Verve Therapeutics, Inc.

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 104.25 to 23,266.66. The total After hours volume is currently 148,678,166 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session:
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) is -0.19 at $12.47, with 11,434,609 shares traded. This represents a 98.25% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Intel Corporation (INTC) is -0.06 at $23.43, with 9,037,888 shares traded.INTC is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/24/2025, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2025. The consensus earnings per share forecast is -0.14 per share, which represents a -14 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) is unchanged at $22.54, with 6,626,421 shares traded. KVUE's current last sale is 96.95% of the target price of $23.25.
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. (VERV) is +0.04 at $11.14, with 6,257,490 shares traded. VERV's current last sale is 84.08% of the target price of $13.25.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) is -2.54 at $187.69, with 6,058,313 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 7 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun 2025. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.15. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GOOGL is in the "buy range".
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) is -2.49 at $189.02, with 5,078,697 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 7 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun 2025. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.15. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GOOG is in the "buy range".
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +1.1799 at $171.96, with 4,784,918 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
UiPath, Inc. (PATH) is +0.02 at $12.64, with 3,079,487 shares traded. PATH's current last sale is 90.28% of the target price of $14.001.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) is -4.86 at $47.92, with 2,682,595 shares traded. Smarter Analyst Reports: Chipotle Mexican Grill Q3 Results Top Estimates; Street Says Buy
Rocket Companies, Inc. (RKT) is -0.2599 at $15.95, with 2,604,536 shares traded. RKT's current last sale is 113.93% of the target price of $14.
Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI) is +0.03 at $26.84, with 2,509,010 shares traded. KMI's current last sale is 85.21% of the target price of $31.5.
QuantumScape Corporation (QS) is +0.29 at $13.12, with 2,331,340 shares traded. QS's current last sale is 262.4% of the target price of $5.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

After Hours Most Active for Jul 23, 2025 : TSLL, INTC, KVUE, VERV, GOOGL, GOOG, NVDA, PATH, CMG, RKT, KMI, QS

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Wendy's Co (Symbol: WEN), where a total volume of 55,621 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 5.6 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 78.1% of WEN's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 7.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $12 strike call option expiring August 15, 2025, with 8,884 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 888,400 underlying shares of WEN. Below is a chart showing WEN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $12 strike highlighted in orange:
Hasbro, Inc. (Symbol: HAS) options are showing a volume of 19,352 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 1.9 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 77.6% of HAS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.5 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $82.50 strike call option expiring September 19, 2025, with 5,210 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 521,000 underlying shares of HAS. Below is a chart showing HAS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $82.50 strike highlighted in orange:
And Verve Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: VERV) options are showing a volume of 23,144 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.3 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 73.4% of VERV's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $10 strike call option expiring November 21, 2025, with 8,304 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 830,400 underlying shares of VERV. Below is a chart showing VERV's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $10 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for WEN options, HAS options, or VERV options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
Funds Holding AMZG
Funds Holding EQS
NRIM YTD Return
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy Wednesday Option Activity: WEN, HAS, VERV

