Option chain shows key data for MENDELL HELIUM PLC by MENDELL HELIUM PLC's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for MENDELL HELIUM PLC by MENDELL HELIUM PLC.

MENDELL HELIUM PLC by MENDELL HELIUM PLC (OTC:MDHLF) Stock, Option Chain

MENDELL HELIUM PLC by MENDELL HELIUM PLC

Wall Street analysts raised their price targets on SLM Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLM#NASDAQ">SLM</a>) after the company released its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b43177801/sallie-mae-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter print</a> Thursday amid an exciting earnings season.
SLM&#8217;s fourth-quarter EPS of $0.50 missed the analyst estimate. The net interest income of $362.00 million missed the analyst estimate of $373.96 million.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43191472/broadcom-powers-solidigms-high-capacity-ssds-key-driver-for-ai-and-data-intensive-growth" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadcom Powers Solidigm&#8217;s High-Capacity SSDs, A Key Driver for AI and Data-Intensive Growth</a>
SLM expects fiscal 2025 EPS of $3.00-$3.10 versus $3.35 analyst estimate. It expects non-interest expenses of $655 million-$675 million.
Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Sanjay Sakhrani maintained SLM with a Market Perform with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SLM/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of&nbsp;$30</a>.
RBC Capital&nbsp;analyst Jon G. Arfstrom reiterated an Outperform on SLM and raised the price target&nbsp;to $32 from $30.
JP Morgan analyst Richard Shane maintained SLM with a Neutral and raised the price target from $29 to $30.
Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods: SLM reported core EPS of $0.50, which compares to Sakhrani&#8217;s estimate of $0.58. The miss to the analyst&#8217;s EPS estimate was driven by higher provision (-$0.15/share) and lower net interest income (-$0.01/share), partially offset by lower expenses (+$0.02/share) and a lower tax rate (+$0.06/share).
SLM reported a miss relative to Sakhrani&#8217;s expectations on higher provisions, while Pre-provision Net Revenue (PPNR) aligned with expectations. Core trends were mixed, with originations and the Delinquency (DQ) rate being better, PPNR and the net charge-off (NCO) rate being in line, and the Net interest margin rate being weaker. The company provided a 2025 outlook with EPS and loan origination growth better than Sakhrani&#8217;s expectations, while the NCO rate and expenses are in line.
RBC Capital: Core results were acceptable in a seasonally softer origination quarter. Highlights included substantial loan growth, some modest margin reduction, and a meaningful decrease in expense levels. Credit trends were more mixed with higher NCOs sequentially, though management remains hopeful that losses should continue to normalize lower in 2025 towards its longer-term loss range. 
The 2025 outlook calls for solid origination growth and manageable expense levels. Further, the company plans to sell $2 billion in loans in the first quarter of 2025, which should support the updated EPS guide. Arfstrom&#8217;s thesis remains consistent, as he noted continued progress in the gradual shift toward a more balanced growth model. However, additional loan sales and buyback activity will likely continue over the near-to-medium term.
Arfstrom adjusted his 2025E EPS from $2.90 to $3.00 and his 2026E EPS from $3.20 to $3.40. The price target of $32 is ~10.5 times Arfstrom&#8217;s 2025 EPS estimate. The target primarily mirrors the analyst&#8217;s profitability and risk assessment of the company relative to a peer group of similar companies. The assumed multiple is consistent with a peer group of consumer finance-oriented operators.
JP Morgan: SLM reported GAAP and core EPS of $0.50, below Shane&#8217;s estimate of $0.57, and Street estimates of $0.55, driven by elevated provision expense. SLM provided 2025 guidance, which the analyst noted matches expectations.
However, balance sheet growth may exceed the company&#8217;s long-term framework of 5%-6% year-on-year, which could drive incremental reserve build in 2025. There were no loan sales in the fourth quarter of 2024, but the company announced a $2 billion loan sale in the first quarter of 2025, followed by additional loan sales in 2025.
Shane valued SLM based on a forward multiple of core earnings. In determining a December 2025 price target, he applied a multiple of 9.00 times (versus 8.75 times prior) on his 2026 core EPS estimate of $3.32 (versus $3.33 prior). The multiple reflects higher growth potential as SLM continues to take market share. The price target implies a 4.5% potential annualized total return.
Price Action: SLM stock is down 0.27% at $29.22 at last check Friday.
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WIIM

PHV shares are trading lower after JP Morgan downgraded the stock from Overweight to Neutral and cut its price target from $149 to $113.

