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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 2025-1-2
The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2025-1-2. 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.
Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Significant put selling activity, with $137,507,098 in premium collected from sold puts. Minimal activity in calls.
Total Values: $132,627,098 in net premium, driven predominantly by put selling.
Expectations: This activity reflects confidence that DLTR’s price will remain above critical levels. Institutions appear to view the stock as stable or undervalued relative to its current spot price.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heavy call buying activity, with $133,230,032 in premium spent on calls, compared to only $19,772,565 collected from call selling.
Total Values: $113,457,467 in net premium.
Expectations: Institutions likely expect a meaningful upward movement in BMY’s price, as evidenced by the strong call-buying activity.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
Sentiment: Mixed, leaning Bullish
Options Activity: Balanced activity with $5,298,834 spent on call buying, $2,001,699 collected from call selling, $34,624,577 spent on put buying, and $96,729,353 collected from put selling.
Total Values: $65,401,911 in net premium.
Expectations: Institutions are hedging with put buying but show a bullish bias with substantial put selling and limited call selling. The sentiment suggests cautious optimism.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Significant call buying at $84,984,719, offset by $47,857,479 collected from call selling. Additionally, $10,137,400 in premium was spent on puts, with $27,016,354 collected from put selling.
Total Values: $54,006,194 in net premium.
Expectations: While bullish positioning through calls is evident, the offset by sold puts and calls indicates a more complex outlook, potentially hedged against volatility.
MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying at $43,685,049, with moderate call selling at $25,089,202. Limited put activity.
Total Values: $42,158,936 in net premium.
Expectations: The focus on calls suggests optimism about MSTR’s price trajectory, likely tied to broader tech or crypto-market dynamics.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Moderate call buying activity of $31,281,228, with minimal call and put selling activity.
Total Values: $23,830,267 in net premium.
Expectations: Institutions expect moderate upward movement in CSCO’s price based on the focus on call buying.
Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: High call buying at $26,666,701, balanced by significant call selling at $3,561,431. Minimal put activity.
Total Values: $23,528,133 in net premium.
Expectations: While bullish activity is prominent, the sentiment remains mixed due to the proportionally high call selling, suggesting a hedge against potential risks.
Nucor Corporation (NUE)
Sentiment: Mixed, leaning Bearish
Options Activity: Heavy put selling ($56,885,550) and buying ($35,329,600), with no notable call activity.
Total Values: $21,555,950 in net premium.
Expectations: The data shows a cautious bearish outlook, with hedging activity via sold puts, indicating expectations of limited downside.
NIKE, Inc. (NKE)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Minimal call activity compared to $3,868,310 in put buying and $22,238,608 in put selling.
Total Values: $18,291,924 in net premium.
Expectations: Institutions display a bearish outlook, likely anticipating downward pressure on NKE’s stock price.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS)
Sentiment: Neutral, leaning slightly bullish
Options Activity: Minimal activity overall, with $3,138,016 in call premium bought and only $145,200 spent on puts. No significant put selling was observed.
Total Values: $3,283,216 in net premium.
Expectations: The limited data suggests neutral to slightly bullish sentiment, as there is no significant bearish positioning or put buying. However, the lack of robust call activity indicates institutions are likely waiting for clearer directional signals.
Concluding Observations:
The options flow data for January 2, 2025, highlights a range of sentiment across key stocks driven by large institutional trades. Notable observations include:
- Strong Bullish Sentiment:
- Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR): Substantial put selling indicates confidence in price stability above current levels.
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Heavy call buying reflects expectations of upward momentum.
- Mixed Sentiment with Cautious Optimism:
- Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) and NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): These stocks saw balanced activity with hedging through puts but maintained bullish undertones from net premium inflows.
- Bearish or Cautious Outlooks:
- NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Higher put activity indicates bearish expectations for price movement.
- Neutral-to-Slightly Bullish Sentiment:
- The Walt Disney Company (DIS): Limited call and put activity suggests institutions are holding a wait-and-see approach, with a slight bullish tilt.
