Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Walmart Stock Climbs After Pre-Earnings Bull Note

The blue-chip retailer reports earnings next week

Deputy Editor
Aug 11, 2023 at 9:52 AM
facebook X logo linkedin


Credit Suisse this morning raised its price target on Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) to $180 from $170. The brokerage firm maintained its "outperform" rating, noting the blue-chip component is "very well positioned" for the current environment.

The analyst's note comes just ahead of Walmart's second-quarter earnings before the open on Thursday, Aug. 17. Looking back at Walmart's last eight reports, the stock enjoyed five positive next-day returns, averaging a swing of 3.9% -- regardless of direction  -- after these past eight sessions. This  is slightly lower than the 4.1% move the options pits are pricing in this time around for Thursday's price action. 

Walmart stock was last seen up 0.6% at $161.18, a chip shot from Wednesday's record high of $162.10. Over the last 12 months, WMT has added 23.5%, with the ascending 40-day moving average guiding the shares higher since June. 

At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), WMT's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 2.63 stands higher than 98% of readings from the last 12 months. This indicates options traders have favored long calls over the last 10 weeks. 

Ahead of earnings, the stock looks like a potential premium-selling candidate at the moment, too, per its Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS), with a score of just 7 out of 100. In other words, the security has consistently realized lower volatility than its options have priced in.
 
 
 
 

You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?