Zevra Therapeutics Sees Unusually High Options Volume (NASDAQ:ZVRA)

Key Points

• Zevra Therapeutics experienced a remarkable 602% increase in call options volume, with 9,057 call options traded compared to a typical daily volume of 1,291.
• Analysts have mixed views on Zevra, with Cantor Fitzgerald raising its price target to $29.00, while Wall Street Zen and Zacks Research downgraded their ratings on the stock.
• Director John B. Bode bought 5,000 shares of the company's stock, increasing his position by 12.50%, alongside significant institutional activity in the stock.

Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZVRA - Get Free Report) was the recipient of some unusual options trading activity on Thursday. Stock investors acquired 9,057 call options on the company. This is an increase of 602% compared to the typical daily volume of 1,291 call options.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have commented on ZVRA shares. Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price objective on shares of Zevra Therapeutics from $25.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Zevra Therapeutics from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. HC Wainwright started coverage on shares of Zevra Therapeutics in a research report on Wednesday, July 2nd. They set a "buy" rating and a $26.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research cut shares of Zevra Therapeutics from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Monday, August 18th. Finally, JMP Securities decreased their price target on shares of Zevra Therapeutics from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a "market outperform" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Zevra Therapeutics presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $24.00.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director John B. Bode purchased 5,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 19th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $9.16 per share, with a total value of $45,800.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 45,000 shares of the company's stock, valued at $412,200. This represents a 12.50% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 2.40% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. BNP Paribas Financial Markets acquired a new position in shares of Zevra Therapeutics during the fourth quarter worth about $53,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in Zevra Therapeutics by 222.4% during the fourth quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 98,245 shares of the company's stock worth $819,000 after buying an additional 67,772 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG grew its position in Zevra Therapeutics by 25.4% during the fourth quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 50,906 shares of the company's stock worth $425,000 after buying an additional 10,306 shares during the period. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Zevra Therapeutics during the fourth quarter worth about $209,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in Zevra Therapeutics by 29.8% during the fourth quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 29,949 shares of the company's stock worth $250,000 after buying an additional 6,877 shares during the period. 35.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Zevra Therapeutics Stock Up 7.4%

NASDAQ:ZVRA traded up $0.67 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $9.62. 3,899,053 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 887,224. The company has a current ratio of 7.85, a quick ratio of 7.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market capitalization of $539.74 million, a PE ratio of -45.74 and a beta of 1.56. Zevra Therapeutics has a fifty-two week low of $6.19 and a fifty-two week high of $13.16. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.91.

Zevra Therapeutics Company Profile

Zevra Therapeutics, Inc discovers and develops various proprietary prodrugs to treat serious medical conditions in the United States. The company develops its products through Ligand Activated Therapy platform. Its lead product candidate is KP1077, consisting of KP1077IH, which is under Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia, and KP1077N, which is under Phase ½ clinical trial to treat narcolepsy.

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