SYS Research – Unusual Activity – Tuesday, April 8, 2025

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 2025-4-8

The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2025-4-8. 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, Inc. (TSLA)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heavy put selling dominated Tesla’s flow, with over $124 million in premiums collected from institutional-sized blocks, dwarfing the $50 million in put buying. Call buying was also strong at over $32 million, though slightly less than the $39 million in call selling.
Total Values: $124,356,043 in put selling, $50,583,964 in put buying, $39,579,786 in call selling, $32,604,875 in call buying
Expectations: With a spot price under pressure after recent selloffs, the aggressive put selling signals bullish sentiment that institutions expect the price to stabilize or rebound, likely above the sold strike.


ASML Holding N.V. (ASML)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A focused block of call buying totaling $23.7 million suggests a bullish stance from institutions, with no significant offsetting trades in other categories.
Total Values: $23,761,400 in call buying
Expectations: In the context of broader market volatility, this targeted call buying implies confidence in ASML’s upside potential despite macro headwinds.


Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying was significantly higher than call selling, with nearly $35.5 million in premium purchased. While puts were both bought and sold, the $17.2 million in puts sold far outpaced the $8.3 million in puts bought, reinforcing a bullish sentiment.
Total Values: $35,503,604 in call buying, $17,224,914 in put selling
Expectations: Institutions appear positioned for a recovery or continued resilience in Amazon, reflecting confidence following recent declines.


Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Nearly $23.6 million in call buying, against just $95K in call selling and moderate put flow, underscores clear bullish intent.
Total Values: $23,564,700 in call buying
Expectations: Large-scale call buying suggests institutions are anticipating upside after AMAT’s sharp drop, positioning ahead of potential rebound or earnings.


Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying of $10.8 million significantly exceeded call selling, with no notable put activity.
Total Values: $10,868,000 in call buying
Expectations: Bullish positioning likely reflects expectations for recovery after a harsh selloff, potentially linked to macro or geopolitical shifts impacting travel/leisure.


Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Institutions collected $9.3 million through put selling while buying $1.4 million in puts. This indicates a bullish stance, as confidence in price stability dominates despite recent volatility.
Total Values: $9,300,000 in put selling
Expectations: Put sellers are betting COST will hold firm despite tariff-driven volatility, likely viewing recent declines as an opportunity.


Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Institutions bought over $11.7 million in calls versus $4.3 million sold, while put flow was mostly balanced. The bias clearly leans bullish.
Total Values: $11,758,504 in call buying
Expectations: After META’s recent drop, institutions may be looking for a reversal or bounce, supported by strong call demand.


Snowflake Inc. (SNOW)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Institutions aggressively sold puts, collecting over $6.3 million in premium, with virtually no offsetting put buying. Minimal call activity suggests the bullish stance is rooted in confidence that the stock will remain above the sold put strikes.
Total Values: $6,331,146 in put selling
Expectations: Despite recent sharp declines, institutions appear to expect SNOW to stabilize, using put selling to generate income and reflect confidence in downside support holding.


Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Call and put volumes were nearly symmetrical, with a slight tilt toward call buying. Notably, both sides of the put market were active, suggesting hedging or tactical positioning.
Total Values: $11,327,441 in call buying, $14,118,601 in put buying, $16,121,330 in put selling
Expectations: Mixed flows reflect uncertainty, though the strong put selling points to a base-building or support-holding scenario after sharp declines.


Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (SKX)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Singular focus on put selling with $3.4 million collected, indicating bullish conviction.
Total Values: $3,450,210 in put selling
Expectations: Institutions show confidence SKX will remain above key levels, even amid broader market instability.


IREN Limited (IREN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling outpaced put buying by over $3 million, while calls remained balanced.
Total Values: $5,139,614 in put selling
Expectations: Institutions likely view recent downside as overdone and are positioning for stability or upside.


