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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 2025-3-10

The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2025-3-10. 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.

UBER / Uber Technologies, Inc.
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Notable put selling with a premium of $16.68M, significantly outweighing the put buying of $5.31M. Call buying remains strong at $2.24M, with call selling at $798K.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $12.81M, driven by institutional put selling.
Expectations: The high level of put selling suggests confidence in price stability or upside movement, as institutions collect premiums.

HOOD / Robinhood Markets, Inc.
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Strong call buying of $16.06M is offset by heavy call selling at $12.02M. Put selling of $4.77M is higher than put buying at $2.31M.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $6.49M, with both bullish and bearish positioning present.
Expectations: While bullish call buying is evident, the large amount of call selling tempers the outlook.

TSLA / Tesla, Inc.
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Call buying of $62.53M is nearly balanced by call selling of $66.89M. Put buying of $125.88M and put selling of $136.55M indicate high activity in both directions.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $6.30M, with heavy trading in both puts and calls.
Expectations: High volatility is expected as institutions actively hedge, making directional sentiment unclear.

SBUX / Starbucks Corporation
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying of $6.22M with minimal put buying of $798K. Put selling at $838K further supports bullish sentiment.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $6.24M, primarily driven by call buying.
Expectations: Institutional traders are taking bullish positions, likely anticipating upward movement.

SOFI / SoFi Technologies, Inc.
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling of $5.63M significantly outweighs put buying at $1.14M. Call buying of $3.57M also supports the bullish case.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $5.51M, led by put selling.
Expectations: Confidence in price stability is evident from institutional put selling.

AMGN / Amgen Inc.
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heavy call buying at $5.12M, with only $1.18M in call selling. No significant put activity.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $3.93M, driven by call buying.
Expectations: Institutions are positioning for potential upside.

C / Citigroup Inc.
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling of $5.91M far exceeds put buying of $2.08M. Call buying at $1.16M supports the bullish stance.
Total Values: Net premium inflow of $3.86M, led by put selling.
Expectations: Strong institutional confidence in price stability.

Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2025-3-10

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.

PubMatic (PUBM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A multi-sweep trade executed on April 17, 2025, expiration calls with a $10 strike price. The spot price at the time of the trade was $9.685.
Total Values: $30,000
Strike Price: $10
Expectations: The call buying suggests an expectation of upside momentum, targeting a move above $10 with 38 days to expiration.

VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Multiple call buys and put sells observed:

• Calls bought for March 21, 2025, expiration at the $215 strike, with spot prices around $214.35-$214.42.
• Calls bought for June 20, 2025, expiration at the $240 strike, with a spot price of $214.10.
• Puts sold for April 17, 2025, expiration at the $235 strike, with a spot price of $214.55.
• Additional puts sold for April 17, 2025, expiration at the $210 strike, with a spot price of $214.56.
  Total Values: $4,146,584 combined across trades
  Strike Price: $210 – $240
  Expectations: The call buying indicates a bullish outlook with traders positioning for potential upside. Meanwhile, the put selling at both $235 and $210 strikes signals confidence in price stability or further upside. With expirations ranging from 11 to 102 days, traders are positioning for both short-term and longer-term moves.

Energy Transfer (ET)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling for April 17, 2025, expiration at the $16 strike, with a spot price of $17.16.
Total Values: $431,781
Strike Price: $16
Expectations: The put selling at a strike significantly below the spot price suggests confidence that ET will remain above $16 through expiration in 38 days.

Steel Dynamics (STLD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying for March 21, 2025, expiration at the $120 strike, with a spot price of $119.43.
Total Values: $215,000
Strike Price: $120
Expectations: The call buying suggests an expectation of a move above $120 with only 11 days until expiration.

Paramount Global (PARA)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying for March 28, 2025, expiration at the $12 strike, with a spot price of $12.05.
Total Values: $35,850
Strike Price: $12
Expectations: The call buying indicates a bet on short-term upside, with the trade positioned for a move above $12 within 18 days.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling for April 11, 2025, expiration at the $430 strike, with a spot price of $481.06.
Total Values: $517,050 combined across trades
Strike Price: $430
Expectations: The put selling reflects confidence that UNH will remain above $430 through expiration in 32 days.

Clear Secure (YOU)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying for March 21, 2025, expiration at the $26.73 strike, with a spot price of $25.21.
Total Values: $22,499
Strike Price: $26.73
Expectations: The call buying suggests an expectation of a move above $26.73, with only 11 days until expiration.

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

Digital Turbine Inc (APPS)
Buyer: William Gordon Stone III (Chief Executive Officer)
Shares Purchased: 100,000 (+6.0%)
Price: USD 2.59
Total Value: USD 259,000

Evolent Health Inc (EVH)
Buyer: Richard M. Jelinek (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 15,000 (+inf%)
Price: USD 9.09
Total Value: USD 136,350

Buyer: Richard M. Jelinek (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 15,000 (+inf%)
Price: USD 9.16
Total Value: USD 137,400

Buyer: Brendan B. Springstubb (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 15,000 (+126.7%)
Price: USD 9.27
Total Value: USD 139,050

Buyer: Kim Keck (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 10,540 (+36.4%)
Price: USD 9.44
Total Value: USD 99,498

iHeartMedia Inc (IHRT)
Buyer: Richard J. Bressler (See Remarks)
Shares Purchased: 100,000 (+2.8%)
Price: USD 1.79
Total Value: USD 178,820

US Insider Sales

Williams Companies Inc (WMB)
Seller: Micheal G. Dunn (Executive Vice President & COO)
Shares Sold: 96,687 (-11.9%)
Price: USD 53.04
Total Value: USD 5,128,278

Waste Management Inc (WM)
Seller: John J. Morris (EVP & Chief Operating Officer)
Shares Sold: 19,153 (-18.3%)
Price: USD 224.71
Total Value: USD 4,303,896

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc (BR)
Seller: Christopher John Perry (President)
Shares Sold: 8,495 (-13.9%)
Price: USD 235.23
Total Value: USD 1,998,278

Seller: Christopher John Perry (President)
Shares Sold: 7,021 (-10.3%)
Price: USD 235.23
Total Value: USD 1,651,549

Seller: Christopher John Perry (President)
Shares Sold: 6,841 (-9.1%)
Price: USD 235.23
Total Value: USD 1,609,208

BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (BCAT)
Seller: Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 40,113 (-0.3%)
Price: USD 15.18
Total Value: USD 608,915

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund (NXJ)
Seller: Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 47,415 (-1.1%)
Price: USD 12.09
Total Value: USD 573,247

General Mills Inc (GIS)
Seller: Jeffrey L. Harmening (Chairman of the Board & CEO)
Shares Sold: 11,379 (-3.1%)
Price: USD 65.00
Total Value: USD 739,635

CDN Insider Purchases

Ag Growth International Inc (AFN)
Buyer: Paul David Householder (Senior Officer)
Shares Purchased: 4,000 (+14.0%)
Price: CAD 36.01
Total Value: CAD 144,040

Asante Gold Corp (ASE)
Buyer: Malik Mohammed Easah (Director)
Shares Purchased: 59,600 (+0.7%)
Price: CAD 1.17
Total Value: CAD 69,732

Atco Ltd (ACO.X)
Buyer: Nancy C. Southern (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 1,555 (+0.6%)
Price: CAD 47.92
Total Value: CAD 74,516

CDN Insider Sales

Lundin Gold Inc (LUG)
Seller: Ian Gibbs (Director)
Shares Sold: 14,200 (-7.8%)
Price: CAD 41.40
Total Value: CAD 587,880

Centerra Gold Inc (CG)
Seller: Paul Botond Stilicho Tomory (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 8,563 (-16.1%)
Price: CAD 8.28
Total Value: CAD 70,902

Seller: Yousef Rehman (Senior Officer)
Shares Sold: 3,964 (-6.2%)
Price: CAD 8.28
Total Value: CAD 32,822

Seller: Claudia D’Orazio (Senior Officer)
Shares Sold: 3,831 (-6.9%)
Price: CAD 8.28
Total Value: CAD 31,721