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Tempus AI.
Looking at options history for Tempus AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>) we detected 24 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 50% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 41% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $158,445 and 20, calls, for a total amount of $1,428,438.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $20.0 to $90.0 for Tempus AI during the past quarter. 
<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 Tempus AI's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Tempus AI's significant trades, within a strike price range of $20.0 to $90.0, over the past month.
<h3>Tempus AI 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737747060_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$36.0</td>
<td>$34.4</td>
<td>$35.3</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$338.8K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td align="right">348</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$168.3K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">544</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$7.25</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
<td>$163.1K</td>
<td>64</td>
<td align="right">248</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$25.1</td>
<td>$24.8</td>
<td>$24.8</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$99.2K</td>
<td>2</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$82.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">238</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Tempus AI</h3>
Tempus AI Inc is a technology company. It has built the Tempus Platform, which comprises both a technology platform to free healthcare data from silos and an operating system to make the resulting data useful. Its Intelligent Diagnostics use AI, including generative AI, to make laboratory tests more accurate, tailored, and personal.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Tempus AI, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of Tempus AI</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 10,924,277, the TEM's price is down by -4.54%, now at $52.35. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 24 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Tempus AI</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $54.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Needham has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $56. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Loop Capital keeps a Buy rating on Tempus AI with a target price of $52. 
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 Tempus AI, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

Decoding Tempus AI's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Caterpillar (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</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 CAT usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 18 extraordinary options activities for Caterpillar. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 61% leaning bullish and 33% bearish. Among these notable options, 9 are puts, totaling $544,085, and 9 are calls, amounting to $1,054,571.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $370.0 to $500.0 for Caterpillar during the past quarter. 
<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 Caterpillar'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 Caterpillar's whale trades within a strike price range from $370.0 to $500.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Caterpillar Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737747055_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</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 align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$48.2</td>
<td>$46.3</td>
<td>$46.3</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$416.7K</td>
<td align="right">794</td>
<td align="right">184</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$48.4</td>
<td>$46.3</td>
<td>$46.3</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$282.4K</td>
<td align="right">794</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$37.4</td>
<td>$36.4</td>
<td>$37.0</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$229.4K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$53.75</td>
<td>$53.35</td>
<td>$53.75</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$107.5K</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$11.45</td>
<td>$10.95</td>
<td>$11.15</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
<td>$100.3K</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Caterpillar</h3>
Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Its reporting segments are: construction industries (40% sales/47% operating profit, or OP), resource industries (20% sales/19% OP), and energy &amp; transportation (40% sales/34% OP). Market share approaches 20% across many products. Caterpillar operates a captive finance subsidiary to facilitate sales. The firm has global reach (46% US sales/54% ex-US). Construction skews more domestic, while the other divisions are more geographically diversified. An independent network of 156 dealers operates approximately 2,800 facilities, giving Caterpillar reach into about 190 countries for sales and support services.
In light of the recent options history for Caterpillar, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Caterpillar</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 920,464, with CAT's price up by 0.08%, positioned at $406.73.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 6 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Caterpillar</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $413.3333333333333.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on Caterpillar, maintaining a target price of $420. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group upgraded its action to In-Line with a price target of $365. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Caterpillar, which currently sits at a price target of $455. 
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 Caterpillar, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

A Closer Look at Caterpillar's Options Market Dynamics

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bullish on Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EW#NYSE">EW</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in EW often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Edwards Lifesciences. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 100% bullish and 0% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $45,570, and 7 calls, totaling $503,070.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $75.0 to $77.5 for Edwards Lifesciences over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Edwards Lifesciences stands at 54.0, with a total volume reaching 16,185.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Edwards Lifesciences, situated within the strike price corridor from $75.0 to $77.5, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Edwards Lifesciences 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737747050_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 align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$1.35</td>
<td>$1.35</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$151.3K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$97.2K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$81.2K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$62.5K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$53.1K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Edwards Lifesciences</h3>
Spun off from Baxter International in 2000, Edwards Lifesciences designs, manufactures, and markets a range of medical devices and equipment for advanced stages of structural heart disease. It has established itself as a leader across key products, including surgical tissue heart valves, transcatheter valve technologies, surgical clips, and catheters. The firm derives about 55% of its total sales from outside the US.
In light of the recent options history for Edwards Lifesciences, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Edwards Lifesciences</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,056,732, the EW's price is up by 0.45%, now at $69.24. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 11 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $60.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wolfe Research downgraded its action to Underperform with a price target of $60. 
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 Edwards Lifesciences options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In Edwards Lifesciences Options