XPeng Inc. (XPEV)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Net put selling of over $3.2 million supports a bullish stance, particularly notable given XPEV’s high volatility.
Total Values: $3,245,973 in put selling
Expectations: Traders expect XPEV to stabilize or bounce, collecting premium while absorbing short-term risk.


Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heavy put selling and strong call buying marked the flow, with nearly $3 million collected on the put side alone.
Total Values: $3,042,833 in put selling
Expectations: Institutions appear bullish despite volatility in crypto markets, likely betting on resilience or a rebound.


Medtronic plc (MDT)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Substantial put selling of $3.4 million versus minimal put buying reinforces bullish sentiment.
Total Values: $3,402,748 in put selling
Expectations: Investors are using the recent drop to collect premium, expecting MDT to remain above key support levels.


The Trade Desk, Inc. (TTD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heaviest activity was in put selling at $3.7 million, far outweighing other flows.
Total Values: $3,746,640 in put selling
Expectations: TTD’s flows suggest institutions are using the pullback to position for a recovery or sideways consolidation.


Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Solid put selling totaling $3.5 million indicates institutions are betting on stability or rebound.
Total Values: $3,569,848 in put selling
Expectations: After recent losses, traders are showing conviction that DELL’s downside is limited.


Unity Software Inc. (U)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong call buying and notable put selling highlight institutional confidence in a rebound.
Total Values: $2,573,357 in call buying, $1,103,048 in put selling
Expectations: Despite prior underperformance, options activity shows expectation of stabilization or upside continuation.


Talen Energy Corporation (TLN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Singular large call buy of $2.4 million signals bullish conviction.
Total Values: $2,452,090 in call buying
Expectations: Positioning suggests belief in a sharp move higher or value dislocation after a steep drop.


Oracle Corporation (ORCL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Heavy put selling with minimal call activity. Institutions collected over $3 million in premium.
Total Values: $3,018,709 in put selling
Expectations: Institutions expect ORCL to hold above critical support levels despite market-wide volatility.


Marriott International, Inc. (MAR)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Strong put selling versus moderate put buying indicates bullish lean.
Total Values: $6,141,000 in put selling
Expectations: Positioning suggests confidence in a near-term rebound or floor being established.


Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2025-4-8

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.

SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call buying with May 16, 2025 expiration, 38 days to expire. Contracts purchased at the $15 strike, notably below the spot price of $22.56. The premium paid totaled $323,024 across a multi-sweep transaction, with size exceeding prior open interest.
Total Values: $323,024
Strike Price: $15
Expectations: With the spot price at $22.56, this deep in-the-money call buying suggests aggressive upside speculation. The buyer may be positioning for a substantial rebound following the recent steep decline during the ongoing market volatility.


Domino’s Pizza (DPZ)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Put selling with May 23, 2025 expiration, 45 days to expire. Strike price of $375, well below the spot price of $444.88. Premium of $1,365,000 collected through a box-trade, with size exceeding prior open interest.
Total Values: $1,365,000
Strike Price: $375
Expectations: With the spot price at $444.88, this high-dollar put selling signals strong confidence that DPZ will remain well above the $375 level. The seller is collecting premium in a show of strength despite the recent waterfall selloff, expressing conviction in price stability or recovery amid current market turmoil.


NextNav (NN)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: A series of put purchases across multiple expirations and strikes:

  • April 17, 2025 (9 days to expire), $15 strike, premium paid $352,233

  • April 17, 2025 (9 days to expire), $15 strike, premium paid $128,097

  • May 16, 2025 (38 days to expire), $11 strike, premium paid $103,313

  • June 20, 2025 (73 days to expire), $11 strike, premium paid $104,050

  • January 16, 2026 (283 days to expire), $12 strike, premium paid $156,158

All trades were multi-sweep orders, mostly executed with size greater than prior open interest. Spot price ranged from $10.75 to $11.38 during executions.
Total Values: $843,851
Strike Price: Range from $11 to $15
Expectations: With spot prices around $11.08–$11.38, multiple layers of put buying—particularly with some strikes well above current levels—signal strong downside hedging or speculation. The repeated trades during today’s market volatility suggest persistent bearish pressure or preparation for further decline, especially in light of recent extreme selling.


