Unveiling Institutional Sentiment in Healthcare: Whale Activity and Options Sweeps Signal Timing Opportunities

The healthcare sector, a cornerstone of global markets, has long been a battleground for institutional investors seeking to capitalize on macroeconomic shifts, regulatory changes, and innovation cycles. In Q4 2025, options sweeps and institutional trades data for key players like UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Eli Lilly (LLY), and Moderna (MRNA) reveal a mosaic of bullish and bearish signals ahead of critical December 19, 2025, expiration dates. By dissecting these patterns, traders can identify high-conviction whale activity and position themselves to exploit institutional timing strategies.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH): A Tale of Contradictions

UnitedHealth Group's options landscape in late 2025 reflects a tug-of-war between optimism and caution. A $6.2 million sweep on the $290 call options expiring December 19, 2025, underscores institutional bullishness, with these in-the-money contracts signaling confidence in UNH's long-term trajectory despite its current price near $332.50. However, the put/call ratio of 0.43-a metric favoring call options- suggests a growing appetite for downside protection, hinting at bearish undercurrents.

Technically, UNH is trading below all its moving averages, with an RSI of 27.94 indicating oversold conditions. Analysts remain divided: CFRA and Market Edge have issued bearish ratings, while Morningstar and LSEG project recovery. This duality creates a fertile ground for strategies like bull call spreads and iron condors, targeting a $320–$350 price range over the next 25 days. Traders should monitor whether the $326.6 support level holds, as a break below could trigger a wave of put option activity.

Eli Lilly (LLY): A Bullish Powerhouse

Eli Lilly's December 19, 2025, options data tells a more cohesive story. Call options at the $1,050 and $1,055 strike prices have seen robust volume and open interest, with 85.8% of options flow consisting of bullish contracts. The stock's 2.5% intraday gain on December 15, 2025, and a MACD histogram in positive territory reinforce this optimism. Analysts have assigned a "buy" consensus, with a mean target of $1,075.74, while the stock's 25% trailing volatility suggests ample room for premium capture.

Institutional block trades further validate this trend. A $17.95 bid for the $1,050 call option, with 263 contracts traded and 1,908 open interest, indicates deep-pocketed investors are hedging against a potential surge in value. Traders might consider long call positions or bullish vertical spreads, given LLY's alignment with technical indicators and analyst expectations. However, a looming patent challenge could introduce short-term volatility, warranting caution in aggressive strategies.

Moderna (MRNA): Mixed Signals and Strategic Nuance

Moderna's options activity in Q4 2025 is a study in contrasts. While a $6.2 million sweep on the $290 call options for UNH highlights bullish conviction, MRNA's own data reveals a more fragmented picture. A 12-cent decline in the stock price and a put/call ratio of 0.43 suggest mild bearish sentiment. Yet, whale activity paints a different narrative: 60% of options trades lean bullish, with a $28.00 call option expiring June 18, 2026, and a $62.3K trade underscoring confidence in upside potential according to market analysis.

The CEO's exercise of 688,073 shares at $10.90 per share on December 11, 2025, adds a layer of institutional confidence, though this move predates the December 19 expiration. Meanwhile, a $27.00 put sweep for $347.9K indicates hedging against downside risks according to market data. With an expected move of ±$25.23 (2.41%), MRNA's projected range of $1023.39 to $1073.85 offers a balanced framework for strategies like straddles or iron condors based on technical analysis. Traders should also watch for catalysts like Moderna's $140 million investment in U.S. mRNA manufacturing, which could drive volatility as reported by Reuters.

Actionable Insights for Traders

1. UNH: Position bull call spreads or iron condors to capitalize on the $320–$350 range, while monitoring support levels.
2. LLY: Prioritize long call options or bullish vertical spreads, leveraging the stock's technical strength and analyst consensus.
3. MRNA: Adopt a balanced approach with straddles or iron condors, given the mixed signals and expected volatility.

Institutional sentiment, as revealed through options sweeps and timing strategies, offers a roadmap for navigating the healthcare sector's complexities. By aligning with these signals, traders can transform institutional insights into actionable opportunities ahead of December 19, 2025.