Institutional Spotlight: Notable Hedge Fund and Asset Management Activity

Recent institutional activity highlights several key investments by prominent hedge funds and asset managers, signaling strategic positioning across multiple sectors. Over the past seven days, Saba Capital Management LP, led by Boaz Weinstein, has been particularly active, increasing its stakes in NBXG (7,632,065 shares, 9.69% ownership), ENX (3,429,696 shares, 19.09% ownership), MEGI (5,784,729 shares, 11.11% ownership), DMB (1,256,242 shares, 6.83% ownership), and GF (1,664,381 shares, 10.21% ownership). This level of accumulation suggests a broader strategy centered around closed-end funds and alternative investment opportunities.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., under the leadership of Prem Watsa, has solidified its dominant position in ORLA, now holding 100,954,445 shares (27.60% ownership). This substantial allocation reflects a strong conviction in the company’s future growth prospects. Similarly, Column Group III LP, managed by Peter Svennilson, has taken a decisive stake in TNYA, acquiring 49,313,559 shares (32.00% ownership).

In healthcare and biotechnology, First Light Asset Management LLC, led by Matt Arens, has expanded its position in ANAB, now controlling 4,653,068 shares (15.17% ownership), indicating confidence in the company’s pipeline. ARK Investment Management LLC, under Catherine Wood, also made a notable investment in TWST, bringing its ownership to 6,382,166 shares (10.70% ownership), reinforcing its focus on disruptive innovation in genomics.

Activist hedge fund Jana Partners Management LP, helmed by Scott Ostfeld, disclosed a significant stake in LW, acquiring 7,985,426 shares (5.60% ownership), potentially setting the stage for strategic engagement. Additionally, Mario Gabelli’s GAMCO Investors Inc. increased its position in BBGI to 80,416 shares (8.57% ownership), signaling an interest in the media and broadcasting sector.

On the private equity side, Magnetar Financial LLC, led by Alec Litowitz, made a bold move by securing 20,352,422 shares (40.95% ownership) in CMTL, establishing a commanding presence. Similarly, Paulson & Co Inc., under John Paulson, expanded its stake in THM, now owning 70,239,388 shares (33.80% ownership), suggesting a bullish outlook on the company’s underlying assets.

Other notable transactions include First Eagle Investment Management LLC’s 10% stake in NOV (38,194,320 shares), Casdin Capital LLC’s 21.60% ownership in FLDM (80,864,315 shares), and Auro Capital Advisors LLC’s 19.99% control over AADI (11,914,961 shares). These positions highlight significant institutional conviction in their respective sectors.

Conclusion
The past week’s institutional activity underscores increased hedge fund engagement across diverse industries, with a particular focus on biotechnology, financial services, and alternative assets. The sizable stakes taken by firms like Saba Capital, Magnetar Financial, and Paulson & Co. suggest strategic plays in undervalued or high-growth potential stocks. These transactions provide valuable insight into institutional sentiment and potential future market movements.

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 – 2025-03-08

MRT, TGTX, IBM, PAYC, KR, VEEV, ROOT, EBAY, PPC, MCD, DE, WBD, ZS, CEE, CHKP, WEC, CNP, ECX, PAYX, MP, DGX, PRCH, FMS, APD, JAZZ, VRSK, ALL, AAPL, ABT, ARQT, BMY, T, HALO, MO, BK, DRI, GILD, RSG, PRVA, AM, HMN, MD, DTE, USM, CSCO, YUMC, MDGL, EPR, HCI, MWA, WGS, SR, CME, KAI, BABA, DVAX, MITT, AON, TW, VTR, CDTX, UGL, MRCY, RTX

Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist

EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2025-03-08

MDA.TO, LUG.TO, ASM.TO, SII.TO, ALA.TO, CAE.TO, OLA.TO, FTS.TO, EQX.TO, NGD.TO, TOI.V, ARG.TO, TXG.TO, WDO.TO, CXB.TO, GFL.TO, KNT.TO, EMA.TO, DOL.TO, L.TO, MND.TO, NDM.TO, WPM.TO, FFH.TO, FNV.TO, CSU.TO, ACO/X.TO, IFC.TO, K.TO, PAAS.TO, TFPM.TO, ITR.V, DPM.TO, DR.TO, EXE.TO, X.TO, WN.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!