Eli Lilly’s $1.3 billion acquisition of Verve Therapeutics marks a strategic expansion into cardiovascular genetic medicine. The pharmaceutical giant paid a premium of about 113% over Verve’s 30-day volume-weighted average price, causing Verve’s stock to jump 80% on June 17, 2025.
This acquisition supports Eli Lilly’s broader effort to diversify beyond its established diabetes and obesity treatment business. Verve’s pioneering gene-editing approach, which irreversibly disables the PCSK9 gene to treat high cholesterol, offers a novel solution to cardiovascular disease. The deal enables Lilly to strengthen its position in the high-impact cardiovascular therapeutics space and further its genetic medicine ambitions. On a related topic, see – SoundHound AI: Buy, Sell Or Hold SOUN Stock At $10?
Image by Joachim Schnürle from Pixabay
Even with the high premium paid for Verve, Eli Lilly’s valuation metrics remain within historical bounds. The stock is trading at 57 times trailing adjusted earnings of $13.76 per share, which is lower than its three-year average P/E of 66. This indicates that the stock, while priced at a premium, still trades within a reasonable range considering its solid financial and operational performance, as detailed in the Buy or Sell Eli Lilly Stock dashboard.
Several important risks should be considered when assessing Eli Lilly’s stock:
Eli Lilly’s Market Volatility Risk: Historically, the stock has underperformed during broader market declines, including the 2022 inflation-driven downturn, indicating vulnerability to macroeconomic stress.
LLY Valuation Sensitivity: While its high multiple is backed by growth expectations, the stock remains sensitive to any operational missteps or shifts in market sentiment.
Portfolio Concentration: The company’s dependence on the obesity drug market creates potential exposure to regulatory shifts or intensifying competition in that segment.
The Verve Therapeutics acquisition further strengthens Eli Lilly’s investment appeal, building on strong demand for its obesity drugs and continued entry into promising therapeutic areas. However, investing in a single stock—or a small handful—always carries significant risk. Consider Trefis’ High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which includes 30 stocks and has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 over the past four years. Why? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks have delivered superior returns with lower volatility, as seen in the HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Trefis is an interactive financial community structured around trends, forecasts and insights related to some of the most popular stocks in the US. Whereas most finance sites simply give you the facts about where a stock has been and what a company has done in the past, Trefis focuses entirely on the future.

Eli Lilly Diversifies With Verve Gene Therapy Deal

Shares in Verve Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VERV) soared 80.5% this week on the news of an agreement for Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) to acquire Verve. The deal centers on an exciting cardiovascular health medicine program, VERVE-102.
What is VERVE-102?
It's easy to see why Lilly is excited about the program. VERVE-102 targets the PCSK9 gene, aiming to deactivate it in the liver, and achieves this with a single infusion. Given that PCSK9 binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (often called "bad" cholesterol) receptors and prevents them from recycling to the cell surface, it follows that inhibiting PCSK9 will improve the body's ability to remove bad cholesterol.
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The initial results from the phase 1b trial give cause for optimism. According to Verve's press release:
"VERVE-102 was well-tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) and no clinically significant laboratory abnormalities observed" across 14 patients given three different dose levels.
Dose dependency was established, with the lowest dose (0.3mg/kg) patients achieving a "mean reduction in blood LDL-C of 21%," rising to 41% at the 0.45mg/kg dose, and 53% at the 0.6mg/kg dose.
Terms of the Lilly/Verve agreement
Lilly is offering:
$10.50 per share for all the outstanding shares
Plus a nontradable contingent value right (CVR) that pays up to $3 per share upon "the first patient being dosed with VERVE-102 for ASCVD in a U.S. phase 3 clinical trial on or prior to the tenth anniversary of closing or termination of the CVR."
The share price is $11.12 as I write, implying that the market is willing to pay $0.62 for the CVR, suggesting a 21% chance that Lily will take VERVE-102 to a stage 3 trial -- a reasonable assumption for a novel medicine under a major pharmaceutical company.
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Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.

