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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 2025-3-28

The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2025-3-28. 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.

PDD Holdings (PDD)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Massive put selling led to over $18M in premium collected, while minimal call activity was observed. Despite the market weakness, this level of put selling suggests institutions may be using high volatility to generate income or scale into lower prices.
Total Values: $88,995 in call premium sold, $18,174,342 in put premium sold
Expectations: With $17.1M in net premium driven by put selling, institutions appear to be collecting premium in anticipation of stabilization. However, given the market’s downtrend, this is more likely a premium capture strategy than a directional bullish bet.

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling totaled $12M, significantly outweighing both call buying and selling. Institutions appear to be leaning on short puts to collect premium or establish longer-term positioning.
Total Values: $742,156 in call premium sold, $12,059,732 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $11.6M net premium suggests institutions see downside as limited in GOOG relative to the broader market. This flow leans bullish in context, signaling confidence in stability or recovery.

Pfizer Inc. (PFE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Institutions sold $10.1M in puts, indicating willingness to collect premium at lower levels. Call activity was present but secondary.
Total Values: $399,032 in call premium sold, $10,191,990 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $10.5M net premium suggests a strategic approach to income during volatility, with institutions showing confidence in PFE holding above key support despite the market pressure.

AppLovin Corporation (APP)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying ($3M) and notable put selling ($4.5M) signal institutional positioning for upside potential or bounce plays despite the broader downtrend.
Total Values: $402,678 in call premium sold, $4,574,901 in put premium sold
Expectations: With $7M in net premium, institutions appear to be actively positioning for a reversal or oversold bounce in APP, using options to leverage potential upside.

Adobe Inc. (ADBE)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: $6.8M in put selling was the only notable flow, indicating premium collection during the drawdown.
Total Values: $6,830,900 in put premium sold
Expectations: Institutions are using elevated implied volatility to generate income, likely expecting Adobe to stabilize rather than rally aggressively.

Vertiv Holdings (VRT)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Light call activity alongside $6.8M in put selling reflects premium collection without directional conviction.
Total Values: $341,603 in call premium sold, $6,826,264 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $6.3M net premium suggests institutions are using volatility to their advantage, likely not expecting a deep breakdown, but not betting on upside either.

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Put selling ($5.6M) and light call flow suggest positioning for stability rather than bullish momentum.
Total Values: $51,052 in call premium sold, $5,602,613 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $4.7M net premium indicates that institutions are willing to collect income as long as TSM doesn’t break down further, with no sign of aggressive upside bets.

Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Broad activity across both calls and puts, with the largest premium coming from $13.7M in put selling.
Total Values: $7,548,585 in call premium sold, $13,784,877 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $4.7M net premium leans cautiously bullish, though the heavy call selling signals some overhead hedging or volatility plays amid a choppy environment.

Annaly Capital Management (NLY)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $4.6M in call buying drove the flow, with minimal put activity.
Total Values: $179,992 in call premium sold
Expectations: The $4.4M net premium suggests clear bullish positioning, potentially signaling a defensive yield play where institutions see relative safety.

Talen Energy (TLN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: All premium came from $3.8M in call buying, showing direct upside speculation.
Total Values: $3,841,600 in call premium bought
Expectations: Institutions are making aggressive upside bets, likely anticipating a catalyst or volatility event, despite overall market weakness.

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Light call flow, with $2.9M in put selling dominating.
Total Values: $2,934,605 in put premium sold
Expectations: Institutions appear to be collecting premium and expressing limited downside expectations, but the lack of call interest tempers bullish interpretation.

Lululemon (LULU)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Heavy call and put selling signal volatility harvesting, with no clear directional bias.
Total Values: $2,147,077 in call premium sold, $5,878,560 in put premium sold
Expectations: With $2.9M in net premium, institutions seem focused on managing risk exposure rather than betting on a reversal in a weak tape.

Delta Air Lines (DAL)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Call activity was minimal, but institutions collected over $5M from put selling.
Total Values: $373,475 in call premium sold, $5,092,597 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $2.8M net premium reflects a willingness to sell downside risk, but not necessarily a belief in short-term recovery.

Nike Inc. (NKE)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Healthy call interest and $4.1M in put selling reflect stabilizing sentiment but no aggressive upside positioning.
Total Values: $898,084 in call premium sold, $4,176,250 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $2.6M net premium suggests a preference for income generation over directional conviction.

SoundHound AI (SOUN)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Very light call activity, with $2.4M in put selling driving the flow.
Total Values: $2,477,891 in put premium sold
Expectations: Institutions appear to be collecting premium at stretched volatility levels, expecting stabilization more than a rally.

