Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards KLA (NASDAQ:KLAC), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in KLAC usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 24 extraordinary options activities for KLA. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 37% leaning bullish and 58% bearish. Among these notable options, 10 are puts, totaling $768,290, and 14 are calls, amounting to $1,428,862.
Expected Price Movements
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $450.0 and $860.0 for KLA, spanning the last three months.
Volume & Open Interest Development
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for KLA's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of KLA's whale trades within a strike price range from $450.0 to $860.0 in the last 30 days.
KLA 30-Day Option Volume & Interest Snapshot
Significant Options Trades Detected:
| Symbol | PUT/CALL | Trade Type | Sentiment | Exp. Date | Ask | Bid | Price | Strike Price | Total Trade Price | Open Interest | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLAC | CALL | TRADE | BEARISH | 09/20/24 | $364.5 | $362.0 | $362.0 | $450.00 | $796.4K | 4 | 0 |
| KLAC | CALL | TRADE | BEARISH | 08/16/24 | $55.2 | $53.3 | $53.6 | $800.00 | $150.0K | 9 | 0 |
| KLAC | CALL | TRADE | BEARISH | 01/17/25 | $113.9 | $109.0 | $109.0 | $780.00 | $87.2K | 49 | 0 |
| KLAC | PUT | TRADE | BULLISH | 08/16/24 | $19.3 | $15.6 | $16.8 | $730.00 | $84.0K | 12 | 350 |
| KLAC | PUT | TRADE | BEARISH | 08/16/24 | $16.8 | $16.8 | $16.8 | $730.00 | $84.0K | 12 | 300 |
About KLA
KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.
Having examined the options trading patterns of KLA, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
Present Market Standing of KLA
- Trading volume stands at 408,339, with KLAC's price down by -1.79%, positioned at $801.89.
- RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.
- Earnings announcement expected in 31 days.
Expert Opinions on KLA
3 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $863.3333333333334.
- An analyst from Wells Fargo persists with their Overweight rating on KLA, maintaining a target price of $950.
- An analyst from Barclays upgraded its action to Equal-Weight with a price target of $765.
- Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Raymond James keeps a Outperform rating on KLA with a target price of $875.
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest KLA options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro.