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Walmart

Walmart

$WMT
NYSEConsumer Staples

161 stories mentioning WalmartUpdated 2d ago

Trading within a mixed consumer sector, where the Consumer Staples SPDR (XLP) slipped while the Consumer Discretionary SPDR (XLY) rose.

What are analysts saying about Walmart?

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What's the latest news on Walmart?

Walmart Poised to Gain Competitive Advantage Through Quick Service Restaurant Partnerships, RBC Says
US Markets

Walmart Poised to Gain Competitive Advantage Through Quick Service Restaurant Partnerships, RBC Says

Walmart (WMT) stands to gain a competitive edge through its potential collaborations with fast-food chains and other businesses in the quick service restaurant industry, RBC Capital Markets said in a note e-mailed Monday.Last week, the retail giant said it was adding express delivery service from in-store restaurants, beginning with Subway. Starting this month, customers in select states will be able to order Subway meals through Walmart's app or website, with the offering to expand to 1,400 locations by the end of the summer.Walmart's management has been evaluating the viability of this service for six months and expects it to be rolled out to more quick service restaurants in the future, RBC said in a note to clients. The management has described the opportunity as "fourfold" as the retailer collects a fee on purchase, increases its mindshare and gains a competitive advantage over rivals that don't have a similar delivery network, according to the note.The company also has the potential to increase traffic or basket sizes and benefit e-commerce economics, the brokerage added.Walmart has yet to "materially" pass on high fuel prices to the consumer, though the move is "inevitable," if costs remain high, RBC analyst Steven Shemesh wrote in the note. During a recent event, management reiterated its expectations for fuel costs to grow to $250 million in the second quarter from $175 million in the prior three-month period, according to the brokerage."We believe price increases would disproportionately hit grocery relative to general merchandise, which we estimate could push food inflation to 2.5% to 3%," Shemesh wrote.However, the retail giant "feels very good" about current price gaps and margin levers at its disposal, which should allow it to maintain or grow its competitive positioning, Shemesh said. The company could also receive up to $3 billion in tariff refunds, reflecting a potential "war chest" for reinvestment, the analyst added.Last month, Walmart issued a downbeat fiscal second-quarter earnings outlook after posting better-than-expected revenue in the previous three-month period.Price: $119.80, Change: $+0.92, Percent Change: +0.77%

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Wire

Walmart Confident in Competitive Positioning Amid Pricing Pressure, RBC Capital Markets Says

Walmart (WMT) is facing upwards pressure on pricing, but the retailer is confident in its competitive positioning, RBC Capital Markets said in a note following the company's annual Associates and Shareholders Week in Arkansas.The investment firm said the "tone and messaging" at the event were consistent with the company's fiscal Q1 earnings call on May 21, with management reiterating that fuel costs are expected to rise to roughly $250 million in Q2 from about $175 million in Q1."We get the sense that the team has yet to materially pass on price to the consumer, but it feels inevitable if costs remain elevated," analysts wrote in the note Friday, adding that price increases would likely "disproportionately hit grocery relative to general merchandise."RBC said, however, that Walmart "feels very good" about current price gaps and the margin levers at its disposal, which should allow it to maintain or even widen its competitive positioning.Additionally, the company may get up to $3 billion in tariff refunds, which would give it "somewhat of a war chest for reinvestment -- a potential competitive advantage relative to pure play food retailers, who were less affected by tariffs last year," the note said.RBC Capital Markets has an outperform rating on Walmart and $137 price target.Price: $119.72, Change: $+0.84, Percent Change: +0.71%