Why Lilly's Bid for Verve Therapeutics Sent the Stock Soaring This Week

Earlier this week, Eli Lilly LLY signed a definitive agreement to acquire Verve Therapeutics VERV for a total deal value of nearly $1.3 billion. The acquisition will add Verve’s pipeline of gene therapies targeting heart diseases, including VERVE-102, an investigational in vivo gene-editing treatment aimed at reducing cholesterol levels, to Lilly’s pipeline. The transaction, expected to be completed in the third quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions and clearance from regulatory authorities.
Once closed, Verve Therapeutics will be Lilly’s third targeted M&A deal this year. In January, it signed a $2.5 billion deal for Scorpion Therapeutics’ experimental oncology drug, STX-478, a novel mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor. Last month, Lilly announced its intent to acquire SiteOne Therapeutics in a deal valued at $1 billion to strengthen its neuroscience pipeline. The transaction includes STC-004, a Nav1.8 inhibitor ready for phase II development, being evaluated for pain treatment. The intent here is clear. Eli Lilly aims to strategically diversify beyond GLP-1 drugs by expanding into different therapeutic areas, like cardiovascular, oncology and neuroscience, which will benefit the company in the long term.
LLY currently dominates the GLP-1 drugs market, along with its arch-rival Novo Nordisk NVO. LLY markets its tirzepatide injections as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, while NVO markets its semaglutide injections as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. Despite being on the market for a shorter duration than Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic/Wegovy, Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound have witnessed strong sales, driven by rapid demand.
Focus on M&A in 2025
M&A have picked up a significant pace in 2025 in the pharma/biotech sector after a passive run in 2024. The recent spree of acquisitions signifies a focus on portfolio expansion and constant pipeline innovation amid the recent tariff threat.
Sanofi SNY is set to acquire Blueprint Medicines for a total deal value of up to $9.5 billion. The deal is intended to expand SNY’s portfolio in rare immunological diseases and add an early-stage pipeline in immunology. The impending acquisition will add BPMC’s only marketed product, Ayvakit (avapritinib), an inhibitor of KIT and PDGFRA proteins, to Sanofi’s commercial portfolio.
In April, pharma giant Johnson & Johnson acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies for approximately $14.6 billion and added antidepressant drug, Caplyta, to its neuroscience portfolio.
M&A activity is expected to accelerate further in 2025, given the massive cash reserve owned by major pharma and biotech companies and the intensifying pressure from investors to diversify business.
LLY’s Stock Price, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of Eli Lilly have risen 1.7% so far this year against the industry’s decline of 1.2%. The stock has also outperformed the sector and S&P 500 index, as seen in the chart below.
LLY Stock Outperforms Industry, Sector & S&P 500
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Lilly’s stock is expensive. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 30.06 forward earnings, higher than 15.05 for the industry. However, the stock is trading below its five-year mean of 34.54.
LLY Stock Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Estimates for Eli Lilly’s 2025 earnings have declined from $23.06 to $21.95 per share in the past 60 days, and estimates for 2026 earnings have declined from $31.15 to $30.91 over the same timeframe.
LLY Estimate Movement
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Eli Lilly currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. (VERV) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Zacks is the leading investment research firm focusing on stock research, analysis and recommendations. In 1978, our founder discovered the power of earnings estimate revisions to enable profitable investment decisions. Today, that discovery is still the heart of the Zacks Rank. A wealth of resources for individual investors is available at www.zacks.com.

What is the Intent Behind Eli Lilly's Recent M&A Deals Spree?

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Tuesday closed down -0.84%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.70%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -1.00%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.86%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.99%.
Stock indexes retreated Tuesday, and crude oil surged more than +4% as market sentiment turned negative after President Trump played down the chance of an Israel-Iran ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn't reached out to Iran for peace talks "in any way, shape or form" and that a "permanent end and not a ceasefire" to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
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Losses in stocks accelerated Tuesday afternoon as President Trump was set to meet his national security team, fueling speculation that the US may be on the verge of joining the attack against Iran. Israel said it will intensify its attacks on Tehran, and President Trump said he wants "unconditional surrender" from Iran.
Stock indexes were also undercut on Tuesday due to concerns about stagflation, following the weaker-than-expected US retail sales report and stronger-than-expected import price report. In addition, homebuilder sentiment slumped to a 2-1/2 year low.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
The US June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to a 2-1/2 year low of 32, weaker than expectations of an increase to 36.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day Tuesday with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only "a few dozen" missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran, but strikes on the country's nuclear facilities are "deepening" every day.
So far, there's also been nocausedof the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world's daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to "extreme jamming" of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which caused a collision of two tankers Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors are bracing for negative tariff news within the next week or so, following President Trump's announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets are focused on the FOMC's 2-day meeting that ends on Wednesday, with expectations the federal funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed's dot-plot and post-meeting comments Wednesday from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. Also, on Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.8% m/m to 1.350 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. In addition, weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets on Tuesday settled mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and closed down -0.95%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) Tuesday closed up +11.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5.7 bp to 4.389%. T-notes rallied Tuesday on the increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes also found support after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low. T-notes added to their gains on ramped-up safe-haven demand as President Trump was set to meet his national security team, fueling speculation that the US may be on the verge of joining the attack against Iran.
Gains in T-notes were limited Tuesday after a +4% jump in crude prices pushed inflation expectations higher, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a one-week high of 2.328%.
European government bond yields on Tuesday moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose +0.8 bp to 2.535%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +1.7 bp to 4.550%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found "equilibrium" on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but "if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts."
Swaps are discounting the chances at 6% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks retreated Tuesday after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) closed down more than -6%, and Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed down more than -4%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Carnival (CCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) closed down more than -2%.
Lennar (LEN) closed down more than -4% to lead homebuilders lower after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.81, weaker than the consensus of $1.95. Also, PulteGroup (PHM) closed down more than -3%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) and DR Horton (DHI) closed down more than -2%.
Pharmaceutical companies moved lower Tuesday after Bloomberg reported the Trump administration is weighing policies that would restrict pharmaceutical companies' ability to advertise directly to patients. As a result, Merk & Co (MRK) closed down more than -3% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, AbbVie (ABBV), Biogen (BIIB), and Bristol-Meyers Squibb (BMY) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Pfizer (PFE), Eli Lilly (LLY), and Moderna (MRNA) closed down more than -1%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) closed down more than -18% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday's closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) closed down more than -8% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) closed down more than -4% after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) closed down more than -4% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Energy stocks and energy service providers moved higher Tuesday after the price of WTI crude oil up surged more than +4%. Valero Energy (VLO) closed up more than +2%. Also, Baker Hughes (BKR), APA Corp (APA), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) closed up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Defense companies rose on Tuesday due to the escalation of the Israel-Iran war. Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) closed up more than +2%. Also, RTX Corp (RTX), Northrup Grumman (NOC), and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) closed up more than +1%.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) closed up more than +82% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) closed up more than +1% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/18/2025)
GMS Inc (GMS), Korn Ferry (KFY), LiveOne Inc (LVO), Smith & Wesson Brands Inc (SWBI).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

Stocks Tumble and Oil Surges on Middle East Jitters

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in John Wiley & Sons Inc. (Symbol: WLY), where a total volume of 14,363 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.4 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 371.3% of WLY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 386,815 shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $30 strike put option expiring June 20, 2025, with 4,117 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 411,700 underlying shares of WLY. Below is a chart showing WLY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30 strike highlighted in orange:
Verve Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: VERV) saw options trading volume of 81,634 contracts, representing approximately 8.2 million underlying shares or approximately 277.9% of VERV's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.9 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $10 strike put option expiring November 21, 2025, with 27,909 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 2.8 million underlying shares of VERV. Below is a chart showing VERV's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $10 strike highlighted in orange:
And Nordson Corp. (Symbol: NDSN) saw options trading volume of 8,328 contracts, representing approximately 832,800 underlying shares or approximately 191% of NDSN's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 436,035 shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $200 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 4,159 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 415,900 underlying shares of NDSN. Below is a chart showing NDSN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $200 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for WLY options, VERV options, or NDSN options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
DCI Average Annual Return
Top Ten Hedge Funds Holding LYEL
Funds Holding FLRT
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Tuesday Option Activity: WLY, VERV, NDSN

