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IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients, which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBM's outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world.

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Verint Systems shares are in the spotlight Thursday after The Bear Cave released a bearish report on the contact center company.

Short Seller Targets Verint Systems Stock As AI Threat Emerges: &#39;The Future Is Certainly Not Verint&#39;

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Worried About Staggering Tech Valuation? Analyst Says These Stocks Are  Poised To Go Higher As Fed Kicks Off &#39;Rate-Cutting Cycle&#39; This Week

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This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$26.1K</td>
<td>161.7K</td>
<td>187.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$30.8K</td>
<td>104.0K</td>
<td>89.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$227.50</td>
<td>$60.0K</td>
<td>25.7K</td>
<td>59.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$27.2K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>20.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$63.2K</td>
<td>39.4K</td>
<td>18.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
<td>12.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$455.00</td>
<td>$32.7K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>10.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$262.50</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$45.6K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>4.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$169.4K</td>
<td>48.5K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 238 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.1K, with a price of $110.0 per contract. There were 161784 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 187734 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 641 contract(s) at a $21.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.8K, with a price of $48.0 per contract. There were 104002 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 89110 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 216 contract(s) at a $227.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $60.0K, with a price of $278.0 per contract. There were 25714 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 59016 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $157.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.2K, with a price of $136.0 per contract. There were 2000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20478 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 372 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.2K, with a price of $170.0 per contract. There were 39439 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 18984 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 211 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 20 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.6K, with a price of $150.0 per contract. There were 13715 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12663 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 29 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 84 contract(s) at a $455.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.7K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 5584 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10547 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 78 contract(s) at a $262.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.0K, with a price of $618.0 per contract. There were 5172 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5903 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 60 contract(s) at a $440.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.6K, with a price of $760.0 per contract. There were 1759 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4870 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 120 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 892 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 70 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $169.4K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 48567 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2417 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

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On CNBC, Kevin Simpson Announced Bought More International Business Machines

Verint Systems Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRNT#NASDAQ">VRNT</a>) shares are in the spotlight Thursday after The Bear Cave released a bearish report on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VRNT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the contact center company</a>.
What To Know: Short-selling firm The Bear Cave has customer experience (CX) automation company Verint Systems in its crosshairs. The short seller published a report Thursday morning titled, &#8220;Problems at Verint Systems (VRNT),&#8221; arguing that the company is likely to be disrupted by <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/ai">AI</a> advancement.
&#8220;Verint's management insists Verint will be an AI beneficiary as customers use Verint's AI-powered bots to improve their call centers. The Bear Cave sees things differently,&#8221; the short seller said.
Benzinga has reached out to Verint Systems for comment on the report.
The Bear Cave believes AI is going to negatively impact Verint as AI-powered competitors take share from its automated bot offerings and AI agents largely replace human agents over the coming years. The short seller believes Verint will &#8220;suffer significantly&#8221; as call centers transition away from humans. 
The Bear Cave also highlighted a pair of interviews from last month in which a former sales director for Verint acknowledged that competitors have adopted AI faster than Verint, and that the company may get left behind as it continues to focus on bots. The former sales director noted that it&#8217;s not clear if Verint will still be around in another 10 or 15 years, given the amount of AI-specific startups coming into the space, according to the short seller.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40937593/oracle-cloudworld-highlights-ai-driven-tech-services-but-revenue-growth-requires-patience-analyst">Oracle CloudWorld Highlights &#8216;AI-Driven Tech Services,&#8217; But Revenue Growth Requires Patience: Analyst</a>
The Bear Cave highlighted some of the increasing competition including from Alphabet Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google Dialogflow, International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) and several startups like Yellow AI and Observe AI, which are aggressively moving into AI automation for call centers.
The firm also pointed to a recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/b40922898/t-mobile-and-openai-join-forces-to-revolutionize-the-customer-experience-with-first-ever-intent-dr">press release</a> from T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>), announcing a partnership with OpenAI that aims to revolutionize the customer experience. The company expects the partnership to help automate tasks that would normally require a store visit or call to a customer service agent.
The short seller noted AI headwinds may be starting to show up in the company&#8217;s numbers. Last quarter, Verint <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40737739/these-analysts-cut-their-forecasts-on-verint-systems-following-downbeat-q2-results">missed analyst estimates</a> on the top and bottom lines and issued soft guidance for the full year.
&#8220;The future is not bots, the future is not human agents, and the future is certainly not Verint,&#8221; the short seller said.
VRNT Price Action: Verint shares were up 0.67% at $26.38 at the time of publication Thursday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Short Seller Targets Verint Systems Stock As AI Threat Emerges: 'The Future Is Certainly Not Verint'

