Are Options Traders Betting on a Big Move in Williams-Sonoma Stock?

Investors in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. WSM need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the May 15, 2026 $100 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Williams-Sonoma shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Williams-Sonoma is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Retail - Home Furnishings industry that ranks in the Bottom 13% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimates for the current quarter, while four have dropped their estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $1.85 per share to $1.80 in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Williams-Sonoma right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

Looking to Trade Options?

Check out the simple yet high-powered approach that Zacks Executive VP Kevin Matras has used to close recent double and triple-digit winners. In addition to impressive profit potential, these trades can actually reduce your risk.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Beyond Mega-Cap Tech: Q1 Earnings Confirm a Broadening Growth Trend

The Q1 earnings season reconfirmed the steadily improving earnings outlook we have consistently highlighted in our earnings commentary.

The earnings focus lately has been on the blockbuster mega-cap Tech players in the Magnificent 7 group of companies, but results have been impressive across the board in all sectors. Most companies have comfortably exceeded Zacks Consensus EPS and revenue estimates and are showing accelerating earnings and revenue growth trends.

Most importantly, the substance and tone of management guidance has largely been reassuring, notwithstanding the uncertain geopolitical backdrop. This is keeping the aggregate revisions trend positive, which we discuss in some detail later on.

The chart below shows current 2026 Q1 earnings and revenue growth expectations in the context of where growth has been in the preceding four quarters and what is expected in the coming three quarters.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Regular readers of our earnings commentary are familiar with the steadily improving earnings outlook we have consistently highlighted over the past year. This improvement in the earnings outlook has been driven mostly by the Tech sector over the past year, with positive Tech sector estimate revisions offsetting negative revisions elsewhere, keeping the aggregate revisions trend in the neutral-to-positive direction.

This favorable revisions trend modestly expanded beyond its Tech sector core over the last couple of quarters and we are seeing that at play for 2026 Q2 as well, as we show nearby.

As you can see in the above chart, the current expectation is of +21.7% earnings growth in 2026 Q2 on +10.2% higher revenues. The chart below shows how these expectations have evolved in recent weeks.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Estimates have moved higher for 7 of the 16 Zacks sectors since the quarter got underway. These sectors are: Tech, Energy, Basic Materials, Utilities, Industrials, Retail, and Business Services.

The positive revisions trend for the Energy and Basic Materials sectors is primarily a function of the conflict in the Persian Gulf and its effect on the supply of oil, LNG, and other commodities.

The upgrade to Retail sector earnings estimates is primarily driven by momentum in Amazon’s AMZN business, which we group in the Zacks Retail sector. We suspect that elevated oil prices will prove to be a significant headwind for the sector’s profitability. The negative impact on the retail sector’s earnings outlook will mostly be through diminished consumer demand, but the freight/logistics component will also be stressed by high oil prices.

On the negative side, Q2 estimates have declined for 9 of the 16 Zacks sectors. The sectors suffering the most declines include Transportation, Autos, Consumer Discretionary, Construction, Finance, and Consumer Staples.  

2026 Q1 Earnings Season Scorecard

Through Friday, May 8^th, we have seen Q1 results from 446 S&P 500 members or 89.2% of the index’s total membership. Total earnings for these 446 index members are up +21.2% from the same period last year on +10.3% higher revenues, with 79.6% beating EPS estimates and 78% beating revenue estimates.

We have more than 500 companies on deck to report Q1 results this week, including 11 S&P 500 members. Notable companies reporting this week include Cisco Systems CSCO, Applied Materials AMAT, Mosaic MOS, and others.

The comparison charts below compare the growth rates of the companies that have reported with what we have seen from this same group of companies in other recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The comparison charts below put the Q1 EPS and revenue beats percentages for this group of companies relative to what we had seen from them in other recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The chart below shows how net margins for the 446 index members that have reported Q1 results compare to other recent periods for this same group of companies.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Earnings Big Picture

As noted earlier, 2026 Q1 earnings are on track to be up +23.9% from the same period last year on +10.9% higher revenues, with 13 of the 16 Zacks sectors expected to enjoy positive earnings growth. Earnings growth for the quarter would be +10.1% when the Tech sector’s substantial contribution is excluded and +16.7% on an ex-Mag 7 basis.

Importantly, 2026 Q1 aggregate earnings are on track to be a new all-time quarterly record, as the chart below shows.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For calendar year 2026, total S&P 500 earnings are currently expected to be up +19.7%, compared to +13.1% earnings growth last year and +16% expected next year.

All 16 Zacks sectors are currently expected to enjoy positive earnings growth in 2026, a development that we haven’t seen in a very long time. The Tech and Energy sectors are big contributors to earnings growth in 2026, with +33.2% and +56.7% earnings growth, respectively.

Excluding the Energy sector’s substantial contribution, 2026 earnings growth for the rest of the index would +17.9% (vs. +19.7% otherwise. Excluding the Tech sector, index earnings would be up +12.8% in 2026.

