Latest news for Sound Energy (OTC:SNEGF) Stock

Sound Energy PLC is a gas development company. The company's principal activities are the exploration, appraisal, and development of gas assets. The group categorizes its operations into three business segments: corporate, exploration and appraisal, and development and production.

Sound Energy PLC

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-20-zyn-nicotine-pouch-products-after-extensive-scientific-review#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,following%20an%20extensive%20scientific%20review.">https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-20-zyn-nicotine-pouch-products-after-extensive-scientific-review#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,following%20an%20extensive%20scientific%20review.</a>
&nbsp;
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products through the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/market-and-distribute-tobacco-product/premarket-tobacco-product-applications">premarket tobacco product application (PMTA)</a> pathway following an extensive scientific review. This is the first time the agency has authorized products commonly referred to as <a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/market-and-distribute-tobacco-product/premarket-tobacco-product-applications">nicotine pouches</a>, which are small synthetic fiber pouches containing nicotine designed to be placed between a person's gum and lip. &nbsp;
The FDA determined that the specific products receiving marketing authorization met the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/market-and-distribute-tobacco-product/premarket-tobacco-product-applications">public health standard</a> legally required by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This standard considers the risks and benefits of products to the population as a whole.&nbsp;
Among several key considerations, the agency's evaluation showed that, due to substantially lower amounts of harmful constituents than cigarettes and most smokeless tobacco products, such as moist snuff and snus, the authorized products pose lower risk of cancer and other serious health conditions than such products. The applicant also provided evidence from a study showing that a substantial proportion of adults who use cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco products completely switched to the newly authorized nicotine pouch products.

News

XXII

FDA Authorizes Marketing Of 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouch Products after Extensive Scientific Review

Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery maintains Utz Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UTZ#NYSE">UTZ</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $24 to $20.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Utz Brands, Lowers Price Target to $20

Bank Of America CEO Brian Moynihan Says The Economy Appears To Be Now Settled Into 2% To 3% GDP Type Growth Environment; Says We Should Report Record Net Interest Income In 2025; Grown Deposits For Six Consecutive Quarters

Canaccord Genuity analyst Susan Anderson initiates coverage on Interparfums (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPAR#NASDAQ">IPAR</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $158.

Initiation

IPAR

Canaccord Genuity Initiates Coverage On Interparfums with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $158

Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $168 to $153.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $153

WIIM

Icahn Enterprises shares are trading higher after Hindenburg Research, which previously issued a short report on the stock, announced it will close down.

Westamerica Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WABC#NASDAQ">WABC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.18 by 0.85 percent. This is a 19.59 percent decrease over earnings of $1.48 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $69.88 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $69.75 million by 0.18 percent. This is a 13.44 percent decrease over sales of $80.73 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

WABC

Westamerica Bancorp Q4 EPS $1.19 Beats $1.18 Estimate, Sales $69.88M Beat $69.75M Estimate

Piper Sandler analyst Justin Crowley reiterates Unity Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNTY#NASDAQ">UNTY</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $53 to $54.

Reiteration

UNTY

Piper Sandler Reiterates Overweight on Unity Bancorp, Raises Price Target to $54

Life Time Group Holdings shares are trading higher following preliminary Q4 financial results.

