Sometimes the market rewards patience and precision timing. Our recent $PLTR trade exemplifies how technical setups can deliver exceptional returns when executed with proper risk management and disciplined profit-taking. This trade on the 145 calls expiring June 27th showcased the power of scaling out of winners while letting runners capture maximum upside.
When you combine solid technical analysis with a clear trade plan, even short-term options plays can generate outsized returns. This $PLTR position delivered over 100% gains in just two trading days, demonstrating why having a systematic approach to entries and exits is crucial for consistent profitability.
The Setup
At 1:49 PM on Tuesday (6/24), I alerted the TW Elite community:
“Watching $PLTR 145C @everyone”
Just five minutes later at 1:54 PM, we pulled the trigger:
“$PLTR BTO 27JUN25 145C at $1.45”
The timing was critical with options expiring in just three days. PLTR was showing strong technical action and appeared ready for a move higher. With such a tight timeframe, precision was essential.
The Trade Plan
Immediately after entry, I established our risk parameters:
Stop: 141.71
Targets: 142.88, 143.27, 144.86
This structured approach gave us clearly defined profit zones and a hard stop to limit downside risk. With options expiring Friday, we needed PLTR to move quickly and decisively.
Scaling Out for Maximum Profit
The beauty of this trade was in the execution. As PLTR began its climb, we methodically locked in profits at each level:
2:07 PM (Same Day): STC at $1.60 – First Trim
Just 13 minutes after establishing our targets, we took our first profits at $1.60, representing a quick 10.3% gain. This initial trim secured some profit while maintaining upside exposure.
3:53 PM (Same Day): STC at $1.80 – Second Trim
Later that afternoon, we trimmed again at $1.80, capturing a 24.1% gain on this portion. At this point, we were down to “runners only” – letting our remaining position capture any extended move.
The Big Payoff
Wednesday morning delivered the rewards for our patience:
9:31 AM (6/25): STC at $2.69 – Trim Runners
Our first morning exit at $2.69 represented an impressive 85.5% gain overnight.
Final Exit: STC at $3.15
The final runners were closed at $3.15, delivering a spectacular 117.2% return on this portion of the position.
Trade Results
This trade generated exceptional returns across all exit points:
Entry: $1.45 per contract
Exit 1: $1.60 (+10.3%)
Exit 2: $1.80 (+24.1%)
Exit 3: $2.69 (+85.5%)
Exit 4: $3.15 (+117.2%)
The scaled approach allowed us to capture profits at multiple levels while maintaining exposure for the full move. Our highest exit represented more than double our original entry price in just over 24 hours.
Why This Trade Worked
Precise timing: Entry came at an optimal technical setup with limited time to expiration
Clear risk management: Predetermined stop and targets eliminated emotional decision-making
Disciplined scaling: Taking profits at each level secured gains while maintaining upside potential
Time-sensitive execution: With Friday expiration, we needed immediate action – and got it
Technical confirmation: PLTR delivered on the setup, validating our analysis
Key Takeaways
This $PLTR trade demonstrates the power of systematic options trading. While the tight timeframe created urgency, our disciplined approach to profit-taking ensured we captured the maximum opportunity.
The key was not getting greedy on any single exit, but rather scaling out methodically as the trade moved in our favor. This approach allowed us to secure substantial profits early while still participating in the extended move.
Short-term options require precise execution and unwavering discipline. When you combine solid technical setups with proper risk management and systematic profit-taking, even three-day plays can generate exceptional returns.
Remember: the market rewards preparation and discipline. Having a clear plan and sticking to it – whether in profit or loss – is what separates consistent traders from the crowd.
On to the next!