Burlington Stores (BURL)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Only put selling was recorded. With market pressure, this flow may represent risk management or neutral income plays rather than bullish positioning.
Total Values: $2,551,500 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $2.5M net premium reflects more of a tactical volatility play than conviction in upside.

Netflix (NFLX)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Light call activity, with $2.4M in put selling possibly reflecting income generation during weakness.
Total Values: $2,444,107 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $2.4M net premium reflects positioning for stabilization but no active bullish speculation.

IBM (IBM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Institutions bought $1.6M in calls, showing direct upside positioning, supported by additional put selling.
Total Values: $1,618,500 in call premium bought, $416,975 in put premium sold
Expectations: Despite market pressure, this $1.8M net premium shows institutional confidence in IBM’s relative strength or resilience.

Pitney Bowes (PBI)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Solely driven by $1.8M in call buying, indicating direct upside bets.
Total Values: $1,797,055 in call premium bought
Expectations: The net premium indicates high conviction in near-term upside potential, possibly ahead of a news-driven move.

AT&T Inc. (T)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Light call flow and $1.8M in put selling, typical of premium collection strategies in a declining tape.
Total Values: $34,408 in call premium sold, $1,810,438 in put premium sold
Expectations: The $1.7M net premium reflects defensive income positioning rather than outright bullishness.

Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2025-3-28

This section focuses on unusual trades that stand out on an individual basis. These trades are highlighted for their distinctiveness, reflecting significant activity that diverges from typical market behavior.

Dutch Bros (BROS)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Calls were swept across multiple exchanges with a $60 strike expiring on May 16, 2025 (49 days to expire). The trade was marked as “size greater than prior open interest,” indicating a new position.
Total Values: $487,049 in premium paid
Strike Price: $60
Expectations: With the spot price at $61.37, this call buying suggests traders are positioning for continued upside beyond the $60 level. The aggressive entry despite the strike being slightly below the spot price indicates a bullish outlook into mid-May.

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

Soleno Therapeutics Inc (SLNO)
Buyer: Vivo Opportunity, LLC (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 1,100,000
Price: USD 67.80
Total Value: USD 74,580,000

Globalstar Inc (GSAT)
Buyer: Monroe James III (Non-Executive Director, Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 209,546 (+36.1%)
Price: USD 22.52
Total Value: USD 4,718,976

Victoria’s Secret & Co (VSCO)
Buyer: BBRC INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 124,326 (+1.3%)
Price: USD 19.46
Total Value: USD 2,419,794

OPKO Health Inc (OPK)
Buyer: FROST PHILLIP MD ET AL (Executive Director, Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 150,000 (+0.1%)
Price: USD 1.70
Total Value: USD 254,385

Capitol Federal Financial Inc (CFFN)
Buyer: Johnson Jeffrey M (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 10,000 (+9.7%)
Price: USD 5.63
Total Value: USD 56,300

US Insider Sales

StandardAero, Inc. (SARO)
Seller: GIC Private Ltd (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 6,629,834 (-14.0%)
Price: USD 27.16
Total Value: USD 180,066,291

Soleno Therapeutics Inc (SLNO)
Seller: Vivo Opportunity, LLC (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 333,557 (-7.0%)
Price: USD 70.60
Total Value: USD 23,549,124

Universal Technical Institute Inc (UTI)
Seller: Coliseum Capital Management, LLC (Non-Executive Director, Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 1,000,000 (-16.3%)
Price: USD 25.35
Total Value: USD 25,350,000

Hess Corp (HES)
Seller: HESS JOHN B (Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 131,234 (-5.5%)
Price: USD 158.37
Total Value: USD 20,783,529

Autozone Inc (AZO)
Seller: Daniele Philip B. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 2,000 (-92.5%)
Price: USD 3,800.01
Total Value: USD 7,600,020

Kellogg Co (K)
Seller: KELLOGG W K FOUNDATION TRUST (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 114,583 (-0.2%)
Price: USD 82.44
Total Value: USD 9,446,062

Williams-Sonoma Inc (WSM)
Seller: Howie Jeffrey (EVP Chief Financial Officer)
Shares Sold: 14,322 (-19.2%)
Price: USD 165.76
Total Value: USD 2,374,015

Williams-Sonoma Inc (WSM)
Seller: ALBER LAURA (President & CEO, Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 11,532 (-1.1%)
Price: USD 166.53
Total Value: USD 1,920,424

Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc (RXRX)
Seller: Gibson Christopher (Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 138,574 (-11.0%)
Price: USD 6.04
Total Value: USD 836,987

CDN Insider Purchases

Power Corporation of Canada (POW)
Buyer: Orr, Robert Jeffrey (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 50,000 (+5.9%)
Price: CAD 51.08
Total Value: CAD 2,553,800