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.28%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.18%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.33%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.30%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.33%.
Stock indexes are sliding today, and crude oil is up by more than +2%, as market sentiment turned negative after President Trump played down the chance of an Israel-Iran ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn’t reached out to Iran for peace talks “in any way, shape or form” and that a “permanent end and not a ceasefire” to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stock indexes remained lower due to concerns about stagflation after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the May import price index excluding petroleum rose more than expected. Also, homebuilder sentiment slumped after the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
The US June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to a 2-1/2 year low of 32, weaker than expectations of an increase to 36.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day today with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only “a few dozen” missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran, but strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities are “deepening” every day.
So far, there’s also been no blockage of the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world’s daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to “extreme jamming” of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which has caused a collision of two tankers today near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors will be watching the G-7 meeting in a resort town near Banff, Canada, through today, although President Trump left the meeting early. Investors are also bracing for negative tariff news over the next few weeks, following President Trump’s announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets will also be focused today on the FOMC’s 2-day meeting that began today, and expectations are for the fed funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed’s dot-plot and post-meeting comments Wednesday from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. Also, on Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.8% m/m to 1.350 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. In addition, weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and is down -0.88%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +3 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -1.8 bp to 4.421%. T-notes are moving higher today on the increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes added to their gains after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low. However, T-notes fell back from their best levels after a +2% jump in crude prices pushed inflation expectations higher, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a one-week high today of 2.322%.
European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield is up +0.8 bp to 2.535%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +1.6 bp to 4.549%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found “equilibrium” on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but “if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts.”
Swaps are discounting the chances at 7% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks are under pressure today after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -2%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and MGM Resorts International (MGM) are down more than -1%. In addition, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is down -0.75%, and Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) is down -0.58%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) is down more than -15% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday’s closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) is down more than -8% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) is down more than -4% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Energy stocks and energy service providers are moving higher, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +1%. APA Corp (APA), Baker Hughes (BKR), Diamondback Energy (FANG), and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +2%. Also, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Devon Energy (DVN), Haliburton (HAL), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), ConocoPhillips (COP), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Schlumberger (SLB), and Phillips 66 (PSX) are up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) is up more than +76% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) is up more than +11% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Lennar (LEN) is up more than +2% after reporting Q2 revenue of $8.38 billion, better than the consensus of $8.26 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) is up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/17/2025)
Jabil Inc (JBL), John Wiley & Sons Inc (WLY), La-Z-Boy Inc (LZB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

Stocks Pressured by Middle East Tensions and Weak US Economic News

Verve Therapeutics VERV signed a definitive agreement with pharma bigwig Eli Lilly LLY. Per the terms, the pharma giant will acquire all outstanding shares of VERV for $10.50 per share in cash, aggregating to nearly $1 billion.
In addition, Verve’s shareholders will receive one non-tradable contingent value right (CVR) per share. This CVR entitles holders to an additional cash payment of up to $3 per share, contingent upon the first patient being dosed with Verve’s lead pipeline asset, VERVE-102, for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in a late-stage study within 10 years of the deal’s closing or termination of the CVR. Including the CVR, the total potential deal value reaches approximately $1.3 billion.
Post this acquisition, Lilly will add Verve’s pipeline of gene therapies targeting heart diseases. This includes VERVE-102, an investigational in vivo gene-editing therapy aimed at reducing cholesterol levels. Earlier in April, Verve unveiled encouraging results from an early-stage study, which showed that a single infusion of this therapy resulted in dose-dependent reductions in blood PCSK9 protein levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). VERVE-102 has also received Fast Track designation from the FDA, reflecting its potential to address a serious unmet need.
VERV already has a partnership with LLY. Per the deal terms, Lilly has opt-in rights to co-fund development and share commercialization rights for VERVE-102. Verve is also developing another candidate, VERVE-201, targeting the ANGPTL3 protein in an early-stage study. An update on this study is expected before this year’s end.
A day before this announcement, the Financial Times reported that Lilly was in “advanced talks” with Verve for a buyout.
The transaction, expected to be completed in the third quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions and clearance from regulatory authorities. Verve insiders, including CEO Sekar Kathiresan and early investors, have agreed to tender their shares, representing nearly 18% of the company’s outstanding stock.
VERV Share Price Performance
Following this news, shares of Verve rallied 76% in pre-market trading today.
Year to date, the stock has gained 9% compared with the industry’s 2% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
What’s Driving Eli Lilly’s Interest in Verve?
Unlike some of its peers, Sanofi SNY and Bristol Myers BMY,which are under pressure from investors to pursue deals for new drugs, Lilly’s top line continues to reach new heights. The tremendous success with GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for obesity), has made LLY the largest drugmaker with a market capitalization of more than $700 billion and its share price has crossed $800 per share.
The idea behind the deal is clear — Lilly intends to strategically diversify its pipeline across therapeutic areas. Recent approvals in immunology (Omvoh and Ebglyss), oncology (Jaypirca) and neuroscience (Kisunla) highlight Lilly’s intent to diversify beyond obesity and diabetes. A potential deal for Verve fits this trend.
Once closed, Verve Therapeutics will be Lilly’s third targeted M&A deal this year. Earlier in January, it signed a $2.5 billion deal for Scorpion Therapeutics’ experimental oncology drug. Last month, Lilly announced its intent to acquire SiteOne Therapeutics in a deal valued at $1 billion to strengthen its neuroscience pipeline. Such deals suggest that Lilly’s M&A strategy is selective, focusing on long-term strength across various therapeutic areas.
Recent M&A Transactions in the Pharma Space
While broader macroeconomic concerns, including Trump-era tariffs and leadership shifts at the FDA, have weighed on deal-making in 2025, Big Pharma continues to pursue strategic assets in key growth areas.
This month, Sanofi announced a $9.5 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines to strengthen its immunology pipeline and reduce reliance on the blockbuster drug Dupixent. Through this transaction, Sanofi intends to add Ayvakit — an inhibitor of KIT and PDGFRA proteins with growing commercial traction — and several early-stage pipeline assets focused on systemic mastocytosis (SM). Sanofi expects to close this deal in the third quarter of 2025.
In parallel, Bristol Myers signed a co-development and commercialization agreement with BioNTech for BNT327, an investigational bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF. The deal gives Bristol Myers access to a promising oncology candidate across multiple tumor types, aligning with its strategy to offset revenue declines from legacy brands.
These transactions highlight Big Pharma's continued interest in small biotechs with promising and innovative assets.
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. Price
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. price | Verve Therapeutics, Inc. Quote
VERV’s Zacks Rank
Verve currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Verve Therapeutics Stock Soars 76% on $1.3B Buyout Offer From Lilly