Jade City, a platform focused on tokenizing jade gemstones, has launched &#8220;Flappy Jade,&#8221; a new mini-app game on Telegram, offering players the opportunity to earn JCT tokens and tokenized physical jade gemstones through gameplay.
&#8220;Flappy Jade,&#8221; is a Telegram-based mini-game inspired by &#8220;Flappy Bird,&#8221; designed to engage users and build community interest. 
In &#8220;Flappy Jade,&#8221; players control a dragon, navigating it through obstacles to collect jade gemstones. 
The game, which has been in development for several months with community input from a test group, features leaderboards, rewards, and an incentive system for top-performing players.
High-scoring players will be rewarded with JCT, the upcoming native utility token for Jade City, and tokenized physical jade gemstones, which will grant access to future gemstone loot boxes within the platform.
The game's integration within Telegram enables users to jump into the game without downloading additional apps, said Jade City CEO William Ralston-Saul, &#8220;With the launch of Flappy Jade, our goal is to create a fun, engaging gaming experience with real-world rewards on the line.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43028215/coinbase-launches-bitcoin-backed-loans-for-us-users">Coinbase Launches Bitcoin-Backed Loans For US Users</a>
Jade City&#8217;s platform, built as an EVM-compatible dApp, is led by CTO David Atkinson, who has extensive experience in crypto-economics and ecosystem design.
The platform&#8217;s unique approach aims to offer jade-backed bonds that yield up to 24% annually in tokenized physical jade. 
These bonds will be paid out in real jade, with the platform using a &#8220;buy and burn&#8221; mechanism of generated profit to benefit JCT token holders.
The company has partnered with the owners of the world&#8217;s largest jade mine to secure a significant supply, positioning Jade City to &#8220;democratize global access to the jade value chain.&#8221;
Jade City intends to use blockchain technology to enhance transparency and accessibility within the gemstone trade, allowing users to earn, trade, and speculate with tokenized jade. 
The platform will be funded by issuing jade-backed bonds in return for USD. 
While the press release highlights potential for high yield for bond holders, it is important to note that the value of these assets is not guaranteed.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43027629/bitcoin-to-300000-in-2025-asian-asset-management-firm-says">Bitcoin To $300,000 In 2025, Asian Asset Management Firm Says</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Jade City Launches 'Flappy Jade' Telegram Game With Tokenized Gemstone Rewards

Shares of Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) were climbing on Thursday, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43003674/netflix-to-rally-around-21-here-are-10-top-analyst-forecasts-for-wednesday">optimism ahead of its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 21</a>.
The estimate for the company's global paid net additions has been raised from 5.73 million to 9.02 million, according to Seaport Research Partners.
The Netflix Analyst: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/58f614b60bd9910001a77adf/david-joyce">Analyst David Joyce</a> upgrading the rating for from Neutral to Buy, while maintaining the price target at $955.
The Netflix Thesis: The company is "proving out its global original content, fan engagement, live sports streaming, and advertising capabilities," Joyce said in the upgrade note.
Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">other analyst stock ratings</a>.
The stock's premium valuation is justified by Netflix's rising share of highly rated content, award-winning original films and series as well as its streaming and connected TV advertising revenues, he added.
The upgrade in rating follows the recent pullback in the shares, given Netflix's "top-line and margin-expanding business model," while the estimate for the global paid net adds reflects "the special sporting events and seasonal new content releases," the analyst stated.
"Our channel checks suggest +26% growth in campaigns for ad buyers who were also buying in 4Q23," Joyce wrote. He added that Netflix's ad revenue could be up 160% to $609 million in the fourth quarter.
NFLX Price Action: Shares of Netflix were up 1.4% to $860.50 at the time of publication on Thursday.
Read More: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/01/43013529/amazon-scores-record-with-steelers-ravens-nfl-playoffs-stream-how-game-stacks-up-with-other-media-streamers">Amazon Scores Record With Steelers, Ravens NFL Playoffs Stream: How Game Stacks Up With Other Media, Streamers</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Upgrades

Movers

Trading Ideas

NFLX

Netflix Gets Boost Ahead Of Q4 Earnings, Analyst Forecasts Net Member Adds Up 57%

ORKT

Orangekloud Technology Shares Resume Trade, Then Again Halt On Circuit Breaker This Time To The Downside, Stock Now Up 2.96%

Piper Sandler analyst John Barnidge maintains Prudential Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRU#NYSE">PRU</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $127 to $124.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Prudential Financial, Lowers Price Target to $124

