Mixed options sentiment in Wal-Mart with shares up 0.18%

Mixed options sentiment in Wal-Mart (WMT), with shares up 24c, or 0.18%, near $133.88. Options volume roughly in line with average with 186k contracts traded and puts leading calls for a put/call ratio of 1.21, compared to a typical level near 0.93. Implied volatility (IV30) dropped 0.67 near 35.98, in the highest 10% of observations over the past year, suggesting an expected daily move of $3.03. Put-call skew steepened, indicating increased demand for downside protection.Looking ahead: Wal-Mart (WMT) will report earnings before the open on 2026-02-19.Option markets are pricing in a 50% probability of a move greater than 4.24% or $5.68.