The chart below shows the aggregate growth picture on an annual basis.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Mag 7 group is expected to enjoy +26.2% earnings growth on +18.6% revenue growth in 2026, following the group’s +24.8% earnings growth in 2025. The Mag 7 group is on track to account for 27% of all index earnings in 2026. But the aggregate growth picture remains robust and the strongest in the post-COVID period, as seen in the chart below showing the aggregate earnings picture excluding the Mag 7 contribution.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For a detailed look at the overall earnings picture, including expectations for the coming periods, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report >>>>Record Earnings Expected in 2026 Q1 

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Vistra (VST) Q1 Earnings: How Key Metrics Compare to Wall Street Estimates

For the quarter ended March 2026, Vistra Corp. (VST) reported revenue of $5.64 billion, up 43.4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $2.87, compared to $0.46 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +3.54% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.45 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $2.21, the EPS surprise was +29.63%.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

• Total retail electricity sales volumes: 30,109.00 GWh versus the two-analyst average estimate of 34,079.29 GWh.
• Adjusted EBITDA- Retail: $68 million compared to the $103.81 million average estimate based on two analysts.
• Adjusted EBITDA- West: $56 million versus $63.53 million estimated by two analysts on average.
• Adjusted EBITDA- East: $801 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $767.91 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA- Texas: $586 million versus $535.52 million estimated by two analysts on average.

View all Key Company Metrics for Vistra here>>>

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Appian (APPN) Q1 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates

For the quarter ended March 2026, Appian (APPN) reported revenue of $202.18 million, up 21.5% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.27, compared to $0.13 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +5.79% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $191.12 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.19, the EPS surprise was +45.95%.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

• Subscriptions gross margin: 85.7% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 87.2%.
• Professional services gross margin: 24.7% compared to the 26.9% average estimate based on two analysts.
• Revenue- Professional services: $41.87 million versus $36.85 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +30.5% change.
• Revenue- Subscriptions: $160.31 million versus $154.27 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +19.3% change.

View all Key Company Metrics for Appian here>>>

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Hudson Pacific (HPP) Reports Q1 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say

Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP) reported $181.85 million in revenue for the quarter ended March 2026, representing a year-over-year decline of 8.4%. EPS of $0.25 for the same period compares to -$3.71 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of -1.11% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $183.89 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.18, the EPS surprise was +36.39%.

While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

• Rentable Square Feet - Total STUDIO: 1,680 versus the two-analyst average estimate of 1,448.
• Rentable Square Feet - Total in-service office: 12,905 compared to the 13,178 average estimate based on two analysts.
• Revenues- Office- Rental: $145.23 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $145.06 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -8.3%.
• Revenues- Office- Service and other revenues: $3.45 million compared to the $4.5 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -49.5% year over year.
• Revenues- Studio- Total: $33.18 million versus $34.34 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -0.2% change.
• Revenues- Studio- Service and other revenues: $19.38 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $20.75 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -1.1%.
• Revenues- Office- Total: $148.67 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $149.56 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -10%.
• Revenues- Studio- Rental: $13.8 million compared to the $13.51 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +1.1% year over year.
• Segment Profit- Studio: $1.47 million compared to the $0.57 million average estimate based on two analysts.
• Segment Profit- Office: $78.85 million versus $76.75 million estimated by two analysts on average.

View all Key Company Metrics for Hudson Pacific here>>>

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Akamai Technologies (AKAM) Reports Q1 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say

Akamai Technologies (AKAM) reported $1.07 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 5.8%. EPS of $1.61 for the same period compares to $1.70 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +0.04% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.07 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.61, the EPS surprise was +0.08%.

While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

• Revenue- International: $530.46 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $524.33 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +9.1%.
• Revenue- United States: $543.15 million versus $550.19 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +2.7% change.
• Revenue- Security: $589.79 million versus $578.21 million estimated by seven analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +11.1% change.

View all Key Company Metrics for Akamai Technologies here>>>

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Wendy's (WEN) Reports Q1 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say

Wendy's (WEN) reported $540.64 million in revenue for the quarter ended March 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.3%. EPS of $0.12 for the same period compares to $0.20 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +2.88% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $525.51 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.10, the EPS surprise was +16.39%.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

• Number of restaurants - Total: 7,251 versus the six-analyst average estimate of 7,301.
• Number of restaurants - Company-operated - Total: 431 compared to the 433 average estimate based on six analysts.
• Same-Restaurant - U.S.: -7.8% versus -6.6% estimated by six analysts on average.
• Number of restaurants - Franchised - Total: 6,820 versus the six-analyst average estimate of 6,868.
• Revenues- Franchise rental income: $58.9 million versus $56.13 million estimated by six analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +0.8% change.
• Revenues- Sales at Company-operated restaurants: $225.5 million compared to the $229.22 million average estimate based on six analysts. The reported number represents a change of +2.7% year over year.
• Revenues- Advertising funds: $108.34 million versus the six-analyst average estimate of $94.06 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +8%.
• Revenues- Franchise royalty revenue and fees: $147.9 million versus the six-analyst average estimate of $139.96 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +1.9%.
• Revenues- Franchise fees: $31.71 million versus $23.35 million estimated by five analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +35.1% change.
• Revenues- Franchise royalty: $116.19 million versus $116.53 million estimated by five analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -4.5% change.
• Systemwide sales- Total: $3.22 billion versus the four-analyst average estimate of $3.22 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -5%.
• Systemwide sales- International systemwide: $518 million versus $512.08 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +9.5% change.

View all Key Company Metrics for Wendy's here>>>

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research