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

Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN)
Buyer: Fertitta Tilman J (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 100,000 (+0.8%)
Price: USD 67.62
Total Value: USD 6,762,000

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc (CCO)
Buyer: Moreno Arturo R (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 2,500,000 (+4.6%)
Price: USD 0.94
Total Value: USD 2,350,000

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd (PANL)
Buyer: Strategic Shipping Inc. (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 75,000 (+0.4%)
Price: USD 4.16
Total Value: USD 312,000

GMS Inc (GMS)
Buyer: Turner John C JR (President and CEO)
Shares Purchased: 3,650 (+5.8%)
Price: USD 70.00
Total Value: USD 255,500

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund (ENX)
Buyer: Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 49,068 (+1.4%)
Price: USD 9.55
Total Value: USD 468,599

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)
Seller: Eddy Robert W. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 132,475 (-21.0%)
Price: USD 114.33
Total Value: USD 15,145,867

US Insider Sales

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)
Seller: Eddy Robert W. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 46,374 (-9.3%)
Price: USD 115.19
Total Value: USD 5,341,821

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)
Seller: Eddy Robert W. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 39,527 (-5.9%)
Price: USD 113.55
Total Value: USD 4,488,291

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)
Seller: Eddy Robert W. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 27,562 (-6.1%)
Price: USD 116.29
Total Value: USD 3,205,185

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)
Seller: Eddy Robert W. (President & CEO)
Shares Sold: 22,277 (-3.2%)
Price: USD 112.27
Total Value: USD 2,501,039

United Therapeutics Corp (UTHR)
Seller: Dwek Raymond (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 4,000 (-69.6%)
Price: USD 284.55
Total Value: USD 1,138,200


CDN Insider Purchases

Artemis Gold Inc (ARTG)
Buyer: Beedie, Ryan K (Director of Issuer)
Shares Purchased: 59,165 (+0.1%)
Price: CAD 16.90
Total Value: CAD 999,983

Lundin Mining AB
Buyer: Lundin, Jack Oliver (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 100,000 (+11.0%)
Price: CAD 9.50
Total Value: CAD 949,840

North American Construction Group Ltd (Pre-Reincorporation) (NOA)
Buyer: Ferron, Martin Robert (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 18,000 (+0.8%)
Price: USD 14.57
Total Value: USD 262,260

North American Construction Group Ltd (Pre-Reincorporation) (NOA)
Buyer: Ferron, Martin Robert (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 10,000 (+0.4%)
Price: CAD 20.59
Total Value: CAD 205,900

Melcor Developments Ltd (MRD)
Buyer: Melton, Timothy Charles (Executive Director Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 19,400 (+0.9%)
Price: CAD 11.85
Total Value: CAD 229,890

Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust (MRT.UN)
Buyer: Morguard Corporation (Large shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 50,000 (+0.3%)
Price: CAD 5.48
Total Value: CAD 274,000

Journey Energy Inc (JOY)
Buyer: Hansen, Craig Henry (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 70,000 (+16.3%)
Price: CAD 1.48
Total Value: CAD 103,600

GIGA Metals Corporation
Buyer: Jarvis, Mark Clayton (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 250,000 (+50.8%)
Price: CAD 0.10
Total Value: CAD 25,000

Eros Resources Corp.
Buyer: McElroy, Ross E. (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 700,000
Price: CAD 0.05
Total Value: CAD 35,000

CDN Insider Sales

Nevada King Gold Corp (NKG)
Seller: Kettell, Collin (Executive Director Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 20,000,000 (-29.8%)
Price: CAD 0.25
Total Value: CAD 5,000,000

Montage Gold Corp (MAU)
Seller: Field, David (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 93,100 (-6.5%)
Price: CAD 3.03
Total Value: CAD 282,093

