Key Highlights
- Walmart shares reached a record peak of $134.71, representing a 37% surge over the last 12 months
- Market expectations indicate a potential 5% price movement following Thursday’s quarterly earnings announcement
- First-quarter revenue forecast stands at $174.94 billion, marking approximately 6% annual growth; earnings per share anticipated at 66 cents
- Digital commerce revenue is estimated to have expanded roughly 22% during the period
- Wall Street analysts maintain an average price objective slightly over $140, with 10 of 11 experts recommending purchase
Shares of Walmart reached an unprecedented peak of $134.71 during Monday’s trading session, as market participants strategically position themselves before the company’s quarterly financial disclosure scheduled for Thursday prior to market opening.
The retail giant’s shares have climbed approximately 20% year-to-date, establishing it as one of the top-performing mega-cap retail stocks in 2025.
Current options market data suggests traders are anticipating a potential swing of up to 5% in either direction before week’s end. A positive 5% movement would propel WMT beyond $139 — exceeding its February high. Conversely, a negative 5% shift would bring shares down to approximately $127.
This upcoming quarterly report marks the inaugural earnings announcement under the leadership of newly appointed CEO John Furner, who assumed the role in February. The earnings call will provide Furner with his first opportunity to communicate his strategic vision for the retail behemoth.
Financial analysts project first-quarter revenue to reach $174.94 billion, representing nearly 6% year-over-year expansion, per Visible Alpha consensus data. Adjusted earnings per share are anticipated at 66 cents, reflecting a 5-cent increase compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
Comparable store sales growth is forecasted at 3.8%, while online sales are expected to have jumped approximately 22%.
Wall Street’s Perspective
Analyst opinion strongly favors Walmart heading into earnings. Among the 11 analysts monitored by Visible Alpha, 10 recommend buying the stock while one maintains a neutral stance. The consensus price target rests just above the $140 mark.
UBS continues its Buy recommendation with a $147 price objective, while TD Cowen elevated its target to $150, also maintaining a Buy rating. KeyBanc reaffirmed its Overweight stance, highlighting the company’s market share expansion.
Oppenheimer anticipates a respectable quarter but believes Walmart will probably maintain its current full-year outlook unchanged, considering that high fuel prices may continue.
Morgan Stanley indicates Walmart is strategically positioned to capitalize on value-seeking consumers as inflationary pressures constrain household spending power.
The Inflationary Environment
Elevated price levels have served as an unexpected advantage for Walmart. As an increasing number of American shoppers prioritize value, customer traffic and purchase volumes have remained more resilient at Walmart compared to premium-priced competitors.
This reporting period arrives as inflation and energy costs stay elevated, partially attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions including the Iran conflict. Financial results from Walmart and fellow retailers this week could provide valuable insight into consumer spending behavior under current economic conditions.
Walmart has consistently increased its dividend payment for 31 straight years. The stock currently carries a P/E ratio of 49.11, which InvestingPro identifies as elevated compared to its calculated Fair Value assessment.
The corporation’s market capitalization presently stands at $1.07 trillion.
