ZACKSยท2025-11-20 17:36Core Insights - Walmart's Q3 earnings report demonstrates strong performance, surpassing analyst expectations in both revenue and earnings, indicating resilience in consumer demand for value and essentials [5][6][19] Financial Performance - Walmart reported total revenue of $179.5 billion, a 5.8% increase year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $177.14 billion by 1.3% [5] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.62, slightly above the projected $0.61, with a year-over-year growth of 6.9% [6] - Comparable sales in Walmart U.S. rose 4.5% (ex-fuel), supported by a 1.8% increase in transactions and a 2.7% uptick in average ticket [7] E-commerce and Membership Growth - Global e-commerce sales surged 27%, driven by store-fulfilled pickup, delivery, and marketplace expansions [8] - Membership income increased by 16.7%, indicating strong consumer engagement [8] Consumer Trends - Consumer spending focused on value, with notable strength in groceries, health and wellness, and private brands, alongside modest gains in general merchandise [9] - Global weekly visits exceeded 270 million, with higher-income households contributing to incremental gains [9] Future Outlook - Walmart raised its fiscal 2026 outlook, expecting net sales growth of 4.8%-5.1% and adjusted EPS of $2.58-$2.63 [10] - The company is emphasizing deeper discounts and broader savings on essential items to attract budget-conscious consumers [11] Strategic Moves - Walmart announced its transfer to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, aligning with its focus on technology and innovation [16][17] - The move may enhance liquidity and visibility among tech-savvy investors, coinciding with strong Q3 results and an upward revision to FY2026 guidance [18][19] Industry Context - Walmart's performance contrasts with competitors like Target, which faced weak sales, highlighting a bifurcated retail landscape where value-oriented retailers thrive [13][14]