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Salesforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with CRM, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 31 uncommon options trades for Salesforce.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 45% bullish and 41%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 15 are puts, for a total amount of $1,668,369, and 16 are calls, for a total amount of $1,012,885.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $70.0 to $370.0 for Salesforce over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Salesforce stands at 1111.62, with a total volume reaching 5,905.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Salesforce, situated within the strike price corridor from $70.0 to $370.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Salesforce Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737043234_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>CRM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$4.38</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$926.9K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$21.75</td>
<td>$21.7</td>
<td>$21.7</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$358.0K</td>
<td>969</td>
<td>481</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.7</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.7</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$220.5K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$327.50</td>
<td>$105.0K</td>
<td>540</td>
<td>449</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.9</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
<td>$69.3K</td>
<td>397</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Salesforce</h3>
Salesforce provides enterprise cloud computing solutions. The company offers customer relationship management technology that brings companies and customers together. Its Customer 360 platform helps the group to deliver a single source of truth, connecting customer data across systems, apps, and devices to help companies sell, service, market, and conduct commerce. It also offers Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing campaigns, Commerce Cloud as an e-commerce engine, the Salesforce Platform, which allows enterprises to build applications, and other solutions, such as MuleSoft for data integration.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Salesforce, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Salesforce</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 769,758, with CRM's price up by 0.25%, positioned at $321.95.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 41 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Salesforce</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $368.4.
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 persists with their Buy rating on Salesforce, maintaining a target price of $400. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Guggenheim downgraded its rating to Sell, setting a price target of $247. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Macquarie persists with their Neutral rating on Salesforce, maintaining a target price of $370. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Needham has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $375. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JMP Securities has revised its rating downward to Market Outperform, adjusting the price target to $450. 
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 Salesforce options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

Behind the Scenes of Salesforce's Latest Options Trends

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Deere. Our analysis of options history for Deere (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>) revealed 8 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 62% of traders were bullish, while 25% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 4 were puts, with a value of $192,216, and 4 were calls, valued at $242,630.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $340.0 to $470.0 for Deere over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Deere's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Deere's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $340.0 to $470.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Deere Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737043229_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$12.25</td>
<td>$11.4</td>
<td>$11.85</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$122.3K</td>
<td align="right">234</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$128.1</td>
<td>$127.5</td>
<td>$127.5</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$63.7K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$435.00</td>
<td>$58.9K</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$21.15</td>
<td>$20.35</td>
<td>$20.54</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$49.2K</td>
<td align="right">451</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$21.15</td>
<td>$20.35</td>
<td>$20.43</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$49.1K</td>
<td align="right">451</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Deere</h3>
Deere is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, producing some of the most recognizable machines in the heavy machinery industry in their green and yellow livery. The company is divided into four reportable segments: production and precision agriculture, small agriculture and turf, construction and forestry, and John Deere Capital. Its products are available through an extensive dealer network, which includes over 2,000 dealer locations in North America and approximately 3,700 locations globally. John Deere Capital provides retail financing for machinery to its customers, in addition to wholesale financing for dealers, which increases the likelihood of Deere product sales.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Deere, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Deere Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 139,454, with DE's price up by 1.09%, positioned at $433.55.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 28 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Deere</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 $483.3333333333333.
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 Neutral rating on Deere, maintaining a target price of $430. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from JP Morgan keeps a Neutral rating on Deere with a target price of $470. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Deere, which currently sits at a price target of $550. 
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 Deere, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Deere

Bitwise Asset Management has outlined a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42973211/solana-xrp-etfs-could-outperform-ethereum-etfs-says-jpmorgan">strong investment case</a> for Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>), emphasizing its unique architecture and potential for mass adoption.
According to a <a href="https://etc-group.com/blog/special-reports/the-investment-case-for-solana/files/Bitwise-Eurupe-The-Investment-Case-for-Solana-SOL.pdf">report</a> titled &#8220;The Investment Case for Solana,&#8221; Solana's high-speed, low-cost transactions, supported by its innovative monolithic design, make it a standout in the competitive Layer-1 blockchain landscape.
The core of Bitwise&#8217;s thesis revolves around the concept of &#8220;Only Possible on Solana&#8221; (OPOS), highlighting how its architecture enables unparalleled scalability and efficiency. 
Unlike Ethereum's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) modular Layer-2 approach, Solana's monolithic framework supports millions of daily transactions at a fraction of the cost. 
This design is particularly suited for applications in gaming, decentralized finance (DeFi), and high-frequency trading, areas where Solana has already shown dominance.
"Solana's technological backbone sets it apart," the report notes. 
The blockchain uses Proof of History (PoH) combined with Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) to ensure speed and efficiency. 
Upcoming innovations, such as the Firedancer validator client, could push transaction speeds to an unprecedented 1 million transactions per second, attracting institutional players and enabling high-frequency trading use cases.
Bitwise also highlights Solana's robust economic model, which balances inflationary staking rewards with deflationary mechanisms like transaction fee burns. 
This alignment of incentives ensures network security while maintaining token value. 
The staking model, combined with mechanisms to curb supply, creates a dynamic that Bitwise likens to financial market practices like stock buybacks.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43027629/bitcoin-to-300000-in-2025-asian-asset-management-firm-says">Bitcoin To $300,000 In 2025, Asian Asset Management Firm Says</a>
Developer activity and ecosystem growth further bolster Solana's investment appeal. 
The platform hosts a vibrant ecosystem with projects spanning DeFi, NFTs and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN).
High-profile collaborations with companies like Shopify and Circle validate its real-world utility. 
Additionally, Solana's user experience simplifies the onboarding process for developers, making it a preferred choice for building scalable decentralized applications.
The report acknowledges challenges, including criticisms around decentralization. 
However, Solana's resilience during network stress tests and its ability to maintain performance under pressure have reinforced its position as a leading Layer-1 blockchain.
Bitwise states that Solana offers a compelling combination of speed, efficiency and innovation, making it a strong high-beta investment option compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With its unique ability to process high transaction volumes while supporting a diverse ecosystem, Solana is well-positioned for institutional and retail adoption in the evolving blockchain space.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