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.28%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.62%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.42%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.52%.
Stock indexes are sliding today, and crude oil is up by more than +1%, as market sentiment turned negative on fears of an escalation of the Israel-Iran war after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn’t reached out to Iran for peace talks “in any way, shape or form” and that a “permanent end and not a ceasefire” to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
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Stock indexes remained lower due to stagflation concerns after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the May import price index excluding petroleum rose more than expected.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day today with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only “a few dozen” missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran but strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities are “deepening” every day.
So far, there’s also been no blockage of the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world’s daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to “extreme jamming” of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which has caused a collision of two tankers today near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors will be watching the G-7 meeting in a resort town near Banff, Canada, through today, although President Trump left the meeting. Investors are also bracing for negative tariff news over the next few weeks, following President Trump’s announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets will also be focused today on the June NAHB housing market index, which is expected to climb to 36 from 34 in May. The FOMC’s 2-day meeting begins today, and expectations are for the fed funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed’s dot-plot and post-meeting comments from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. On Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.2% m/m to 1.359 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. Weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and is down -0.90%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.6 bp to 4.421%. T-notes are moving higher today on an increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes added to their gains after US May retail sales fell more than expected.
European government bond yields today are moving lower. The 10-year German bund yield is down -0.4 bp to 2.523%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.1 bp to 4.532%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found “equilibrium” on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but “if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts.”
Swaps are discounting the chances at 7% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks are under pressure today after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -2%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), Delta Air Lines (DAL), Expedia Group (EXPE), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), and Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) are down more than -1%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) is down more than -18% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday’s closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) is down more than -11% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) is down more than -5% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Energy stocks and energy service providers are moving higher, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +1%. Baker Hughes (BKR), Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +2%. Also, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Haliburton (HAL), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), and Schlumberger (SLB) are up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Lennar (LEN) is up more than +4% to lead homebuilders higher after reporting Q2 revenue of $8.38 billion, better than the consensus of $8.26 billion. Also, DR Horton (DHI) is up more than +2%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) and PulteGroup (PHM) are up more than +1%.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) is up more than +75% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) is up more than +3% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/17/2025)
Jabil Inc (JBL), John Wiley & Sons Inc (WLY), La-Z-Boy Inc (LZB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

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Verve Therapeutics, Inc.

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