Thornburg Investment Management stepped into the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">world of ETFs</a> this week with its first two funds hitting the market. Both the funds focused on international equities.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/01/43129309/new-bond-etf-aims-for-high-income-through-flexible-multi-asset-strategy">New Bond ETF Aims For High Income Through Flexible Multi-Asset Strategy</a>
The first of these funds, the Thornburg International Equity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXUE#NASDAQ">TXUE</a>) , was launched on Jan 22. This actively managed fund follows the MSCI EAFE Index. It has a 0.65% expense ratio, and primarily invests in companies tied to developed markets outside the United States. A glimpse into its international holdings reveal some big names like Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and Keyence Corp. Almost 76% of the total assets is invested in U.S. dollars. The fund uses bottom-up analysis to identify potentially undervalued large-cap equities.
Just a day after the launch of the International Equity ETF, Thornburg rolled out its second ETF, the Thornburg International Growth ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXUG#NASDAQ">TXUG</a>). This fund has a net expense ratio of 0.70%, is on the third gear to achieve long-term capital growth. 
The International Growth ETF also focuses on developed markets outside the U.S., but has a more growth-oriented strategy, fishing for companies with significant growth potential, regardless of market capitalization.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expanding Horizons</h3>
Thornburg, which oversees more than $45 billion in assets, has built a strong reputation for its active management strategies over the past four decades. The firm also plans to introduce two fixed income ETFs in the near future: the Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and the Thornburg Multi-Sector Bond ETF (TMB).
Todd Rosenbluth, Head of Research at VettaFi, noted that the demand for actively managed equity ETFs has surged. "It's exciting to see them bring their expertise to support ETF-minded advisors. Demand for actively managed equity ETFs has accelerated, and VettaFi expects advisors to further embrace such strategies from managers they know."
The company also benefited from the expertise of the Goldman Sachs ETF Accelerator, a platform that powered the launch process for these funds.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43170386/spdr-gold-shares-vs-ishares-gold-trust-two-shiny-etfs-in-focus-as-tariff-man-trump-fuels-uncertainty">SPDR Gold Shares Vs. iShares Gold Trust: Two Shiny ETFs In Focus As &#8216;Tariff Man&#8217; Trump Fuels Uncertainty</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Major indexes are lower amid a drop in chip stocks.

Calamos Investments has introduced a suite of Protected Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), designed to offer exposure to Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) while minimizing risk.
What Happened: The flagship ETF provides 100% downside protection over a one-year period, ensuring that investors&#8217; principal remains intact even if Bitcoin experiences a significant price drop. 
However, this safety net comes with a trade-off—an upside cap set at 11.65% for the year.
Understanding that different investors have varying risk preferences, Calamos has rolled out additional ETFs with tailored protection levels.
The first one being: Investors can opt for 90% downside protection, with an estimated upside cap range of 28% to 31% and secondly, those willing to assume more risk, the 80% protection option offers an estimated cap range of 50% to 55%.
How It Works: These ETFs employ a structured investment strategy that combines U.S. Treasury securities and options on the CBOE Bitcoin Index. 
By purchasing zero-coupon Treasuries and strategically buying and selling call options, the funds aim to provide defined exposure to Bitcoin&#8217;s price movements while offering specified levels of downside protection and upside potential.
Why It Matters: As cryptocurrencies continue to see volatile price swings, products like the Calamos Protected Bitcoin ETFs provide a safer way for investors to gain Bitcoin exposure. 
By guaranteeing principal protection while offering varying levels of upside potential, these ETFs aim to bridge the gap between traditional risk-averse investing and the high-reward opportunities of crypto.
However, it's important to note that the capped gains may limit returns in a bull market, making these ETFs more suitable for cautious investors seeking moderate growth with minimized downside risk.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43195587/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-bitcoin-is-a-better-form-of-money">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says Bitcoin Is &#8216;A Better Form Of Money&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Forget Worrying About Bitcoin Going Down 50%, There's Now A 'Protected Bitcoin ETF' With Money-Back Guarantee

Royal Caribbean Cruises shares are trading lower after Goldman Sachs cut its price target on the stock from $275 to $270.