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Wire

Walmart Maintains Upbeat Tone, Reinforces Value Strategy, Oppenheimer Says

Walmart (WMT) continues to project an upbeat management tone and remains firmly focused on value and convenience initiatives following recent analyst events in Arkansas, Oppenheimer said in a Monday note.Oppenheimer said management commentary suggested continued strength among upper-income consumers, while shoppers at the lower end remain under pressure, even as commentary from select other consumer companies has softened lately.Walmart remains confident in its competitive positioning despite Kroger moving more aggressively to lower prices, the firm said.Oppenheimer noted that the company is broadening its value offering through widespread price rollbacks across categories such as food, beverages, and electronics, reinforcing its strategy of price leadership.Walmart is also enhancing its private label and assortment strategy by improving branded products, launching new innovations, and expanding convenience services to drive long-term market share gains, the report added.Oppenheimer maintained its outperform rating on the stock with a price target of $140.Shares of Walmart were up 0.9% in Monday trading.Price: $119.99, Change: $+1.11, Percent Change: +0.93%

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Sectors

Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Mixed Late Afternoon

Consumer stocks were mixed late Thursday afternoon, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) decreasing 0.4% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) adding 0.4%.In corporate news, Walmart (WMT) investors voted against a proposal asking the retailer to report on how its use of AI is affecting worker well-being, Reuters reported, citing preliminary voting results from the shareholder meeting. The shareholder proposal was filed by United for Respect, the report said. Walmart shares were up 0.5%.General Motors (GM) has rehired more than 100 members of its Cruise unit's team 18 months after killing off the self-driving vehicle unit, The Information Electric reported, citing Rashed Haq, GM's vice president of autonomous vehicles. GM shares were up 1.9%.Costco (COST) shares rose 0.8% after the company reported net sales of $24.01 billion in May, up from $20.97 billion a year earlier.Hyatt Hotels (H) shares climbed 1.8% after HSBC upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $212 per share.

$COST$GM$H$WMT
Wire

Market Chatter: Walmart Shareholders Reject AI Workforce Report Proposal at Annual Meeting

Walmart (WMT) investors voted against a proposal asking the retailer to report on how its use of artificial intelligence is affecting worker well-being, Reuters reported Thursday, citing preliminary voting results from the shareholder meeting.The shareholder proposal was filed by United for Respect, the report noted.Shareholders also rejected a separate proposal requesting a report on the impact of US immigration policy on Walmart's operations, the report added.Walmart didn't reply immediately to a request for comment from.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $117.53, Change: $+0.64, Percent Change: +0.55%

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Sectors

Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Decline in Afternoon Trading

Consumer stocks were lower Monday afternoon, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) shedding 1.4% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) down 2.1%.In corporate news, MGM Resorts International (MGM) shares jumped past 15% after the firm confirmed that it has received an offer from People Inc. to acquire all MGM shares that it does not already own for $48.30 per share in cash.Taylor Morrison Home (TMHC) shares surged 22% after the homebuilder agreed to be acquired and taken private by conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) in an all-cash deal with an equity value of about $6.8 billion.Walmart (WMT) is capping its staff's usage of an artificial intelligence agent following a period of high demand, Bloomberg reported. The retail giant is now offering a limited amount of "tokens" per worker to use the AI agent, called Code Puppy, which helps employees with spreadsheets and presentations, among other tasks, the report said. Walmart shares were down 1.5%.

$MGM$TMHC$WMT
Wire

Update: Market Chatter: Walmart Limits Staff's Usage of AI Tool After High Demand

(Updates with Walmart's response to a request for comment in the last paragraph.)Walmart (WMT) is capping its staff's usage of an artificial intelligence agent following a period of high demand, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.The retail giant is now offering a limited amount of "tokens" per worker to use the AI agent, called Code Puppy, which helps employees with spreadsheets and presentations, among other tasks, the people reportedly told Bloomberg. Previously, staff had an unlimited amount of tokens, the report said."As AI adoption grows across the company, our approach is to help associates experiment, solve problems and create better experiences for customers and members," a Walmart spokesperson told. "We want associates using AI in ways that create meaningful value, and we are supporting them with the skills and guidance to use the right AI for the right task."(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $113.98, Change: $-1.77, Percent Change: -1.53%