Overall, the leaderboard reflects institutional confidence in specific sectors and stocks, with healthcare, retail, and tech names showing the strongest bullish positioning. Meanwhile, caution persists in certain sectors, as indicated by hedging and bearish activity. Institutions appear to be positioning for both near-term stability and sector-specific growth opportunities, underscoring the importance of strategic portfolio alignment in the current market environment.
Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2025-1-2
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.
Gold ETF (GLD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying with March 21, 2025, expiration at a $250 strike, totaling $2,106,440 in premium.
Total Values: $2,106,440
Strike Price: $250
Expectations: Anticipates upward movement, as calls bought are slightly out of the money with a spot price of $245.38.
Luminar Technologies Inc. (LAZR)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity:
- Concentrated call buying activity targeting the $7 strike price with expiration on May 16, 2025.
- Key trades include:
- Multiple transactions totaling approximately $510,600 in premiums, including $135,070, $121,420, and $67,990.
- Significant size exceeding prior open interest, indicating fresh bullish positioning.
Total Values: Approximately $510,600 in premiums paid.
Strike Price: $7.
Expectations: Bullish sentiment is evident, with the spot price of $6.13 to $6.23 showing alignment with the $7 strike. This activity reflects expectations of a price increase over the medium term.
Nine Energy Service (NINE)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying at a $2 strike expiring January 17, 2025. Premium paid includes $4,980 (EDGX-SPLIT), $3,000 (MULTI-SWEEP), and $2,870 (BXO-TRADE). Total premium paid is $10,850.
Total Values: $10,850
Strike Price: $2
Expectations: Bullish sentiment with calls bought deep in the money relative to the spot price of $1.285, reflecting high confidence in upward price movement before expiration.
Stem, Inc. (STEM)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity:
- Significant call buying at $1 and $2 strikes expiring January 17, 2025, with premiums paid including $7,467 (MULTI-SWEEP) and $13,999 (PHLX-SPLIT), totaling $21,466.
- Call selling at $0.5 strike expiring January 17, 2025, with premiums collected of $12,009 (MULTI-SWEEP) and $10,800 (PHLX-TRADE), totaling $22,809.
Total Values: $44,275 (combined premiums paid and collected).
Strike Price: $0.5, $1, $2.
Expectations: The mixed activity suggests a blend of bullish sentiment in higher strike call purchases and strategic positioning or hedging with lower strike call selling. Spot prices ranged between $0.74465 and $0.80115, closely aligning with most strikes.
Plug Power Inc. (PLUG)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity:
- Heavy call buying activity focused on strikes of $2.5 and $3 with expirations ranging from January 3, 2025, to January 17, 2025.
- Notable trades include:
- $2.5 calls expiring January 3, 2025, purchased for premiums of $1,494 and $1,497 (MULTI-SWEEP), among other similar transactions.
- $3 calls expiring January 10, 2025, purchased for premiums of $3,996 (MULTI-SWEEP) and $1,416 (ISE-TRADE).
- $2.5 calls expiring January 17, 2025, purchased for a total premium of $29,448 (MULTI-SWEEP).
Total Values: Approximately $85,000 in premiums paid across all trades.
Strike Price: $2.5, $3.
Expectations: The focus on call buying at strikes near the spot price, which ranged from $2.285 to $2.405, suggests bullish sentiment with expectations of upward movement in the short to medium term.
Warrior Met Coal Inc (HCC)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Buying of January 17, 2025, CALLs at a $60 strike, just above the spot price of $54.3595, indicating the potential for upward momentum.
Total Values: $74,800
Strike Price: $60
Expectations: Potential movement towards or above $60, aligned with a current spot price of $54.3595 and bullish trading activity.
Teladoc Health Inc. (TDOC)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity:
- Significant call buying activity targeting the $10 and $11.5 strike prices, with expirations ranging from January 3, 2025, to January 17, 2025.
- Highlighted trades include:
- $10 calls expiring January 3, 2025, with premiums of $8,844 (MULTI-SWEEP) and $1,600 (EMLD-TRADE).
- $10 calls expiring January 10, 2025, purchased for $16,695 (MULTI-SWEEP).