WELL

Welltower shares are trading higher after B of A Securities maintained a Buy rating on the stock and raised its price target from $190 to $221.

Three <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chinese-ev-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese electric vehicle makers</a> contested the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41182675/tesla-byd-and-other-ev-stocks-to-watch-as-eu-votes-to-approve-tariffs-on-chinese-ev-imports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU&#8217;s import duties</a> at the union&#8217;s Court of Justice. 
According to Reuters, BYD Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>), Geely Automobile Holdings (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GELYF#OTC">GELYF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GELYY#OTC">GELYY</a>), and SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) oppose EU-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41311787/tesla-rival-byd-slams-eu-tariffs-on-chinese-evs-needs-more-positive-education-trust-is-low" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imposed taxes</a>. BYD has a 17% tariff, Greely 18.8%, and SAIC, 35.3% (in addition to its car import duty of 10%).
After an anti-subsidy investigation, the EU imposed a tax&nbsp;on China-made EVs in October.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43155691/amazon-to-shut-7-quebec-fulfillment-centers-axe-around-2000-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon To Shut 7 Quebec Fulfillment Centers, Axe Around 2,000 Jobs</a>
China-based EV makers flagged the exclusion of leading EV exporter Tesla Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) from the additional tariffs.
Tesla bagged the lowest extra tariff of 7.8%.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43187706/teslas-chinese-rivals-xpeng-li-auto-nio-rise-in-premarket-trading-after-trumps-friendly-conversation-with-xi-jinping-we-have-one-very-big-power-over-chinaid-rather-not" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S.-listed Chinese EV stocks</a>&nbsp;Li Auto Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>),&nbsp;Nio Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>), and&nbsp;Xpeng Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) surged Friday after President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;hinted in an interview that he would instead not use tariffs against China.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43091254/teslas-chinese-rivals-li-xpeng-nio-surge-while-rivian-declines-in-pre-market-as-trump-revokes-bidens-ev-target" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Also this week</a>, Trump repealed former President Joe Biden&#8216;s order ensuring that 50% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 are electric. Trump also weighed ending the $7,500 federal tax credit available on EV purchases.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/12/42700628/chinas-ev-price-wars-hit-auto-profits-smaller-players-struggle-as-margins-shrink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China's car market</a>, particularly the EV sector, has faced fierce competition over the past two years, sparking a price war. Projections suggest China will lead global EV adoption by 2025, with EV sales expected to outpace traditional cars for the first time. The country will likely sell over 12 million EVs in 2025, doubling 2022 figures, while traditional car sales may fall below 11 million. Reports also reveal plans for China to issue 3 trillion yuan ($411 billion) in special treasury bonds in 2025 to boost consumption through subsidies, equipment upgrades, and investments in the EV sector.
Investors can gain exposure to stocks of companies that are domiciled in China through iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>) and KraneShares Trust KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KWEB#NYSE">KWEB</a>).
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43139681/himax-to-gain-big-as-tsmc-nvidia-and-amd-advance-silicon-photonics-and-coupe-tech-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himax To Gain Big As TSMC, Nvidia and AMD Advance Silicon Photonics and COUPE Tech: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Legal

Media

BYDDF

BYDDY

GELYF

GELYY

KWEB

TSLA

XPEV

BYD, Geely, SAIC Contest EU's High EV Tariffs In Court

Market Summary

Benzinga Market Summary: S&P Pulls Back, Texas Instruments Stock Falls On Soft Guidance, Bitcoin Rises

PARA

PARAA

Paramount Global shares are trading higher after receiving a legal letter with a $13.5 billion offer from outside investors to acquire the company

