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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 2025-3-17
The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2025-3-17. 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.
Tesla (TSLA)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying activity with a notable $36.46M in call premium purchased. Calls sold totaled $18.90M, while put buying reached $188.83M. However, significant put selling of $196.69M offset the bearish put activity, indicating confidence in price stability.
Total Values: Net premium of $25.42M
Expectations: The heavy put selling suggests a bullish outlook, with traders collecting premiums and anticipating the stock will remain above key support levels.
S&P Global (SPGI)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Large institutional call buying of $22.25M with no significant put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $22.25M
Expectations: The absence of put activity alongside strong call buying signals a clear bullish bias, suggesting expectations for upward momentum.
Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $15.27M with limited call selling. Minimal put buying activity, but notable put selling at $2.80M.
Total Values: Net premium of $16.81M
Expectations: The combination of call buying and put selling supports a bullish stance, indicating confidence in the stock holding its levels or moving higher.
Coinbase (COIN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Large put selling of $17.85M significantly outweighs put buying of $3.88M, indicating confidence in price stability. Minimal call activity suggests a preference for premium collection through put sales rather than outright bullish bets.
Total Values: Net premium of $13.99M
Expectations: The high level of put selling suggests that institutions expect the stock to remain above key levels, collecting premiums while showing confidence in price support.
Alibaba (BABA)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Significant call buying of $30.10M, with put selling at $2.11M.
Total Values: Net premium of $10.74M
Expectations: Strong call buying paired with put selling signals bullish sentiment, reflecting expectations of price stability or upside movement.
PDD Holdings (PDD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $8.68M, minor put buying, and put selling of $2.83M.
Total Values: Net premium of $10.12M
Expectations: Institutional activity suggests optimism, as put selling reinforces confidence in the stock holding above key levels.
NVIDIA (NVDA)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Call buying of $48.31M was overshadowed by heavier call selling at $76.12M. Put buying and selling were nearly balanced.
Total Values: Net premium of $9.06M
Expectations: The high call selling indicates a neutral to slightly bearish stance, as institutions may be hedging or expecting limited upside in the short term.
Baidu (BIDU)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $10.44M alongside put selling of $632K.
Total Values: Net premium of $7.34M
Expectations: The bias toward call buying with minimal put activity suggests a bullish stance, reflecting confidence in stability or upward movement.
Micron (MU)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $8.36M, offsetting moderate put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $6.81M
Expectations: The bullish lean in options flow suggests optimism, possibly in response to industry trends or upcoming earnings.
Alphabet (GOOGL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $2.59M, with put selling at $5.22M.
Total Values: Net premium of $6.47M
Expectations: Strong put selling reinforces a bullish outlook, indicating confidence in price stability.
Intel (INTC)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $12.63M, with put selling at $4.20M.
Total Values: Net premium of $5.54M
Expectations: Institutional positioning favors the upside, likely reflecting optimism on future performance.
Robinhood (HOOD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $4.62M, with put selling at $4.55M.
Total Values: Net premium of $5.42M
Expectations: The high level of put selling signals strong bullish conviction, anticipating the stock will remain above key levels.
Vodafone (VOD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $5.22M, with minimal put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $5.13M
Expectations: Heavy call buying without notable put activity supports a bullish stance.
Citigroup (C)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $297K, with strong put selling at $5.42M.
Total Values: Net premium of $4.79M
Expectations: Put selling suggests institutions expect the stock to hold above key support levels.
Biogen (BIIB)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $3.24M, limited put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $3.49M
Expectations: Bullish sentiment with strong call buying and limited downside protection being established.
Kenvue (KVUE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $3.37M, limited put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $3.14M
Expectations: Institutional activity suggests expectations of continued stability or growth.
Airbnb (ABNB)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call selling of $721K, but heavy put selling of $5.08M.
Total Values: Net premium of $2.93M
Expectations: Put selling outweighing call selling supports a bullish stance, reflecting expectations of price stability.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $66K, minimal put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $2.44M
Expectations: Institutional positioning suggests a bullish outlook, with put selling reinforcing confidence.
GSK (GSK)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $2.30M, with minimal put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $2.29M
Expectations: Strong call buying suggests expectations of continued upside.