- $11.5 calls expiring January 17, 2025, purchased for $14,432 (MULTI-SWEEP).
Total Values: Approximately $50,000 in premiums paid.
Strike Price: $10, $11.5.
Expectations: Bullish sentiment is evident from the focus on call buying near the spot price of $9.405 to $9.715. Traders anticipate upward momentum within the short term, leveraging close-to-the-money strike prices.
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
AGL Private Credit Income Fund (NONE)
Buyer: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 2,650,177 (+43.6%)
Price: USD 25.19
Total Value: USD 66,762,992
Zymeworks Inc (ZYME)
Buyer: EcoR1 Capital, LLC (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 157,880 (+1.1%)
Price: USD 14.78
Total Value: USD 2,333,403
EcoR1 Capital, LLC (Zymeworks Inc, ANAB)
Buyer: EcoR1 Capital, LLC (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 65,184 (+0.8%)
Price: USD 12.92
Total Value: USD 842,060
Tile Shop Holdings Inc (TTSH)
Buyer: Fund 1 Investments, LLC (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 50,000 (+0.5%)
Price: USD 6.91
Total Value: USD 345,355
Precision BioSciences Inc (DTIL)
Buyer: Germano Geno J. (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 3,605 (+85.8%)
Price: USD 4.49
Total Value: USD 16,186
US Insider Sales
Intuit Inc (INTU)
Seller: Goodarzi Sasan K (CEO, President and Director)
Shares Sold: 22,212 (-38.3%)
Price: USD 631.95
Total Value: USD 14,036,889
Snowflake Inc (SNOW)
Seller: Slootman Frank (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 100,000 (-33.9%)
Price: USD 155.00
Total Value: USD 15,500,000
Alphabet Inc (GOOGL)
Seller: Walker John Kent (President, Global Affairs, CLO)
Shares Sold: 9,489 (-17.7%)
Price: USD 193.23
Total Value: USD 1,833,545
DoorDash Inc (DASH)
Seller: Inukonda Ravi (CFO)
Shares Sold: 5,474 (-1.5%)
Price: USD 169.83
Total Value: USD 929,638
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc (HLX)
Seller: Neikirk Kenneth English (EVP, General Counsel & Secretary)
Shares Sold: 83,991 (-44.5%)
Price: USD 9.17
Total Value: USD 770,197
CDN Insider Purchases
Sanu Gold Corp (SANU)
Buyer: Montage Gold Corp (10% Security Holder)
Shares Purchased: 76,307,155 (+14.8%)
Price: CAD 0.07
Total Value: CAD 5,494,115
Plazacorp Willowgrove Residential Real Estate Development Trust
Buyer: Dubrofsky, Lionel (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 500,000
Price: CAD 10.00
Total Value: CAD 5,000,000
Auranova Resources Inc (formerly, 1329293 B.C. Ltd.)
Buyer: Young, Timothy A. (Non-Executive Director, Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 4,750,000 (+107.9%)
Price: CAD 0.30
Total Value: CAD 1,425,000
Dye & Durham Ltd (DND)
Buyer: Shahinian, Eric (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 12,300 (+2.3%)
Price: CAD 17.35
Total Value: CAD 213,433
Giant Mining Corp (formerly Majuba Hill Copper Corp)
Buyer: Greenway, David Charles (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 2,500,000 (+375.0%)
Price: CAD 0.10
Total Value: CAD 250,000
CDN Insider Sales
Shopify Inc (SHOP)
Seller: Hoffmeister, Jeff (Officer)
Shares Sold: 2,015 (-4.6%)
Price: USD 105.28
Total Value: USD 212,142
Shopify Inc (SHOP)
Seller: Hertz, Jessica (Officer)
Shares Sold: 782 (-9.4%)
Price: USD 105.28
Total Value: USD 82,330
Shopify Inc (SHOP)
Seller: Finkelstein, Harley Michael (Officer)
Shares Sold: 405 (-15.1%)
Price: USD 105.28
Total Value: USD 42,639
Rakovina Therapeutics Inc (RKV)
Seller: De Lucrezia, Alfredo (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 132,500 (-3.7%)
Price: CAD 0.19
Total Value: CAD 25,175
Ares Strategic Mining Inc (ARS)
Seller: Walker, James (Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 20,000 (-0.3%)
Price: CAD 0.21
Total Value: CAD 4,200
Institutional Spotlight: Atai Life Sciences (ATAI)
Atai Life Sciences N.V. has drawn notable institutional attention, with 89 institutional owners reported, including 88 long-only holders and 1 long/short investor. The latest data reflects a -14.42% change in institutional ownership quarter-over-quarter (MRQ), highlighting shifts in sentiment among key holders. Despite this decline, average portfolio allocation among institutional holders increased by 11.52% MRQ, now representing 0.0643% of total portfolios.
