An institutional trader has placed a massive $1M call sweep on Core Scientific (NASDAQ: CORZ), signaling aggressive positioning. The order targets the $24 strike expiring on June 18, 2026, indicating strong conviction that the AI infrastructure provider’s current momentum has further room to run.
The transaction was executed as a “Highly Unusual” opening sweep, with 6,663 contracts purchased at the ask price of $1.52 per contract. With CORZ stock trading at $21.70 at the time of execution, these calls are roughly 10.6% out-of-the-money. This aggressive expiration strategy suggests the buyer expects a significant upside catalyst.
Volume and Open Interest Context
The volume on this specific contract reached 11,720 for the day, vastly overshadowing the existing open interest of 5,936. This translates to a volume-to-open-interest (V/OI) ratio of 1.97x, a clear indicator of new, aggressive capital entering the market rather than the closing of existing positions.
Over the past week, the $24 strike call has seen a steady increase in both volume and price. The contract price surged from $1.01 on April 29 to $1.68 by the end of the day on May 5. The sudden spike in volume to 11,720 contracts on May 5 confirms that institutions are rapidly accumulating exposure.
What’s Happening with CORZ?
Core Scientific is scheduled to report its Q1 2026 earnings on May 6, 2026, making this massive call sweep a direct play on the upcoming results. The company has been aggressively transitioning its infrastructure from pure-play Bitcoin mining toward high-margin AI and high-performance computing (HPC) colocation.
Recently, the company announced a massive expansion plan to reach 1.5 Gigawatts of gross power at its Pecos, Texas campus, solidifying its position as a critical player in the AI data center space. This aligns perfectly with the broader bullish sentiment we’ve observed across the sector, including aggressive positioning in similar small-cap plays like the $1.1M BMNR Call Sweep.
The transition toward AI infrastructure has attracted significant institutional attention, similar to the broader tech momentum seen in the Massive $2.4M TSLA Call Sweep.
About CORZ
Core Scientific, Inc. operates large-scale facilities for digital asset mining and high-performance computing in North America. The company provides blockchain infrastructure, software solutions, and services, while increasingly pivoting its vast power resources to support the booming demand for AI data centers. Core Scientific is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker CORZ.
Analyst Ratings
Wall Street maintains a highly constructive outlook on Core Scientific, with TipRanks reporting a Strong Buy consensus based on 11 recent analyst ratings. The average 12-month price target stands at $26.78, with several major firms setting significantly higher targets in anticipation of continued AI infrastructure dominance.
| Analyst Firm | Rating | Price Target |
|---|---|---|
| Roth MKM | Buy | $40.00 |
| B. Riley Securities | Buy | $30.00 |
| Cantor Fitzgerald | Buy | $29.00 |
| KBW | Buy | $28.00 |
| H.C. Wainwright | Buy | $25.00 |
Roth MKM recently reiterated a Street-high price target of $40.00, citing strong demand for the company’s AI colocation services. Institutions are clearly betting that Core Scientific’s growth story is far from over. The aggressive near-term call sweep aligns with broader bullish sentiment across the high-performance computing sector.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Options trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. Always conduct your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