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on First Solar.
Looking at options history for First Solar (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) we detected 13 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 46% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 46% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $304,524 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $224,350.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $110.0 to $270.0 for First Solar over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for First Solar's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across First Solar's significant trades, within a strike price range of $110.0 to $270.0, over the past month.
<h3>First Solar Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737746175_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 align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$18.8</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$66.9K</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$16.25</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$61.2K</td>
<td align="right">213</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$25.0</td>
<td>$23.5</td>
<td>$24.5</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$58.8K</td>
<td align="right">186</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$55.75</td>
<td>$54.6</td>
<td>$55.16</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$44.1K</td>
<td align="right">353</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$67.8</td>
<td>$66.8</td>
<td>$67.8</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$40.6K</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About First Solar</h3>
First Solar designs and manufactures solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and systems for use in utility-scale development projects. The company's solar modules use cadmium telluride to convert sunlight into electricity. This is commonly called thin-film technology. First Solar is the world's largest thin-film solar module manufacturer. It has production lines in Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and India.
Having examined the options trading patterns of First Solar, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of First Solar</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,993,707, with FSLR's price down by -2.9%, positioned at $169.06.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 32 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on First Solar</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $272.6666666666667.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Guggenheim has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $335. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Seaport Global upgrades its rating to Buy with a revised price target of $274. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Overweight rating for First Solar, targeting a price of $209. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for First Solar with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

FSLR

First Solar's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on AbbVie.
Looking at options history for AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) we detected 9 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 22% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 66% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $609,240 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $568,472.
<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 $100.0 to $210.0 for AbbVie over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</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 AbbVie'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 AbbVie's whale trades within a strike price range from $100.0 to $210.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AbbVie Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737746170_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$17.25</td>
<td>$15.85</td>
<td>$16.5</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$577.5K</td>
<td>312</td>
<td align="right">350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.49</td>
<td>$2.37</td>
<td>$2.48</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$235.6K</td>
<td>179</td>
<td align="right">953</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$85.0K</td>
<td>760</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.17</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$83.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td align="right">305</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$10.85</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$48.7K</td>
<td>748</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with AbbVie, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is AbbVie Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,537,833, the ABBV's price is up by 0.01%, now at $170.69. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 7 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AbbVie</h3>
Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $211.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Buy rating for AbbVie, targeting a price of $211. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for AbbVie with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

ABBV

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in AbbVie

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bullish on Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in VZ often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Verizon Communications. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 62% bullish and 25% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $32,020, and 7 calls, totaling $550,845.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $35.0 and $45.0 for Verizon Communications, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing 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 Verizon Communications'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 Verizon Communications's whale trades within a strike price range from $35.0 to $45.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Verizon Communications Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737746165_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>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$0.71</td>
<td>$0.59</td>
<td>$0.71</td>
<td>$40.50</td>
<td>$144.2K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>5.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$0.69</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$136.0K</td>
<td>7.1K</td>
<td>337</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$0.55</td>
<td>$0.47</td>
<td>$0.5</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$94.0K</td>
<td>31.9K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$6.3</td>
<td>$6.35</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$63.5K</td>
<td>974</td>
<td>350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$59.5K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Verizon Communications, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Verizon Communications's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 24,435,391, the price of VZ is up 1.51% at $39.77. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 0 days.</li>
</ul>
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
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 Verizon Communications, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Verizon Communications Unusual Options Activity For January 24

Variety: 'Paramount Hit With Legal Letter to Consider Last-Minute $13.5 Billion Offer From Outside Investors Over Skydance Bid'