New locations in Bucharest, Romania, Buffalo, New York, and Leicester, UK, aim to help clients explore opportunities in generative AI, hybrid cloud and other Microsoft technologies to transform their business
ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) and Microsoft announced the official opening of three new IBM-Microsoft Experience Zones within IBM's Client Innovation Centers. These Experience Zones are designed to help global clients across industries, such as financial services, government, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing and consumer packed goods (CPG), find new ways to derive value from <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence">generative AI</a>, <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/hybrid-cloud">hybrid cloud</a> and other Microsoft products and technologies.

IBM And Microsoft Open 3 New Experience Zones To Provide Global Clients With More Hands-On Access To Cloud And Generative AI Solutions

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$118.00</td>
<td>$37.1K</td>
<td>28.6K</td>
<td>71.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$74.5K</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
<td>6.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$28.1K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CORZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$43.4K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AKAM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$70.0K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$77.5K</td>
<td>10.6K</td>
<td>660</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$27.6K</td>
<td>280</td>
<td>465</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$26.8K</td>
<td>286</td>
<td>370</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$91.00</td>
<td>$99.2K</td>
<td>105</td>
<td>335</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 217 contract(s) at a $118.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.1K, with a price of $171.0 per contract. There were 28609 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 71389 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 10 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $74.5K, with a price of $149.0 per contract. There were 6098 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6182 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 3 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $440.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.1K, with a price of $1405.0 per contract. There were 1446 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3178 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CORZ (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 94 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 336 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $75.0 per contract. There were 10068 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1493 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 3 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 56 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.4K, with a price of $775.0 per contract. There were 7490 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1169 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AKAM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AKAM#NASDAQ">AKAM</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 31 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $70.0K, with a price of $70.0 per contract. There were 1598 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1011 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 822 day(s) on December 18, 2026. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $77.5K, with a price of $775.0 per contract. There were 10639 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 660 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 185 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 8 contract(s) at a $185.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.6K, with a price of $3460.0 per contract. There were 280 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 465 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRWD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 367 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 23 contract(s) at a $185.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.8K, with a price of $1160.0 per contract. There were 286 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 370 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 10 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 155 contract(s) at a $91.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.2K, with a price of $640.0 per contract. There were 105 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 335 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AKAM

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

CRWD

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

IBM Acquires Kubecost, Terms Not Disclosed

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$117.00</td>
<td>$38.0K</td>
<td>12.5K</td>
<td>61.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$38.9K</td>
<td>6.9K</td>
<td>8.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$450.00</td>
<td>$57.2K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$630.5K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$87.00</td>
<td>$37.6K</td>
<td>610</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$237.8K</td>
<td>15.9K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>15.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$1.3 million</td>
<td>561</td>
<td>364</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$62.3K</td>
<td>8.1K</td>
<td>362</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$61.4K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>360</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 139 contract(s) at a $117.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.0K, with a price of $274.0 per contract. There were 12592 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 61676 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.9K, with a price of $778.0 per contract. There were 6977 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8784 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 30 contract(s) at a $450.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.2K, with a price of $1909.0 per contract. There were 1754 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4442 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 60 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 452 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $630.5K, with a price of $1395.0 per contract. There were 4980 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2545 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $87.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.6K, with a price of $188.0 per contract. There were 610 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2252 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 298 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $237.8K, with a price of $798.0 per contract. There were 15915 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1985 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.0K, with a price of $31.0 per contract. There were 15581 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1337 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ADBE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 277 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 350 contract(s) at a $600.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $1.3 million, with a price of $3750.0 per contract. There were 561 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 364 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 63 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $62.3K, with a price of $990.0 per contract. There were 8124 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 362 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WOLF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOLF#NYSE">WOLF</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 307 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.4K, with a price of $200.0 per contract. There were 2324 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 360 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ADBE