Vale (VALE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying of $96K, but heavy put selling of $2.41M.
Total Values: Net premium of $2.26M
Expectations: The strong put selling indicates institutional confidence that the stock will remain above key levels.
Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2025-3-17
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.
Maplebear (CART)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Multiple call option sweeps were executed for the $41 strike, expiring March 28, 2025 (11 days to expiration). The trades occurred above the spot price of approximately $40.10-$40.20, indicating bullish sentiment.
Total Values: $182,658
Strike Price: $41
Expectations: The repeated call buying suggests traders anticipate further upside in CART, positioning for a move above $41 in the near term.
CVS Health (CVS)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A large multi-sweep call trade was placed for the $70 strike, expiring April 17, 2025 (31 days to expiration). The trade occurred well above the spot price of $66.69.
Total Values: $204,000
Strike Price: $70
Expectations: The aggressive call buying indicates a bullish outlook, suggesting traders expect CVS to rally above $70 in the coming weeks.
Kenvue (KVUE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Multiple large call trades targeted the $25 strike, expiring September 19, 2025 (186 days to expiration). The trades were executed at a significant premium to the spot price of approximately $22.90.
Total Values: $2,508,930
Strike Price: $25
Expectations: The sizable call buying suggests a long-term bullish stance, with traders positioning for a move above $25 by September.
Vodafone (VOD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Large multi-sweep trades were executed for the $10 strike, expiring April 17, 2025 (31 days to expiration), with contracts purchased above the spot price of $9.71.
Total Values: $4,748,570
Strike Price: $10
Expectations: The heavy call volume signals traders anticipate VOD rising above $10 in the near term.
Appian Corporation (APPN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Traders sold puts at the $27.50 strike, expiring April 17, 2025 (31 days to expiration), well below the spot price of $30.20, suggesting confidence in the stock staying above this level.
Total Values: $457,050 (Premium Collected)
Strike Price: $27.50
Expectations: The put selling reflects a bullish stance, with traders expecting APPN to remain above $27.50.
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A multi-sweep trade targeted the $15 strike, expiring January 16, 2026 (305 days to expiration), with contracts purchased well above the spot price of $12.03.
Total Values: $194,890
Strike Price: $15
Expectations: Traders anticipate AEO trending higher, positioning for a breakout above $15 in the long term.
U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Traders sold puts at the $22 strike, expiring April 17, 2025 (31 days to expiration), slightly above the spot price of $21.95, indicating confidence in price stability.
Total Values: $180,000 (Premium Collected)
Strike Price: $22
Expectations: The put selling suggests a bullish outlook, with traders expecting JETS to hold above $22.
SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A large put sale was executed at the $71 strike, expiring June 20, 2025 (95 days to expiration), above the spot price of $68.53, showing confidence in price stability.
Total Values: $1,916,000 (Premium Collected)
Strike Price: $71
Expectations: The put selling reflects a bullish stance, with traders anticipating XRT will remain above $71.
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A large call trade targeted the $95 strike, expiring May 16, 2025 (60 days to expiration), well above the spot price of $91.13.
Total Values: $1,277,710
Strike Price: $95
Expectations: The call buying suggests expectations of XLE moving above $95 in the coming months.
Williams Companies (WMB)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Traders sold puts at the $54 strike, expiring April 4, 2025 (18 days to expiration), well below the spot price of $58.26, suggesting confidence in price stability.
Total Values: $239,520 (Premium Collected)
Strike Price: $54
Expectations: The put selling reflects a bullish stance, with traders expecting WMB to stay above $54.
Philip Morris International (PM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A significant call trade targeted the $140 strike, expiring September 19, 2025 (186 days to expiration), below the spot price of $152.29.
Total Values: $1,104,000
Strike Price: $140
Expectations: The call buying suggests traders are positioning for continued strength in PM.
Blue Owl Capital (OWL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A large call trade was executed for the $20 strike, expiring May 16, 2025 (60 days to expiration), with contracts purchased slightly above the spot price of $19.42.
Total Values: $372,000
Strike Price: $20
Expectations: The bullish call activity suggests traders expect OWL to break above $20.
