Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: OKLO, VKTX, UPS

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and United Parcel Service (UPS) are experiencing notably high options trading volumes today, with VKTX options representing 53.6% and UPS options 53% of their respective average daily trading volumes. Significant activity is observed in VKTX's November 2025 $45 call options and UPS's August 2025 $105 put options, indicating concentrated market interest or positioning around these specific price points and expirations.

Analysis

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and United Parcel Service (UPS) are both experiencing significant options market activity, with today's contract volumes representing 53.6% and 53.0% of their respective average daily share volumes. This elevated activity is not diffuse but concentrated in specific long-dated contracts, signaling distinct investor expectations. For VKTX, a notable volume of 3,248 contracts has traded for the November 2025 $45 strike call, indicating significant bullish speculation on the stock's price exceeding $45 within the next 18 months. Conversely, activity in UPS is skewed towards bearish positioning or hedging, with 5,750 contracts of the August 2025 $105 strike put being traded. This concentration in puts suggests market participants are positioning for a potential decline below $105 or are protecting existing long positions against such a move.

Key Decisions for Investors

• For Viking Therapeutics, the concentrated volume in long-dated $45 call options suggests strong bullish sentiment, prompting investors to investigate potential upcoming catalysts that could justify a significant price appreciation.
• Regarding United Parcel Service, the significant activity in long-dated $105 put options serves as a caution, indicating potential downside risk or large-scale hedging that warrants a review of one's exposure and the macroeconomic factors affecting the logistics sector.
• Given the high volume, it is crucial to monitor whether this activity translates into a sustained increase in open interest for these specific contracts, which would provide stronger confirmation of new bullish or bearish market positioning.