Nuvista Energy Ltd (NVA)
Seller: Lawford, Michael (Officer)
Shares Sold: 21,000 (-9.1%)
Price: CAD 13.47
Total Value: CAD 282,870

Tecsys Inc (TCS)
Seller: Brereton, David (Executive Director Large shareholder)
Shares Sold: 1,500 (-0.2%)
Price: CAD 39.52
Total Value: CAD 59,280

Stella-Jones Inc (SJ)
Seller: Manzi, James Augustus (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 1,000 (-10.5%)
Price: USD 46.33
Total Value: USD 46,330

Bitfarms Ltd (BITF)
Seller: Howlett, Brian (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 32,001 (-42.0%)
Price: CAD 1.16
Total Value: CAD 37,121


Institutional Spotlight: New Buys Filed Over the Last 48 Hours

A wave of notable institutional activity has surfaced across a range of equities, signaling renewed conviction from some of the market’s most influential investors. Recent filings show Sculptor Capital LP, led by Robert Shafir, has taken a 7.29% stake in SIDDHI Acquisition Corp (SIDD), totaling 1,750,000 shares, reaffirming its continued interest in SPAC-linked vehicles.

In the biotech arena, Steve Cohen’s Point72 Asset Management LP disclosed a 5.90% position in Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (RGLS), amounting to 3,923,806 shares, marking a potentially strategic move into RNA-targeted therapeutics. Similarly, Ecor1 Capital LLC, under Oleg Nodelman, made headlines with a commanding 25.40% stake in Zymeworks Inc. (ZYME), holding 17,699,774 shares—a notable show of long-term confidence in the company’s antibody-based cancer therapies.

Boaz Weinstein’s Saba Capital Management LP was particularly active, disclosing fresh positions in five closed-end and energy-related names. Saba now owns 20.19% of ENX, 16.87% of NRGX, 11.25% of ECF, 8.21% of IIF, and 6.75% of EVTL—a combined aggressive buildout likely tied to discounted NAV opportunities and energy market arbitrage. Saba’s concentrated approach suggests a deeper strategic alignment, possibly aimed at shareholder activism or restructuring plays.

Coliseum Capital Management LLC, led by Chris Shackelton, continues to show confidence in consumer electronics, holding 10.20% of Sonos Inc. (SONO) via 12,118,088 shares. Similarly, Baker Bros. Advisors LP, renowned for their precision in biotech bets, reported 11.30% ownership in Celcuity Inc. (CELC), holding 4,257,735 shares, a move likely driven by the firm’s ongoing development in cancer diagnostics and treatment.

In a significant controlling position, Carl Icahn maintained his outsized 68.70% ownership in CVR Energy Inc. (CVI) with over 69 million shares, continuing his dominant influence over the refining and fertilizer giant. Likewise, Broadwood Partners LP disclosed a bold 27.10% stake in STAAR Surgical Company (STAA), reinforcing its long-standing commitment to vision correction technologies.

Pzena Investment Management LLC, steered by Richard Pzena, increased its exposure to retail apparel with an 11.20% stake in PVH Corp. (PVH), aligning with the recent rebound in discretionary spending. Lagoda Investment Management LP, under Fatima Dickey, revealed a 10.56% stake in VolitionRx Limited (VNRX), owning over 10 million shares, potentially betting on advances in blood-based cancer diagnostics.

Among institutional behemoths, The Vanguard Group Inc. retained its role as a heavyweight anchor across numerous names, including Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP, 145M shares, 10.68%), Constellation Brands (STZ, 18.4M shares, 10.19%), and Boston Scientific (BSX, 141.1M shares, 9.60%). The widespread ownership underscores Vanguard’s enduring presence across sectors, from consumer staples to healthcare.


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 – 2025-04-04

GME, DERM, TISI, COOP, PFSI, VCRB, BOXX

 

Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist

EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2025-04-04

CHP/UN.TO, NWC.TO, T.TO, EXE.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!

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