TechnipFMC (FTI)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying activity observed for the May 16, 2025, expiration, with a 29 strike price. Notable trades included multi-sweep and BZX trade executions.
Total Values: $375,566 in premium paid
Strike Price: 29
Expectations: The spot price was approximately $28.28 at the time of the trades, making this call buying activity slightly out of the money. This suggests bullish sentiment, indicating expectations for upward price movement as the expiration approaches. The contracts have 60 days until expiration.
Full Truck Alliance (YMM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying observed for multiple expirations. A large trade was placed on the June 20, 2025, expiration with a 17.5 strike price, while shorter-term activity targeted the March 21, 2025, expiration with a 12.5 strike price.
Total Values: $63,100 in premium paid
Strike Price: 12.5 and 17.5
Expectations: The spot price at the time of the trades was approximately $13.56. The near-term contracts expiring in 4 days were slightly out of the money, indicating a short-term bullish bet. The longer-dated calls with 95 days until expiration at a higher strike suggest expectations for continued upside 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
Beyond Air Inc (XAIR)
Buyer: Carey Robert
Shares Purchased: 990,000 (+32.2%)
Price: USD 0.25
Total Value: USD 247,500
Cimpress PLC (CMPR)
Buyer: Quinn Sean Edward
Shares Purchased: 5,000 (+32.8%)
Price: USD 41.50
Total Value: USD 207,500
Donegal Group Inc (DGICA)
Buyer: DONEGAL MUTUAL INSURANCE CO
Shares Purchased: 8,000 (+0.1%)
Price: USD 18.14
Total Value: USD 145,147
Forum Energy Technologies Inc (FET)
Buyer: Lux Neal
Shares Purchased: 3,478 (+1.6%)
Price: USD 18.96
Total Value: USD 65,943
National Bankshares Inc (NKSH)
Buyer: Green Charles E III
Shares Purchased: 1,000 (+2.1%)
Price: USD 27.08
Total Value: USD 27,080
US Insider Sales
Carvana Co (CVNA)
Seller: Huston Benjamin E.
Shares Sold: 12,141 (-5.3%)
Price: USD 178.16
Total Value: USD 2,163,041
Carvana Co (CVNA)
Seller: Huston Benjamin E.
Shares Sold: 9,563 (-4.6%)
Price: USD 181.27
Total Value: USD 1,733,485
Carvana Co (CVNA)
Seller: Huston Benjamin E.
Shares Sold: 8,741 (-4.0%)
Price: USD 179.17
Total Value: USD 1,566,125
Halliburton Co (HAL)
Seller: Carre Eric
Shares Sold: 51,179 (-28.7%)
Price: USD 25.00
Total Value: USD 1,279,475
BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (BCAT)
Seller: Saba Capital Management, L.P.
Shares Sold: 65,878 (-0.6%)
Price: USD 14.88
Total Value: USD 980,265
Kroger Co (KR)
Seller: Cosset Yael
Shares Sold: 10,510 (-6.3%)
Price: USD 65.77
Total Value: USD 691,190
Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (PNFP)
Seller: Glover Glenda Baskin
Shares Sold: 3,000 (-23.2%)
Price: USD 101.55
Total Value: USD 304,650
Everest Re Group Ltd (RE)
Seller: Van Beveren Gail
Shares Sold: 830 (-6.4%)
Price: USD 350.42
Total Value: USD 290,849
PNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)
Seller: Demchak William S
Shares Sold: 1,242 (-0.2%)
Price: USD 171.15
Total Value: USD 212,568
NETGEAR Inc (NTGR)
Seller: Bryan Murray
Shares Sold: 3,848 (-2.0%)
Price: USD 23.92
Total Value: USD 92,044
CDN Insider Purchases
Tourmaline Oil Corp (TOU)
Buyer: Rose, Mike
Shares Purchased: 2,500 (+0.0%)
Price: CAD 64.25
Total Value: CAD 160,613
Tecsys Inc (TCS)
Buyer: Kirkwood, Andrew David
Shares Purchased: 3,820
Price: CAD 39.71
Total Value: CAD 151,680
CDN Insider Sales
Kinaxis Inc (KXS)
Seller: Fitzgerald, Christopher John Blaine
Shares Sold: 2,177 (-8.7%)
Price: CAD 156.26
Total Value: CAD 340,173
IAMGOLD Corp (OLD)
Seller: Lemelin, Bruno
Shares Sold: 15,000 (-15.5%)
Price: CAD 8.52
Total Value: CAD 127,787
Extendicare Inc (EXE)
Seller: Sandpiper Asset Management Inc.