Lundin Mining AB
Buyer: Lundin, Jack Oliver (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 40,000 (+5.2%)
Price: CAD 12.13
Total Value: CAD 485,056

AltaGas Ltd (ALA)
Buyer: Evans, Derek Watson (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 19,239
Price: CAD 38.98
Total Value: CAD 749,936

Enerflex Ltd (EFX)
Buyer: Reinhart, Kevin Jerome (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 7,800
Price: CAD 10.90
Total Value: CAD 85,020

Wajax Corporation
Buyer: Domagalski, Ignacy Patryk (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 17,500 (+12.1%)
Price: CAD 17.50
Total Value: CAD 306,250

Lavras Gold Corp (LGC)
Buyer: Raykov, Rostislav Christov (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 70,000 (+1.0%)
Price: CAD 2.06
Total Value: CAD 144,200

Austin Gold Corp (AUST)
Buyer: Higgs, Darcy Alan (Officer, Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 260,000 (+15.6%)
Price: CAD 1.80
Total Value: CAD 468,000

CDN Insider Sales

Constellation Software Inc (CSU)
Seller: Leonard, Mark Henri (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 3,000 (-1.6%)
Price: CAD 4,670.74
Total Value: CAD 14,012,220

Orla Mining Ltd (OLA)
Seller: Robitaille, Jean (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 200,000 (-11.7%)
Price: CAD 13.25
Total Value: CAD 2,650,000

Power Corporation of Canada (POW)
Seller: Orr, Robert Jeffrey (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 50,000 (-5.6%)
Price: CAD 50.54
Total Value: CAD 2,526,905

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
Seller: Brown, Gary Duncan (Officer)
Shares Sold: 8,646 (-28.8%)
Price: CAD 109.78
Total Value: CAD 949,158

Kelt Exploration Ltd (KEL)
Seller: Shea, Michael (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 132,900 (-21.1%)
Price: CAD 6.72
Total Value: CAD 893,088

Extendicare Inc (EXE)
Seller: Sandpiper Asset Management Inc. (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 28,400 (-0.6%)
Price: CAD 13.09
Total Value: CAD 371,674

Franco-Nevada Corp (FNV)
Seller: Wong, Adrian (Officer)
Shares Sold: 620 (-40.2%)
Price: CAD 223.80
Total Value: CAD 138,756

iA Financial Corporation Inc (IAG)
Seller: Bergeron, Alain (Officer)
Shares Sold: 2,750
Price: CAD 136.40
Total Value: CAD 375,100

Sagicor Financial Company Ltd.
Seller: Miller, Dodridge Denton (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 50,000 (-3.3%)
Price: CAD 7.86
Total Value: CAD 392,940

Lavras Gold Corp (LGC)
Seller: Sprott, Eric (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 200,000 (-3.2%)
Price: CAD 2.06
Total Value: CAD 412,000

Lavras Gold Corp (LGC)
Seller: 2176423 Ontario Ltd. (Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 200,000 (-3.2%)
Price: CAD 2.06
Total Value: CAD 412,000

Kneat.com Inc (KSI)
Seller: Kavanagh, Hugh (Officer)
Shares Sold: 10,000 (-15.2%)
Price: CAD 6.22
Total Value: CAD 62,185

Institutional Spotlight: A Roundup of Notable Accumulation Over the Last Seven Days

In the latest disclosures filed this past week, a broad spectrum of institutional investors revealed significant equity stakes in a range of public companies, suggesting heightened conviction in selective, often under-the-radar names. The filings, reported through Schedule 13G and 13D submissions, shed light on strategic positioning by hedge funds, asset managers, and other investment firms as they navigate an uncertain market landscape.

Among the more eye-catching disclosures, Glazer Capital LLC, led by Paul Glazer, reported a 5.24% ownership stake in Patterson Companies (PDCO) with 4,635,023 shares, hinting at growing institutional interest in the dental and animal health supplier. Meanwhile, Soleus Capital Master Fund LP took a 5.20% stake in STAAR Surgical (STAA), acquiring 2,562,893 shares, underscoring the fund’s continued focus on healthcare innovations.

Healthcare names remained a focal point. Suvretta Capital Management LLC, under the direction of Aaron Cowen, disclosed a commanding 49.90% position in Benitec Biopharma (BNTC), representing 15,623,659 shares. This nearly controlling stake reinforces Suvretta’s high-conviction approach to biotech. Similarly, Deep Track Capital LP, a frequent presence in the biotech space, added 9,500,000 shares of Immunovant (IMVT) for a 5.59% stake, and 35,000,000 shares of Geron Corporation (GERN), amounting to 5.50% ownership.