The financial damage inflicted on Los Angeles after January's massive wildfires has put homeowners on the brink and placed insurance companies in jeopardy.
According to CoreLogic, total fire-related insured losses stand in the $35-to-$45 billion range, and the wildfires still haven't been fully contained. Plus, the damage figures don't account for spreading blazes in San Diego over the past week, adding to the total property damage and loss.
Here&#8217;s what this means for insurance stocks.
"The destruction caused by these fires is anticipated to be the most expensive in the state's history with effects on the insurance industry that will persist into the future," says Tom Larsen, senior director of CoreLogic Insurance Solutions This event highlights the paramount challenge for homeowners and the insurers that support them – the increasing density of homes and properties near the wildlife-urban-interface."
Insurance companies have some built-in protection against substantial financial losses from the LA fires, but it's not nearly enough to avoid an economic tsunami, insurance experts say.
"Insurers heavily exposed to California rely primarily on reinsurance agreements to limit their risk," says Michael Benoit, a licensed insurance broker and founder of San Diego-based California Contractor Bond &amp; Insurance Services. "Reinsurance helps these companies distribute their major claim costs so they can manage losses better during big disasters."
Under their reinsurance programs, Farmers and Allstate protect themselves from large losses by sharing 90% of claims above specific thresholds. "Basically, the system protects insurers from financial collapse during severe wildfire seasons," Benoit says. However, reinsurance comes with rising costs.
"The expenses of reinsurance protection have risen by double digits each year because wildfire hazards become more severe," Benoit notes. "Insurers lower risk exposure by imposing stricter underwriting standards that decrease policy benefits and demand higher out-of-pocket payments from clients living in dangerous areas. While these measures reduce direct exposure, they often leave homeowners vulnerable, which could affect customer retention in the long run."
Insurance Stocks To Sell or Avoid For Now
Insurance stocks with the highest exposure are those tied to Farmers Insurance Group, State Farm, Allstate, and Mercury General, among others.
"That's because these companies have their largest property policy operations in California," Benoit says. "These big insurance companies have operated in Southern California for many years and generate a lot of business from places that often experience wildfires."
Right now, that strategy has backfired.
"Companies with this level of regional dependency face significant challenges during events like the billion-dollar LA wildfire loss," Benoit says. "Their exposure to record claims erodes profitability quickly because they lack the geographic diversification necessary to offset the losses. Insurers with a more balanced portfolio, such as Travelers or Hartford, can spread the impact across less affected regions, creating a cushion that companies focused primarily on California often don't have." Given that problematic background, investors worried about portfolio risk may want to consider shedding or paring down the insurance portion of their stock portfolios.
If so, these sector companies may lead that "sell" list.
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Mercury General (MCY). This LA-based insurer's stock price has plummeted by 24.65% year to date as of January 24, and its exposure to the wildfires is by far the biggest reason.
"Mercury General holds a 6.1% share of the homeowners insurance market in that region, with nearly 80% of its premiums last year coming from the state, which leaves it particularly vulnerable during extreme wildfire seasons," Benoit says.
The primary saving grace for MCY going forward is that rising property insurance valuations will eventually resupply cash reserves, but that scenario may be too distant for shell-shocked investors.
Allstate (ALL). While Allstate has done a job of mitigating California wildfire risk by curbing new home insurance policies in the state, it's a good example of a sector company that can't afford any more bad news – but that's exactly what's happened.
On January 13, the state of Texas sued Allstate subsidiary Arity over alleged illegal consumer mobile phone tracking without user consent. &nbsp;That practice runs against Texas' comprehensive data privacy law as the state attorney general's office charges Allstate with using that consumer data to justify raising insurance rates (Allstate has denied the charges).
That double-dose of bad news could be enough to give shareholders pause for a stock that's already down 4.25% on a year-to-date basis.
Cincinnati Financial (CINF). This Fairfield, Ohio-based insurance company has historically done plenty of business in California, although, like some of its peers, it has stopped writing homeowner insurance policies in the state.
That policy has limited CINF's wildfire losses, contributing to keeping share losses down to only 5% in 2025. Still, the company has enough current LA homeowner policies in higher-valued homes that could lead to significant financial losses. That's one reason why Bank of America (BofA) recently pegged the company's earnings-per-share decline at 20% in 2025.
The Takeaway on Insurance Company Stocks and the California Fires
Prudence is always well-advised, and investors should talk over any insurance company-related portfolio moves with a trusted financial advisor. Still, a candid insurance stock talk is a conversation worth having.
"Right now, I&#8217;d lean toward holding or even buying cautiously for select insurers with strong fundamentals and robust risk management strategies," says Eamonn Turley, CEO of UK-based Multi Quote Time, an insurance company cost comparison platform. "While short-term losses due to wildfire claims are inevitable for companies like Allstate and Chubb, these events often lead to premium increases and stricter underwriting practices in high-risk areas, which can improve profitability in the long term."
However, for insurers without clear reinsurance strategies or excessive exposure to Southern California properties, Turley says he's "more inclined to sell or avoid altogether until the dust settles."
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3 Insurance Stocks to Sell After LA's Wildfires

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