Shares Sold: 3,200 (-0.1%)
Price: CAD 13.02
Total Value: CAD 41,676
Extendicare Inc (EXE)
Seller: Sandpiper Asset Management Inc.
Shares Sold: 3,000 (-0.1%)
Price: CAD 13.02
Total Value: CAD 39,071
Institutional Spotlight: Semtech Corporation (SMTC)
Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ:SMTC) has seen a significant surge in institutional ownership, with 717 institutional investors holding 128,509,382 shares. This marks a notable 15.86% increase in institutional ownership quarter over quarter, underscoring growing confidence in the company’s future prospects. Institutional investors now account for 148.92% of shares outstanding, with long-only positions increasing by 9.86 million shares (8.32%) in the most recent quarter. The total institutional value of these long positions now stands at $7.71 billion.
Prominent asset managers, including BlackRock, Inc., Vanguard Group Inc., Ameriprise Financial Inc., and State Street Corp, continue to hold significant positions in Semtech, alongside major hedge funds such as Hood River Capital Management, AllianceBernstein L.P., and Whale Rock Capital Management LLC.
Notably, several high-profile investors have initiated new positions in Semtech. Steve Cohen’s Point72 Asset Management acquired 445,017 shares, while Michael Germino’s Ghisallo Capital Management added 230,000 shares, representing a 100% new position for both firms. Legendary investor George Soros’ Soros Fund Management entered with a 100,000-share stake, and Jon Hilsabeck’s Shellback Capital LP established a new 84,719-share position.
In addition to fresh buys, significant increases in existing positions signal growing institutional conviction. Alex Sacerdote’s Whale Rock Capital Management raised its stake by 2,562,602 shares (78.46%), bringing its total position to 3,266,202 shares (2.39% of portfolio weight). Similarly, George McCabe’s Portolan Capital Management expanded its holding by 573,175 shares (85.91%), while Josh Goldberg’s G2 Investment Partners Management increased its stake by 73,392 shares (36.77%), now representing 3.18% of its portfolio.
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 – 2025-03-15
QBTS, KINS, NUTX, ROOT, HNRG, WGS, TGTX, FUTU, MP, CVKD, BEKE, QFIN, MDGL, SPOT, ETON, SWIM, PRCH, FTK, ATAT, FINV, JD, CHKP, PEN, YUMC, FARO, BHF, NTNX, TS, CEE, EQT, FMS, MWA, PTCT, PBI, MRCY, KTOS, HWM, MMM, ORLY, MCHI, WMB, USM, VEEV, ALL, ETR, PHX, RRC, CNP, GE, XEL, EZPW, LUV, HMN, GF, DE, PPL, ORI, EPR, SE, DPG, BABA, HALO, INSM, TRV, DTE, MITT, T, ONC, SR, IPI, EXC, DUK, TW, CNTA, WEC, PGR, OGE, NNI, JAZZ, CAH, WELL, DVAX, EVRG, ALKS, HCI, YMM, AON, LNT, BNTC, MAA, PM, DGX, AJG, AUPH, MO, RTX, AM, TTWO, ASND, COMP, BECN, AZO, ARIS, AXSM, ALTR, ATSG
Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist
EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2025-03-15
MAL.TO, OLA.TO, AAUC.TO, NDM.TO, FM.TO, TXG.TO, MDA.TO, CAE.TO, DPM.TO, LUG.TO, KNT.TO, FNV.TO, SII.TO, IMG.TO, POW.TO, DOL.TO, MND.TO, EXE.TO, K.TO, L.TO, WN.TO, OR.TO, SSL.TO, WPM.TO, TFPM.TO, TRP.TO, AGI.TO, X.TO, SKE.TO, H.TO, PAAS.TO, GFL.TO, WDO.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!