Energy and materials also drew attention. M&G Investment Management LTD took a 19.99% stake in REE Automotive (REE), accumulating 9,608,391 shares as interest continues to grow in electric vehicle infrastructure and modular platforms. Barclays PLC disclosed a 5.16% stake in GPAT, and Neuberger Berman Group LLC added 5,571,170 shares of Harsco Corporation (HSC), establishing a 7.00% ownership.

In the tech and software space, Third Point LLC, managed by Daniel Loeb, revealed a 6.80% stake in FLYX, while Starboard Value LP, led by Jeffrey Smith, made a substantial bet on Qorvo (QRVO) with an 8.90% ownership representing 8,270,655 shares. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) appeared as a significant holder of SRFM, holding 3,421,007 shares, equating to 19.90% of the company.

Media, entertainment, and consumer discretionary sectors also saw considerable accumulation. Darlington Partners Capital Management LP, spearheaded by Scott Clark, disclosed new positions in multiple names: 10,370,280 shares of Warner Music Group (WMG) (7.30% ownership), 3,839,405 shares of OneSpan (OS) (5.30% ownership), and 3,501,907 shares of Shift4 Payments (FOUR) (5.20% ownership).

In terms of standout concentration, North Run Capital LP, under Thomas Ellis, disclosed ownership of 13,535,938 shares in LENSAR Inc. (LNSR), translating to a dominant 55.90% stake, signaling a possible strategic interest or long-term turnaround belief. Another major concentration was revealed by Suvretta Capital, with its near-majority stake in BNTC.

Asset managers continued diversifying their exposures. GAMCO Investors Inc., directed by Mario Gabelli, reported increased activity across multiple names, including 2,123,900 shares in Nevro Corp. (NVRO) (5.54%), 2,795,758 shares in Intevac Inc. (IVAC) (10.29%), 2,665,218 shares in The Gabelli Multimedia Trust (GGT) (7.99%), and 2,812,797 shares in Gabelli Global Small & Mid Cap Value Trust (GGZ) (34.89%).

Other noteworthy disclosures included Brigade Capital Management LP taking a 6.60% position in Nabors Industries (NBR), JANA Partners Management LP building a 6.00% stake in Rapid7 (RPD), and Perceptive Advisors LLC acquiring 5,555,555 shares of IVA for a 5.80% stake. Phoenix Holdings Ltd disclosed a 11.21% stake in ARES Core Infrastructure Fund, further validating institutional interest in infrastructure exposure.

Institutional Momentum Watchlists

(Stocks are sorted to highlight those with the strongest momentum at the time of the scan)

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 – 2025-03-29

PRTG, DBVT, MYSZ, AGX, RGLS, ONDS, SLNO, ABL, QUBT, III, SPXU, JYD, TENX, ORKA, STRW, VFS, SDS, PHLT, CDTX, RAPP, DXD, UBT, DERM, BOW, TSHA, RYTM, AVA, WELL, TARS, ACI, PPL, BMY, ONC, ASC, SUI, CNP, ANAB, HCI, OHI, PGR, POR, DUK, EQT, MGF, STAA, WEC, NHI, SO, VTR, LPLA, SXTP, CBOE, EXC, RRC, UGL, DTE, CCI, TMCI, OGE, FMS, SR, KR, TARA, FXY, EVRG, TATT, DGX, EPR, CIO, LNT, AMT, MBB, CHD, NEE, XEL, ZIM, GILD, EBAY, KMI, ETR, LKQ, TK, VPLS, VCRB, CMBS, PRCH, AR, INSM, MAA, JNJ, MCK, TW, CAG, CPT, PPC, CKPT, CVNA, ULS, SBAC, FAX, AM, DPG, EQR, USDU, CME, RYAN, VGZ, HPF, KMB, PM, CI, X, BOXX

Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist

EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2025-03-29

GLO.TO, TWM.TO, VHI.TO, JWEL.TO, AIM.TO, EMA.TO, ACO/X.TO, FURY.TO, OGC.TO, CGG.TO, GUD.TO, TAL.TO, GWO.TO, TOI.V, CU.TO, FTS.TO, DOL.TO, GEI.TO, CHP/UN.TO, L.TO, DXT.TO, SIA.TO, ALA.TO, QBR/B.TO, DFY.TO, EDV.TO, ELD.TO, X.TO, WN.TO, EMP/A.TO, SES.TO, EFX.TO, WPM.TO, AQN.TO, ARX.TO, NWH/UN.TO, ENB.TO, NGD.TO, LNF.TO, FCR/UN.TO, PPL.TO, SRU/UN.TO, DPM.TO, NWC.TO, PZA.TO, CIX.TO, IFC.TO, TXG.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!