WOLF

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), 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 IBM usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 23 extraordinary options activities for IBM. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 39% leaning bullish and 39% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $67,464, and 21 are calls, amounting to $1,841,940.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $130.0 to $250.0 for IBM over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for IBM's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across IBM's significant trades, within a strike price range of $130.0 to $250.0, over the past month.
<h3>IBM 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726497948_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$15.2</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$404.7K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>943</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$13.35</td>
<td>$13.3</td>
<td>$13.35</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$340.4K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$24.95</td>
<td>$23.35</td>
<td>$24.0</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$148.8K</td>
<td>878</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$13.95</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$144.4K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>635</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$14.15</td>
<td>$12.25</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$89.0K</td>
<td>716</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About IBM</h3>
IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients, which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBM's outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world.
In light of the recent options history for IBM, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>IBM's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 903,390, with IBM's price up by 0.89%, positioned at $216.71.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 37 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for IBM</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $192.5.
<ul>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Sell rating for IBM, targeting a price of $145. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group continues to hold a Outperform rating for IBM, targeting a price of $240. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for IBM, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Spotlight on IBM: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Tech&#8217;s extended bull run has more legs to play out, with a key imminent catalyst potentially giving a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/09/40828657/top-3-tech-stocks-youll-regret-missing-in-september"> thrust to the stocks belonging to the sector,</a> according to an analyst at Wedbush.
Fed To Kickstart Risk-On Trade: The Federal Reserve will finally begin to cut interest rates in the current monetary policy cycle. The likely cut will come two-and-a-half years after the first rate hike implemented to curb inflationary pressure that reared its ugly head following the stimulatory measures implemented to offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Wedbush&#8217;s Daniel Ives said tech investors now look forward to risk-on trade after some nervousness seen in late July. &#8220;Despite all the noise and white knuckles, overall tech earnings have been generally robust with Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), the latest tech stalwart to give more validation that the AI Revolution is starting to quickly move towards the much-awaited software and use case part of the cycle,&#8221; he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-tech-stocks">Best Tech Stocks Right Now</a>
Growth Sweet-spot: The tech supply chain is gearing up for an &#8220;unprecedented&#8221; period of growth, driven by the massive artificial intelligence capex spending over the next few years, Ives said, basing his view on Asia checks.
The AI revolution, which kickstarted with Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), now has ramifications for the broader tech sector, the analyst said, calling the technology the fourth industrial revolution. This revolution is happening across semiconductor, software, infrastructure, internet and smartphones and will likely extend over the next 12 to 18 months, he said.
Nvidia and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) are core drivers of AI, and now other tech stocks such as Oracle, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>), Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), Dell Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NYSE">AMD</a>) are joining the party as well, he said. &#8220;We believe the stage is set for tech stocks to move higher into yearend and 2025 in our opinion as the Fed and Powell kick off its rate-cutting cycle this week, macro soft landing remains the path, and tech spending on AI remains a generational spending cycle just starting to hit the shores of the tech sector,&#8221; Ives said.
Why It&#8217;s Important: The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, has been on an extended uptrend since the start of 2023. This is despite the hiccup seen since mid-July due to concerns about the lavish capex plans of AI companies.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="475" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111-1024x475.png" alt="" class="wp-image-548793" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111-1024x475.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111-300x139.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111-768x356.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111-1536x713.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/16015317/image-111.png 1860w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Source: Benzinga Pro data.
The extended run-up introduces caution among investors, given valuations have become stretched. Analysts also see the laggards and leaders switching places when the Fed begins to cut rates, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39830547/why-cathie-wood-is-betting-on-small-cap-stocks-triumphing-over-magnificent-six-amid-restrictive-">underperforming interest-rate sensitive small-cap stocks seen as the biggest beneficiaries.</a>
Tech bulls such as Ives see the broadening of the rally rather than one gaining at the expense of the other, given the massive potential AI offers.
The QQQ settled Friday&#8217;s session up 0.45% at $475.34, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro data.</a> The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) gained 0.50% to $220.44 and is up about 15% for the year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40771209/peter-schiff-warns-against-irrational-exuberance-toward-tech-stocks-cryptos-as-econ">Peter Schiff Warns Against Irrational Exuberance Toward Tech Stocks, Cryptos As Economist Cites Intel&#8217;s Fall From Grace</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Phongphan on Shutterstock