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Wire

Market Chatter: Walmart Limits Staff's Usage of AI Tool After High Demand

Walmart (WMT) is capping its staff's usage of an artificial intelligence agent following a period of high demand, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.The retail giant is now offering a limited amount of "tokens" per worker to use the AI agent, called Code Puppy, which helps employees with spreadsheets and presentations, among other tasks, the people reportedly told Bloomberg. Previously, staff had an unlimited amount of tokens, the report said.Walmart didn't immediately reply to a request for comment from.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $113.81, Change: $-1.94, Percent Change: -1.68%

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Wire

Walmart Limits Staff's Usage of AI Tool After High Demand, Bloomberg Reports

Walmart Limits Staff's Usage of AI Tool After High Demand, Bloomberg Reports

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Wire

Tigress Adjusts Price Target on Walmart to $155 From $150, Maintains Buy Rating

Walmart (WMT) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $140.29, according to analysts polled by FactSet.Price: $116.89, Change: $-2.01, Percent Change: -1.69%

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Wire

Walmart Connect Expands Access to First-Party Data Across Other Platforms

Walmart (WMT) is expanding access to its first-party data through its retail media advertising platform Walmart Connect, the company said Thursday.Advertisers will be able to target Walmart's customer data when they buy media inventory directly in other platforms, according to a statement.Walmart said that the initial launch partners include Yahoo DSP, with VIZIO inventory available on Magnite's platform. More platform partnerships are planned, the company said.Price: $118.27, Change: $-0.27, Percent Change: -0.23%

$WMT
Dollar General, Dollar Tree Face Mounting Pressures Amid Macro Headwinds, Deutsche Bank Says
US Markets

Dollar General, Dollar Tree Face Mounting Pressures Amid Macro Headwinds, Deutsche Bank Says

Dollar General (DG) and Dollar Tree (DLTR) face growing challenges amid mounting energy costs and a tough pricing environment, Deutsche Bank said in a Wednesday note.Dollar Tree is scheduled to release its first-quarter results on Thursday, followed by Dollar General on June 2. Both discount retailers have lost more than 20% each in value so far this year."While it's been a rough few months for shares of (Dollar General) and (Dollar Tree), we are incrementally more cautious not only on the low-end consumer ... but also these models' ability to absorb/mitigate rising energy costs at a time consumers seek affordability," Deutsche Bank analyst Krisztina Katai said.Gasoline and crude oil prices have surged due to supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.Deutsche Bank downgraded its rating on Dollar General to hold from buy, and lowered the price target to $110 from $170.Shares of Dollar General "may be unable to outperform this year as numerous headwinds impact results," Katai said.The biggest challenge is for Dollar General to expand gross margin amid diesel cost pressures, at a time of "a sharp food retail pricing environment" led by major retailers Walmart (WMT), Kroger (KR), and Target (TGT), Katai said.Deutsche Bank reiterated its hold rating on Dollar Tree, with a price target of $99.While discretionary reads have been favorable, Dollar Tree is "at risk of losing share given value perception challenges with the rapid expansion of multi-price, and increased reliance on holidays/occasions to drive traffic/sales," Katai said. "Moreover, this plays out against a backdrop of rising costs."Price: $104.95, Change: $+1.34, Percent Change: +1.29%

$DG$DLTR$KR$TGT$WMT
Insider Trading

Walmart Insider Sold Shares Worth $359,368, According to a Recent SEC Filing

Christopher James Nicholas, Executive Vice President, on May 21, 2026, sold 2,900 shares in Walmart (WMT) for $359,368. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Nicholas has control over a total of 577,853 common shares of the company, with 577,853 shares held directly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/104169/000199280826000018/xslF345X05/wk-form4_1779482929.xml

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Insider Trading

Walmart Insider Sold Shares Worth $1,628,574, According to a Recent SEC Filing

John R. Furner, Director, President & CEO, on May 21, 2026, sold 13,125 shares in Walmart (WMT) for $1,628,574. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Furner has control over a total of 799,550 common shares of the company, with 661,037 shares held directly and 138,512 controlled indirectly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/104169/000169673726000016/xslF345X05/wk-form4_1779482974.xml

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Wire

Walmart's Q1 Offered Compelling Data Points That Strengthen Bull Case on 2nd P&L Thesis, UBS Says

