Stocks

Whales Show Bullish Sentiment Towards Walmart (NYSE: WMT)

Published December 31, 2024

Recently, there has been a clear increase in bullish sentiment towards Walmart from significant investors, often referred to as "whales". This interest reflects confidence in Walmart's future performance.

An analysis of the options trading history for Walmart (WMT) reveals 17 notable trades. Breaking down these trades, it appears that 47% of the investors opened positions with bullish expectations, while 41% took a bearish approach.

From these trades, we note that there were 4 put options amounting to $121,386, compared to 13 call options totaling $674,854. This indicates a stronger preference for calls among investors.

Predicted Price Range

Based on the observed trading activity, major investors seem to be targeting a price range for Walmart between $56.67 and $100.00 over the past three months.

Volume and Open Interest Trends

Monitoring the volume and open interest in options trading is crucial for understanding market dynamics. These metrics provide insight into the liquidity and trader interest for Walmart's options at various strike prices. Below, we summarize the trends in volume and open interest for both puts and calls linked to whale trades within the price range of $56.67 to $100.00 over the last 30 days.

Significant Options Trades Detected:

Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume
WMT CALL TRADE BEARISH 01/17/25 $34.20 $34.15 $34.15 $56.67 $153.60K 10.60K 51
WMT CALL SWEEP BULLISH 03/21/25 $3.55 $3.45 $3.55 $92.50 $106.10K 3.30K 300
WMT CALL SWEEP BULLISH 12/19/25 $7.90 $7.80 $7.90 $95.00 $89.20K 263 124
WMT CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $15.65 $15.55 $15.65 $75.00 $39.10K 3.40K 27
WMT CALL TRADE NEUTRAL 01/17/25 $27.25 $27.10 $27.18 $63.33 $38.00K 7.00K 15

About Walmart

Walmart is a leading retailer in the United States, known for its commitment to operational efficiency and providing low prices to attract shoppers. Over the years, Walmart has expanded its business model into a one-stop shopping experience, launching its first supercenter in 1988. Currently, Walmart operates more than 4,600 stores in the U.S., and over 10,000 worldwide. In fiscal year 2024, the company achieved over $440 billion in domestic sales, with an additional $86 billion from Sam's Club. Internationally, Walmart generated $115 billion in sales and serves approximately 240 million customers globally each week.

Following our examination of the options activity related to Walmart, we can review the company’s recent performance.

Walmart's Current Market Status

  • Walmart (WMT) currently has a trading volume of 3,925,441 and is priced at $90.29, reflecting a decrease of -0.31%.
  • Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicators suggest that the stock is in a neutral position, between overbought and oversold.
  • The next earnings report is expected in 51 days.

Expert Opinions on Walmart

In the past month, five analysts in the industry have provided their insights on Walmart, suggesting an average target price of $103.20.

Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move

Trends in options activity, as identified by analysts, may signal potential price movements before they occur. For those interested in stock options, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest trades. An analyst at Keybanc maintains an Overweight rating on Walmart with a price target of $100. Similarly, Jefferies has a Buy rating and a target price of $111. Evercore ISI Group holds an Outperform rating at $96, while Tigress Financial continues with a Buy rating, aiming for $115. Stifel remains cautious with a Hold rating and a target of $94.

Participating in options trading carries higher risks but also the potential for significant returns. Investors can manage risks through education, strategic trade adjustments, and awareness of market trends. Keeping up with the latest options trades for Walmart is essential for making informed decisions in this fast-paced environment.

Walmart, Bullish, Options