Worried About Staggering Tech Valuation? Analyst Says These Stocks Are  Poised To Go Higher As Fed Kicks Off 'Rate-Cutting Cycle' This Week

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$35.2K</td>
<td>83.0K</td>
<td>211.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>6.9K</td>
<td>9.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$47.7K</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
<td>7.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$29.2K</td>
<td>709</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$30.1K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>385</td>
<td>481</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$109.8K</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>326</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$35.5K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>319</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>301</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on September 13, 2024. Parties traded 81 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.2K, with a price of $435.0 per contract. There were 83080 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 211340 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on September 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 164 contract(s) at a $420.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 32 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.6K, with a price of $193.0 per contract. There were 6934 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 9098 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on September 13, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.7K, with a price of $478.0 per contract. There were 7768 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 7385 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 128 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 240 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.2K, with a price of $122.0 per contract. There were 709 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5548 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on September 13, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $250.0 per contract. There were 1290 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2977 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CLS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLS#NYSE">CLS</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on September 13, 2024. Parties traded 1100 contract(s) at a $43.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.1K, with a price of $25.0 per contract. There were 4135 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1937 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 100 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 33 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.9K, with a price of $1545.0 per contract. There were 385 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 481 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 16 day(s) on September 27, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $480.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $109.8K, with a price of $1092.0 per contract. There were 92 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 326 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 191 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 23 contract(s) at a $225.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.5K, with a price of $1545.0 per contract. There were 1980 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 319 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 37 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $172.0 per contract. There were 3311 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 301 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Evercore ISI Group analyst Amit Daryanani maintains IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $215 to $240.

Price Target

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on IBM, Raises Price Target to $240

As of Sept. 11, 2024, two stocks in the information technology sector could be flashing a real warning to investors who value momentum as a key criteria in their trading decisions.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered overbought when the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi">RSI is above 70</a>, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
Here's the latest list of major overbought players in this sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Sept. 9, IBM has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire its portfolio company, Accelalpha, Inc. The company's stock gained around 8% over the past month and has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBM">52-week high of $205.95</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 71.10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>IBM Price Action: Shares of IBM gained 0.9% to close at $205.32 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Sept. 9, Oracle reported quarterly earnings of $1.39 per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.32 by 5.3%. Quarterly revenue came in at $13.307 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $13.231 billion and representing a 6.86% increase over the same period last year. The company's stock gained around 18% over the past month and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ORCL">has a 52-week high</a> of $160.52.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 73.05</li>
<li>ORCL Price Action: Shares of Oracle gained 11.4% to close at $155.89 on Tuesday. </li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40792510/jim-cramer-says-aes-is-very-inexpensive-recommends-buying-this-industrial-stock">Jim Cramer Says AES Is &#8216;Very Inexpensive&#8217;, Recommends Buying This Industrial Stock</a></li>
</ul>

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer was asked about Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>). He said, &#8220;You&#8217;re going to hold it&#8230; That company is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40527614/advance-auto-parts-analysts-slash-their-forecasts-after-downbeat-earnings">not a great operator.&#8221;</a>
On Aug. 22, the company reported quarterly earnings per share of 75 cents, missing the street view of $1.07. Quarterly sales of $2.683 billion beat the street view of $2.679 billion.
Cramer said &#8220;no to Citigroup Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), yes to JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>).&#8221;
On July 30, Morgan Stanley analyst Betsy Graseck maintained Citigroup with an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $66 to $79.
When asked about IES Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IES#NASDAQ">IES</a>), he said, &#8220;I know the company, and it's the right spot.&#8221;
On Aug. 2, IES Holding reported a year-over-year increase in third-quarter financial results. Also, the company authorized a $200 million share repurchase program.
IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) is &#8220;doing quite well,&#8221; Cramer said. &#8220;Arvind Krishna [CEO of IBM] has really reinvented the company, he's doing a terrific job.&#8221;
On Sept. 9, IBM announced its intent to acquire Accelalpha, a global Oracle services provider.
&#8220;This is not the moment to own oil,&#8221; Cramer said, when asked about Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>).
WTI crude oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday as OPEC cuts its demand forecast.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Citigroup shares fell 2.7% to settle at $57.95 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>IES shares rose 2.4% to close at $148.46 during Tuesday's session.</li>
<li>IBM shares gained 0.9% to close at $205.32 during Tuesday's session.</li>
<li>Advance Auto Parts fell 0.5% to settle at $38.53 during the session.</li>
<li>Exxon Mobil shares fell 3.6% to close at $110.82 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40792510/jim-cramer-says-aes-is-very-inexpensive-recommends-buying-this-industrial-stock">Jim Cramer Says AES Is &#8216;Very Inexpensive&#8217;, Recommends Buying This Industrial Stock</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Jim Cramer: 'Not The Time To Own Oil,' When Asked About Exxon Mobil; Says IBM Is 'Performing Well'