The company has 167,802,396 shares outstanding, with institutional investors holding 13,518,141 shares, or 8.06% of the total shares outstanding (excluding 13D/G filings). Institutional long positions saw a slight increase of 0.32 million shares, a 2.39% gain MRQ, signaling measured confidence in the company’s outlook. The total institutional value of these holdings amounts to $15.2 million.
Prominent shareholders include major players such as Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, Inc., and Vanguard Group Inc., alongside specialized funds like Woodline Partners LP and Millennium Management LLC. Notably, iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHCIX) also hold positions, reinforcing Atai’s appeal within biotech-focused portfolios. Additionally, institutional involvement by Brown University highlights its attractiveness to educational endowment funds.
The ownership structure of Atai demonstrates diverse participation, from hedge funds to mutual funds, and a blend of active and passive investors. Significant filings such as Schedule 13D and 13G reveal strategic stances—13D filings reflect an investor’s intention to influence business strategy, while 13G filings indicate passive investments exceeding 5%.
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
STI, MYSZ, IVDA, FEAM, IDAI, BKYI, EVAX, QTI, MFH, MRNS, PTPI, TENX, CYCC, ALLT, GDS, ONVO, FBRX, REE, GOVX, EKSO, PLCE, STIM, NEOV, MIND, SHLS, BSGM, SATX, ECX, ONDS, MODV, PHX, RSSS, LW, VEON, LWAY, VTYX, CDTX, SQFT, MSAI, MLTX, IBIO, TSE, AMWL, UNCY, TARS, NPWR, PVLA, ACIU, OLN, ZIM, WYY, RDWR, LFST, LI, KALA, PHLT, FDX, INVZ, CARG, INDV, INBX, GPOR, SLRX, NN, SPR, HAIN, USM, EZPW, GRCE, WEAV, FRPT, GM, RDW, TARA, CHWY, EQV, YHNAU, USDU, BKLN, BOXX, CME, HCP, AZO
Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist
ELBM.V, PTK.V, TAL.TO, ONEX.TO, PNE.TO, CAE.TO, WRN.TO, NG.TO, PEY.TO, DXT.TO, AEP.V, TVE.TO, LAAC.TO, ONC.TO, MX.TO, OGC.TO, ATZ.TO, NXR/UN.TO, ACB.TO, NEO.TO, SSL.TO, GWO.TO, FC.TO, URC.TO, EXE.TO, EQX.TO, MDA.TO, POW.TO, MI/UN.TO, CHP/UN.TO, IAG.TO, NVA.TO, SLF.TO, IGM.TO, FSZ.TO, BNS.TO, EFN.TO, CTS.TO, BMO.TO, TA.TO, EDR.TO, MFC.TO, PZA.TO, CTC/A.TO, TOU.TO, GEI.TO, RY.TO, EIF.TO, REAL.TO, WSP.TO, CPX.TO, TOY.TO, ENB.TO, AGI.TO, EMA.TO, TRP.TO, FCR/UN.TO, OR.TO, CRR/UN.TO, FNV.TO, NWH/UN.TO, ARIS.TO, TPZ.TO, AD/UN.TO, BDGI.TO, WELL.TO, OLA.TO, KMP/UN.TO, FM.TO, JWEL.TO, ARX.TO, GLXY.TO, L.TO, EMP/A.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!