$BTC

$ETH

$SOL

Solana Is A Stronger Investment Than Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto Asset Management Firm States

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards 3M (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</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 MMM usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for 3M. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 40% leaning bullish and 30% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $407,220, and 8 are calls, amounting to $1,162,337.
<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 $70.0 to $175.0 for 3M during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for 3M'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 3M's whale activity within a strike price range from $70.0 to $175.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>3M Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737043224_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>MMM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$17.55</td>
<td>$17.77</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$530.8K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td align="right">302</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MMM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$18.65</td>
<td>$18.0</td>
<td>$18.2</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$252.9K</td>
<td>413</td>
<td align="right">139</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MMM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$236.2K</td>
<td>442</td>
<td align="right">301</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MMM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$138.00</td>
<td>$171.0K</td>
<td>212</td>
<td align="right">356</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MMM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$138.00</td>
<td>$153.0K</td>
<td>85</td>
<td align="right">500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About 3M</h3>
3M, a multinational conglomerate founded in 1902, sells tens of thousands of products ranging from sponges to respirators. The firm is well known for its extensive research and development capabilities, and it is a pioneer in inventing new use cases for its proprietary technologies. 3M is organized across three business segments: safety and industrial (representing around 44% of revenue), transportation and electronics (36%), and consumer (20%). The firm recently spun off its healthcare business, now known as Solventum. Nearly half of 3M's revenue comes from outside the Americas.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with 3M, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of 3M</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 864,364, the MMM's price is down by -0.34%, now at $137.31. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 5 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About 3M</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 $139.66666666666666.
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; An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on 3M, which currently sits at a price target of $161. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan persists with their Overweight rating on 3M, maintaining a target price of $162. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from RBC Capital continues to hold a Underperform rating for 3M, targeting a price of $96. 
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 3M, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

What the Options Market Tells Us About 3M

Orangekloud Technology Shares Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Upside, Stock Now Up 9.70%

