Noteworthy Monday Option Activity: ASTH, PLTR, INTC

Palantir (PLTR) and Intel (INTC) are exhibiting significant options trading activity today, with PLTR's volume reaching 102.3% of its average daily share volume, notably concentrated in the August 2025 $170 strike put option, indicating substantial bearish positioning or hedging interest. Similarly, INTC's options volume, at 78% of its average daily share volume, shows heightened activity in the August 2025 $25 strike call option, suggesting notable bullish conviction.

Analysis

Significant and unusual options market activity has been observed in both Palantir (PLTR) and Intel (INTC), signaling large, long-term institutional positioning. For Palantir, options volume reached 102.3% of its average daily share volume, a remarkably high figure, with a notable concentration of 52,244 contracts in the August 2025 $170 strike put. This specific, long-dated activity suggests a substantial bearish bet or a significant hedging operation against a large underlying stock position. Conversely, Intel's options volume was also elevated at 78% of its average daily share volume. The activity was centered on the August 2025 $25 strike call option, which traded 61,071 contracts. This indicates a strong bullish conviction on the stock's potential to appreciate above $25 over the next year, pointing to market sentiment that a long-term recovery or growth catalyst is anticipated. In both cases, the long expiration dates underscore that these are not short-term speculative plays but rather reflect strategic, long-term views.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should scrutinize the substantial volume in Palantir's August 2025 $170 strike puts, as this may signal a large institutional hedge or a strong conviction on long-term downside risk.