIM) with 24,237,061 shares, representing a dominant 43.60% ownership in the medical device company.

Michael Dell (MSD Partners LP) bolstered his position in Office Properties Income Trust (OPI) by purchasing 5,052,548 shares, securing 7.20% ownership, indicating interest in real estate investment trusts.

Adam Morgan (Velan Capital Investment Management LP) acquired 2,059,000 shares in Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (TARA) for a 5.90% ownership, aligning with the firm’s interest in niche biotech opportunities.

James Flynn (Flynn James E) expanded his stake in Acutus Medical, Inc. (AFIB) with 9,705,857 shares, holding 9.10% ownership, as confidence in the medical technology space grows.

Other significant moves include:

• Continental Grain Co.’s acquisition of 839,000 shares in Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW), achieving 0.60% ownership.
• Israel Englander (Millennium Management LLC) with 1,707,793 shares in Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (MEG) for 4.98% ownership.
• Bank of America Corporation’s diverse acquisitions in municipal income funds, including Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund, Putnam Managed Municipal Income Trust, and PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund, reaching ownership levels of 48.40%, 92.00%, and 50.00%, respectively.

Institutional investors exhibited confidence in growth-oriented technology, healthcare, and biotech sectors, alongside continued interest in municipal income and real estate assets. Notable positions by prominent investors like Carl Icahn, Steve Cohen, and Boaz Weinstein underscore their strategic focus in navigating a complex macroeconomic environment. These transactions signal a balanced approach between defensive and growth-driven investments.

Institutional Momentum Watchlists

Welcome to the Institutional Momentum Watchlist, an exclusive feature for our members. This list highlights stocks that have recently caught the attention of institutional investors, either through new purchases or significant additions. These stocks are selected based on promising technical setups that suggest potential momentum. Our systematic approach filters for opportunities where institutional sponsorship aligns with favorable technical conditions, offering a unique edge in your trading strategy. Keep an eye on this watchlist as we update it each weekend with the latest insights from the market.

Click on the CandleGlance chart to view it in full size. Find a chart that matches your criteria or interests. You can easily save it to your watchlist on StockCharts.com for further analysis and tracking or copy and paste the ticker list into your chart provider.

US Institutional Momentum Watchlist

EXPORT – US – Institutional – 2024-12-21

ELUT, XMTR, BTDR, CKPT, RDW, PSNL, MNKD, PLTR, INOD, LENZ, KINS, APP, CCL, REAL, SRRK, VEON, ARQT, LUNR, VSCO, NEXT, NCLH, CLBT, AXGN, MDGL, PRAX, GKOS, BLFS, DOCS, TOST, VCTR, CEE, HPE, RSI, MGNI, CHWY, WRBY, ONON, DTM, PMTS, ANET, EQH, MTZ, BROS, ELDN, WEAV, CRWD, Z, WLFC, KVYO, ARES, FCNCA, WGS, DECK, GRND, CLS, MRVL, FTNT, ATAT, WTM, GLBE, FOUR, CRDO, PTCT, OSW, SSNC, DUOL, ALLT, RBLX, DASH, VRNA, UAL, AXP, AAPL, CMPO, CIEN, TW, ZM, BMY, LITE, MIR, WIX, TARS, MRCY, GOOG, OWL, GILD, QTWO, GOOGL, KRNT, LUV, RDVT, NOW, HLT, TGNA, YPF, USM, FLUT, TSM, USFD, GPI, IBKR, BLK, SWI, AVGO, VUG, ROAD, KD, TGLS, FNGS, QFIN, SAP, ETR, GMED, NFLX, PRIM, AMZN, OB, PYPL, BSX, SWIM, DOCU, HCP, AUR

Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist

EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2024-12-21

APS.TO, BB.TO, GLO.TO, CNE.TO, TWM.TO, BLDP.TO, OGI.TO, ATZ.TO, PPTA.TO, GTII.CA, CWB.TO, CAE.TO, GLXY.TO, TVE.TO, WILD.TO, ET.TO, CRON.TO, SPB.TO, GOOS.TO, MTY.TO, ARG.TO, NFI.TO, EXE.TO, CLS.TO, HITI.V, CEF.TO, ECN.TO, VNP.TO, EIF.TO, ATD.TO, TSAT.TO, MDA.TO, TOY.TO, ENB.TO, EFN.TO, WSP.TO, WELL.TO, ATRL.TO, RCH.TO, ENGH.TO, VHI.TO, GWO.TO, IFC.TO, CPX.TO, MX.TO, ALA.TO, SVM.TO, SSRM.TO, ALS.TO, PIF.TO, EMA.TO, ARE.TO, GEI.TO, CEU.TO, DXT.TO, FFH.TO

To conclude our report, we thank you for your engagement and insights. Your feedback is valuable, and we encourage you to share your recommendations. Stay attentive to the Daily Setups, the Workspace, and the Watchlists for emerging opportunities. Additionally, explore the PDFs of the scanner results provided in the Daily Setups report. Until next time, happy trading!