While I generally shy away from thematic investing, two compelling sectors stand out as we look toward 2025: energy and regional/micro-cap banks, particularly those showing strong insider buying and attractive yields. Let me explain why these areas deserve special attention.
&nbsp;Banking has been a cornerstone of my investment approach for nearly four decades, consistently generating substantial returns for myself, my clients, and my readers. The sector&#8217;s appeal stems from our early 1990s discovery of the remarkable opportunity in small and regional bank investing, focusing on valuation and margin of safety principles, enhanced by dividend factors.
Banks are emerging from what I call the &#8220;proverbial winter&#8221; of the Biden administration, which maintained a notably unfriendly stance toward financial services, particularly regarding merger and acquisition activity. Regardless of one&#8217;s political views, the anticipated Trump administration promises a markedly different approach, featuring bank-friendly policies, reduced corporate taxes, and lighter regulatory oversight. While interest rate trajectories remain uncertain, these factors collectively paint an optimistic picture for the banking industry. The energy sector presents an equally compelling investment case. While natural gas typically dominates our discussions due to its crucial role in home heating and electricity generation, today I want talk about oil and refined products in today&#8217;s world.
The market&#8217;s premature dismissal of traditional combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles has created interesting opportunities. Despite widespread predictions, the transition to EVs hasn&#8217;t materialized as rapidly as projected. The reality is stark: we won&#8217;t achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, and attempting to do so could prove catastrophically disruptive.
Our power grid remains unprepared for mass EV adoption, charging infrastructure is inadequate, and millions of traditional vehicles will continue operating well into the 2030s.
HF Sinclair (Ticker: DINO) Following their Sinclair Oil acquisition, this company has emerged as an energy sector powerhouse. Their assets include:
<ul>
<li>Seven refineries across Mid-Continent, West, and Pacific regions </li>
<li>678,000 barrels daily refining capacity </li>
<li>1,500 branded retail stations plus 300 licensed sites </li>
<li>4,400 miles of pipeline infrastructure </li>
<li>18.3 million barrels of storage capacity </li>
<li>Growing renewable diesel operations</li>
</ul>
Trading at 12x earnings and 70% of book value, offering a 5.54% dividend yield, DINO presents compelling value. Recent insider buying, particularly from the CFO and CEO, adds confidence to the investment thesis. The company maintains a shareholder-friendly stance, having returned $954 million through dividends and buybacks as of September 2024, with a new $1 billion repurchase program announced.
Financial Institutions Inc. (Ticker: FISI) This parent company of Five Star Bank, operating throughout western New York, presents an interesting turnaround story. After addressing low-yielding securities through a strategic stock offering, raising $95 million to restructure their portfolio, FISI stands poised for improved performance. Their business model features:
<ul>
<li>49 branches across key western New York markets </li>
<li>$6 billion in total assets </li>
<li>Strong indirect auto lending business (19% of loans) </li>
<li>Conservative lending practices </li>
<li>Solid deposit base with reduced reliance on brokered deposits</li>
</ul>
Trading at 8x earnings with a 4.69% dividend yield, FISI has attracted significant insider buying, particularly during their recent offering. The management team&#8217;s substantial personal investment signals confidence in their portfolio restructuring strategy.
Both companies represent undervalued opportunities in sectors positioned for strong performance regardless of broader economic or political developments. Their combination of insider confidence, attractive yields, and fundamental value creates a compelling investment case for 2025.
This analysis exemplifies our continued focus on identifying opportunities where insider buying, attractive valuations, and strong dividend yields converge in sectors with favorable long-term prospects.

Opinion

DINO

FISI

C-Suite Buy of the Week: Investment Potential in Regional Banking and Energy

Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSI#NYSE">FSI</a>) shares surged on Thursday after the company entered into a new partnership with a U.S.-based company to manufacture food-grade products under <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/manufacturing">a non-exclusive agreement</a>.
The agreement, which started on Jan. 7, is set for a five-year term, with the possibility of automatic renewals for up to 25 years unless either party gives written notice to cancel.
Based on FSI&#8217;s estimates, the contract could bring in annual revenue ranging from $15 million to $30 million or more.
FSI anticipates starting to generate revenue in about six months, following the expansion of its clean room facilities and the installation of the required manufacturing equipment to meet its client&#8217;s stringent quality standards.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43023778/gm-vianode-strike-multi-billion-anode-graphite-supply-deal-details">GM, Vianode Strike Multi-Billion Anode Graphite Supply Deal: Details</a>
This agreement could play a key role as FSI aims to strengthen its presence in the growing food-grade industry.
The company sees this contract as a solid base for future opportunities in the sector and is actively pursuing new clients to expand its reach in this market.
&#8220;This is a very significant contract that could provide revenue for many years. It is confirmation that our decision to enter the food grade market was correct and it is a strong base to build on as we work to obtain more business selling food grade products to US customers,&#8221; said CEO Dan O&#8217;Brien.
The company develops and produces biodegradable polymers used in oil extraction, detergent components, water treatment, and crop nutrient chemistry.
Additionally, FSI is expanding its footprint in the food and nutrition supplement manufacturing sectors.
Price Action: 
<ul>
<li>FSI shares are trading higher by 53.39% at $5.66 at the last check Thursday.</li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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