Walmart's (WMT) Q1 offered compelling data points that strengthen the bull case on the 2nd P&L thesis, even as the company fell short against the heightened expectations for the quarter, UBS said in a research note.The retailer's ecommerce growth rate is sustaining at mid-20% and more, with the company investing in distribution capabilities that look to bolster its competitive advantage, according to the Thursday note.Walmart's key alternative revenue streams of marketplace and advertising are accelerating ahead of expectations, UBS said, adding that it believes there's a long growth runway in these businesses that will lead to significant margin expansion over time.Noting that the company was able to internalize $175 million of incremental fuel costs and still posted 30 basis points of US gross margin in Q1, UBS said that "contribution from these lucrative streams will move from mitigating any exogenous drawback to more than compensating for them."UBS lowered its price target to $141 from $147 and maintained its buy rating on the company's stock.Price: $120.19, Change: $-1.15, Percent Change: -0.95%

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Wire

Walmart Growth Resilient as Exogenous Factors Mask Underlying Bright Spots, RBC Says

Walmart (WMT) continues to show strong core business trends despite near-term headwinds, with exogenous factors such as higher fuel costs masking underlying bright spots, RBC Capital Markets said in a Thursday note.Higher fuel costs weighed on near-term margins, but the company's decision to absorb them is supporting competitiveness and market share gains, while strong performance continued across Walmart US, Sam's Club, and international operations, driven by e-commerce growth and improving unit economics, according to the report.RBC noted that Walmart's guidance of 4% to 5% Q2 constant currency sales growth and adjusted earnings per share of $0.72 to $0.74, and fiscal 2027 sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% and EPS of $2.75 to $2.85 was below expectations, while highlighting that fuel costs and consumer pressure continue to weigh on near-term profitability assumptions.Earnings drivers include advertising, membership income, and international growth, with muted inflation and e-commerce initiatives such as faster delivery, marketplace expansion, and AI tools supporting long-term operating leverage, the report added.RBC maintained its outperform rating on the stock while lowering its price target to $137 from $140.Price: $119.77, Change: $-1.57, Percent Change: -1.29%

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Wire

Update: BofA Securities Cuts Price Target on Walmart to $144 From $150, Maintains Buy Rating

(Updated with BofA's commentary).BofA Securities lowered its price target on Walmart (WMT) to $144 from $150, while defending the stock on the pullback following its fiscal Q1 results.Walmart's share gains are expected to accelerate with a price-conscious consumer and drive a return to a beat/raise cycle assuming the freight environment doesn't worsen, analyst Christopher Nardone wrote in a Thursday note.There is continued strength expected in e-commerce and alternative revenue streams, and expects membership to accelerate given focus on value, improving delivery speeds, and gas saving, Nardone said.Walmart has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $140.37, according to analysts polled by FactSet.Price: $119.53, Change: $-1.82, Percent Change: -1.50%

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Wire

BofA Securities Cuts Price Target on Walmart to $144 From $150, Maintains Buy Rating

Walmart (WMT) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $140.37, according to analysts polled by FactSet.Price: $119.99, Change: $-1.36, Percent Change: -1.12%

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Dow Hits Record High Despite Nvidia's Decline; Oil Prices Fall
US Markets