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on IBM. Our analysis of options history for IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) revealed 28 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 42% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 18 were puts, with a value of $1,307,358, and 10 were calls, valued at $1,105,795.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $170.0 and $270.0 for IBM, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
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 IBM'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 IBM's whale trades within a strike price range from $170.0 to $270.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>IBM Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726001157_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$9.5</td>
<td>$9.45</td>
<td>$9.5</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$445.5K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>601</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.14</td>
<td>$1.93</td>
<td>$2.01</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$301.4K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$38.8</td>
<td>$37.5</td>
<td>$37.8</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$162.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$145.9K</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>443</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$117.0K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>786</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About IBM</h3>
IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients, which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBM's outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world.
<h3>Present Market Standing of IBM</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,067,385, the price of IBM is up by 0.88%, reaching $205.32.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 43 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on IBM</h3>
Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $145.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from UBS has decided to maintain their Sell rating on IBM, which currently sits at a price target of $145. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for IBM, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Behind the Scenes of IBM's Latest Options Trends

<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.centuryparkcapital.com&amp;esheet=54120123&amp;newsitemid=20240910686323&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Century+Park+Capital+Partners&amp;index=1&amp;md5=35f383c64f9cdf05c93cf40a0999bf29">Century Park Capital Partners</a> ("Century Park") is pleased to announce that International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire its portfolio company, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.accelalpha.com&amp;esheet=54120123&amp;newsitemid=20240910686323&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Accelalpha%2C+Inc.&amp;index=2&amp;md5=6034901edf4663852fecfb62b6eb43d3">Accelalpha, Inc.</a> ("Accelalpha"). The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Accelalpha is a leading global provider of Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications consulting, implementation and managed services. Its highly skilled team serves clients across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, with a focus on distribution, industrial and financial services sectors. Accelalpha was founded in 2009 by its current CEO, Nat Ganesh. Century Park invested in Accelalpha alongside Nat Ganesh and a meaningful group of employee equityholders in 2020.

IBM Has Entered Into A Definitive Agreement To Acquire Its Portfolio Company, Accelalpha, Inc.; Expected To Close In Q4 2024; Financial Details Of The Transaction Were Not Disclosed

Expanded network of consulting experts will help clients maximize generative AI investments, optimize compute and implementation costs
ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) announced it has expanded its consulting services and solutions to help clients derive greater value from Oracle's cloud applications and technology and extend <a href="https://www.ibm.com/info/generative-ai">generative AI</a> with an open, orchestrated approach.

