$M

Macy’s options activity heats up ahead of earnings next month

Macy's (M) options volume surged to 17,669 contracts, with calls outpacing puts. Traders expect a ±8% move around earnings on September 10, with bullish bets on short-term $23.50 calls and hedging via September puts. Analysts' targets suggest modest upside, but options indicate higher volatility.

Original reporting
Published Aug 26, 2026, 6:45 PM UTC
Analysis
alphai AI DeskAI-generated
Added to alphai Aug 26, 2026, 6:59 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
alphai summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
alphai market briefMarket movers
Primary signal
$M
Neutral
high confidence
Mentioned
$M
Relevance
5/10
alphai data visualization · based on investing.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$MNeutralMed
01

Why it matters

The options market is pricing an 8% swing, indicating traders anticipate a significant move that could be exploited with volatility strategies.

02

Market read

Options activity signals heightened trader interest and potential for sharp price movement around the upcoming earnings.

03

What to watch

Potential impact of macro‑economic data (PCE) and AI‑related market sentiment on consumer spending.

Relevance 5/10Novelty 6/10Timing: today

Background

Macy's is approaching its September 10 earnings release; recent mixed PCE data and AI market dynamics set a cautious backdrop.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$MNeutralHigh confidence
Context

Options volume surged to 17,669 contracts, highlighting bullish tilt and volatility ahead of Macy's earnings on Sep 10.

Expected impact

Expect larger intraday moves; traders may position via calls, puts, or straddles.

Evidence & confidence

The surge in short‑term call contracts and sizable put open interest indicate market participants are hedging and betting on a volatile earnings reaction.

Market effects

Retail sector may see broader volatility as peers' earnings approach.

U.S. equities could experience heightened activity in consumer discretionary indexes.

Limited to U.S. market; no direct global effect.

Counterpoint

Despite bullish call volume, the large put open interest suggests downside risk may dominate post‑earnings.

Key entities

  • Macy's Inc.

    U.S. retailer reporting earnings on Sep 10.

Related articles

$ROSTHighAI 8/10

Ross Jumps 8% on 10% Comp Growth, TJX Ticks Up, Macy’s Edges Higher

Ross Stores (ROST) shares rose 8% to $246.60 after reporting Q2 revenue of $6.26B (up 13%) and EPS of $2.66 (beating estimates). The company raised full-year EPS guidance to $8.61-$8.77. TJX (TJX) and Macy's (M) shares also gained 1% on related news. Ross's growth was driven by 10% comparable store sales and improved operating margins.

$MMed

Berkshire Is Betting on This Legacy Retail Stock

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) has invested in Macy's (M), increasing its stake to 2.8% of the retailer's shares, worth $174 million. Macy's reported strong Q1 results, with revenue up 2% and net income up 66%, beating expectations. The company raised its full-year outlook. Analysts have a mixed view on Macy's stock, with an average price target of $22.77.

$MMed

The New Berkshire Hathaway Just Made a Fresh Bet on a Department Store Everyone Wrote Off

Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Greg Abel disclosed a new stake in Macy’s in its Q1 2026 13F filed May 15, 2026: 3.04 million shares valued at about $55 million, alongside a new Delta Air Lines position. The article says Macy’s reported Q2 FY27 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.13 vs $0.03, revenue of $4.89 billion, and raised full-year guidance to net sales $21.5–$21.75 billion and adjusted EPS $2.00–$2.20.

$DELLMed

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures mixed as AI fervor meets US-Iran uncertainty

US stock index futures were mixed early Wednesday as investors balanced AI optimism with uncertainty around US-Iran talks. Dow futures fell 0.3%, S&P 500 futures slipped about 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.2%. Oil climbed as Israel’s Lebanon campaign complicated a ceasefire, with WTI above $96 and Brent near $98. Broadcom, CrowdStrike, and Macy’s are due to report, alongside ADP jobs data.