Dow Hits Record High Despite Nvidia's Decline; Oil Prices Fall

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time peak on Thursday even as Nvidia's (NVDA) shares declined, while oil prices headed for their third straight day of decline.The Dow rose 0.6% to settle at 50,285.7, logging a record closing high and marking the second consecutive day of gains. The S&P 500 added 0.2% to 7,445.7, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.1% to 26,293.1. Most sectors ended in the green, led by utilities, while consumer staples saw the biggest drop.Shares of Nvidia fell 1.8%, the third-worst performer on the Dow.The chipmaking giant late Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter revenue above Wall Street's estimates as data center sales outperformed expectations amid an artificial intelligence boom.For the current quarter, Nvidia said it anticipates revenue of $91 billion, plus or minus 2%. The consensus indicated $87.29 billion."Nvidia has become so important that good is not enough," Saxo Bank said in a report. "Investors want proof that the cycle extends into 2027 and beyond, that margins can stay high, and that customers are not simply ordering ahead before the next chip transition."West Texas Intermediate crude oil was last down 0.3% at $97.82 a barrel and Brent fell 0.5% to $104.55, both on course for their third consecutive decline."The oil market remains overly sensitive to Iran-related headlines, with participants continuing to pin considerable hope on reports that talks between the US and Iran are progressing," ING Bank said in a report."We've been in this situation multiple times before, which ultimately led to disappointment," ING said. "Yet the market is still reactive, likely reflecting the significance of ongoing supply disruptions."Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a directive that the country's uranium should remain within the country, Reuters reported Thursday, citing two senior Iranian sources.President Donald Trump reportedly said Thursday that the US will eventually recover Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Retrieving the uranium is a key objective of Trump's war on Iran.Trump told reporters on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran had reached the final stages, though he warned of further attacks if Tehran backed out, according to several media outlets.Iran is discussing setting up a permanent toll system with Oman to formalize its control of the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg News reported Thursday.Treasury yields were mixed, with the two-year rate last up 1.1 basis points at 4.08% and the 10-year yield rate falling 2.3 basis points to 4.57%.Switching to monetary policy, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said lifting interest rates may not be an appropriate response to curb price pressures."Raising rates to weaken demand doesn't address the root cause behind supply shock-driven inflation. It doesn't free up trade routes, reopen factories or melt ice," he said in prepared remarks for an event in North Carolina. "That said, I've been asking myself whether we've entered an era where supply shocks will become more frequent.""With inflation above our 2% target for over five years now, it's worth asking whether the cumulative impact of so many waves risks loosening the anchor," Barkin said.At their April policy meeting, Federal Reserve officials flagged the possibility of higher interest rates if the Middle East conflict drags on and keeps inflation above the 2% goal, minutes from the meeting showed on Wednesday.In other corporate news, Ralph Lauren (RL) jumped nearly 14%, the top gainer on the S&P 500. The luxury apparel maker outlined a full-year revenue guidance that implied a slowdown annually, while the company reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results.Spotify (SPOT) advanced 13% after the audio-streaming platform outlined its long-term financial targets and signed licensing agreements with Universal Music Group for fan-made remixes.Walmart (WMT) shares slumped 7.3%, the steepest decline on the Dow and third-biggest on the S&P 500. The retail giant issued a fiscal second-quarter earnings outlook below market estimates, while it reported better-than-expected revenue in the previous three-month period.Intuit's (INTU) stock plunged 20%, the worst performer on the S&P 500. The financial technology platform late Wednesday reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results and disclosed plans to reduce its workforce by about 17%.Deere's (DE) fiscal second-quarter results exceeded analysts' expectations, while the company on Thursday affirmed its soft full-year earnings outlook amid continued pressure in global agricultural markets. The stock lost 5.2%, among the worst performers on the S&P 500.Gold was last up 0.2% at $4,544.70 per troy ounce, while silver rose 1.1% to $77.01 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$DE$INTU$NVDA$RL$SPOT$WMT
Sectors

Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Mixed Late Afternoon

Consumer stocks were mixed late Thursday afternoon, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) decreasing 1% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) adding 0.7%.In corporate news, Stellantis (STLA) is targeting revenue of 190 billion euros ($220.8 billion) by 2030, versus 154 billion euros in 2025. The shares eased 0.1%.Walmart (WMT) issued a fiscal Q2 earnings outlook below market estimates after reporting better-than-expected revenue in Q1. The shares fell 6.8%.Ralph Lauren (RL) outlined full-year revenue guidance implying a slowdown after reporting better-than-expected fiscal Q4 results. The shares jumped 14%.Advance Auto Parts (AAP) cautioned that demand for auto parts and vehicle maintenance may fluctuate amid high gasoline prices after Q1 results came in stronger than expected. The shares rose 14%.

$AAP$RL$STLA$WMT

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