IBM Launches New Services To Help Oracle Clients Extend Generative AI

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the information technology sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRX#NASDAQ">XRX</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 9.77%</li>
<li>Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $14 to $11 on Aug. 14. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 76%.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Asiya Merchant initiated coverage on the stock with a Sell rating and a price target of $11 on June 28. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 66%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 5, Xerox and Taktiful Software Solutions announced intent to form new strategic partnership.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> latest XRX news. </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="895" height="831" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075304/image-74.png" alt="" class="wp-image-539626" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075304/image-74.png 895w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075304/image-74-300x279.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075304/image-74-768x713.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 895px) 100vw, 895px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 3.28%</li>
<li>UBS analyst David Vogt maintained a Sell rating and raised the price target from $130 to $145 on Sept. 4. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 72%.</li>
<li>Jefferies analyst Brent Thill maintained a Hold rating and boosted the price target from $190 to $200 on July 25. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 78%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 9, IBM announced its intent to acquire Accelalpha, a global Oracle services provider.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> trend in IBM stock. </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="916" height="840" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075339/image-75.png" alt="" class="wp-image-539630" style="width:707px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075339/image-75.png 916w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075339/image-75-300x275.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075339/image-75-768x704.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 916px) 100vw, 916px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NYSE">HPE</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 2.95%</li>
<li>Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $16 to $18 on Sept. 9. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $24 to $21 on Sept. 5. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 9, Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced it has commenced a public offering of $1.35 billion of Series C mandatory convertible preferred stock.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s signals feature notified of a potential <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">breakout in HPE shares. </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="886" height="840" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075428/image-76.png" alt="" class="wp-image-539631" style="width:672px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075428/image-76.png 886w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075428/image-76-300x284.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10075428/image-76-768x728.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to Find Dividend Stocks: Scan, Analyze, and Capture with Benzinga Pro" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVF0O2lsEH4?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
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JPMorgan is signaling a strategic pair trade for investors. The firm recommends &#8220;Long Kyndryl (KD) / Short DXC Technology (DXC)&#8221; in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KD/news">the infrastructure sector</a>.
According to JPMorgan analyst Tien-tsin Huang, this trade is set to capitalize on Kyndryl Holdings Inc&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KD#NYSE">KD</a>) structural advantages and DXC Technology Co&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXC#NYSE">DXC</a>) ongoing growth challenges.
Kyndryl&#8217;s Structural Advantages: JPMorgan highlights Kyndryl as a compelling long position due to its significant structural advantages. Kyndryl has shown impressive progress in profitability and revenue growth since its <a href="https://investors.kyndryl.com/shareholder-resources/spinoff-information">spin-off</a> from International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>). The company's strong client relationships and ability to up-sell new services post-spin position it well for continued margin expansion and revenue growth.
With a current price target of $30, Kyndryl is expected to leverage its scale and client base to maintain market share while increasing prices. JPMorgan's investment thesis underscores the company's potential to generate significant cash flow and drive further investor interest over the next few years.
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DXC&#8217;s Struggles, Risks: Conversely, JPMorgan rates DXC as a &#8220;Short&#8221; position, with a price target of $22. DXC is facing substantial hurdles, including turnaround plans in its people-based business model amid a tightening supply market.
Additionally, recent CEO disruptions pose risks of executive departures, which could further disrupt DXC&#8217;s business performance.
DXC's legacy business is rapidly declining, complicating its efforts to achieve a positive growth turnaround. The company's slower pace in adapting to market changes and lack of immediate catalysts suggest fewer opportunities for near-term improvement.
The Trade Strategy: Both Kyndryl and DXC are currently trading at approximately 7x CY25E FCF. JPMorgan assigns a 7x multiple to KD and a lower 5.5x multiple to DXC for CY26E FCF.
This differential reflects the expected outperformance of Kyndryl over DXC. Investors are advised to consider this pair trade to capitalize on Kyndryl's growth potential and mitigate risks associated with DXC's ongoing challenges.
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Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Pair Trade Alert: 'Long KD Short DXC' Says JPMorgan, Here's Why

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on IBM. Our analysis of options history for IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 40% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $103,016, and 8 were calls, valued at $707,083.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $160.0 and $250.0 for IBM, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for IBM's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across IBM's significant trades, within a strike price range of $160.0 to $250.0, over the past month.
<h3>IBM Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725632176_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$11.5</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$312.0K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$185.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$14.25</td>
<td>$13.75</td>
<td>$13.97</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$54.4K</td>
<td>4.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$15.65</td>
<td>$15.65</td>
<td>$15.65</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
<td>$51.5K</td>
<td>76</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$15.75</td>
<td>$15.6</td>
<td>$15.6</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
<td>$51.4K</td>
<td>76</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">66</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About IBM</h3>
IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients, which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBM's outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world.
Having examined the options trading patterns of IBM, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>IBM's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 211,860, the price of IBM is up by 0.21%, reaching $203.02.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 47 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on IBM</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $145.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from UBS persists with their Sell rating on IBM, maintaining a target price of $145. </li>
</ul>
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 IBM options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

What the Options Market Tells Us About IBM

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