Group 1 - President Trump urged Walmart to absorb the costs of tariffs instead of passing them onto consumers, stating that the retailer should "EAT THE TARIFFS" [1][4] - Walmart's CFO, John David Rainey, expressed concerns that the increase in tariffs is too high for suppliers to absorb, leading to potential price increases for consumers by late May and more significantly in June [2] - Walmart CEO Doug McMillon indicated that tariffs on imports from countries like Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica are affecting prices of certain products, including bananas, avocados, and coffee, but assured that food prices would not be pressured by tariff-related costs on general merchandise [3] Group 2 - Other companies, such as Foxconn and Toyota, have also warned about the impacts of tariffs, with Foxconn downgrading its growth outlook and Toyota estimating a $1.25 billion profit loss due to U.S. tariffs [4] - Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, which increase costs for importing companies, leading them to raise retail prices to maintain margins [5] - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has been exacerbated by President Trump's fluctuating tariff policies, which have included rates as high as 145% on Chinese goods, contributing to market volatility and inflation concerns [7]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart's stock is poised for significant movement due to strong underlying factors, market positioning, and positive analyst sentiment ahead of the FQ1 2026 earnings report [1] Financial Performance - Walmart's Q1 results showed a 2.5% revenue increase, driven by digital sales, U.S. comps, and Sam's Club [5] - U.S. Walmart sales grew by 3.2% on a 4.5% comp, while international sales remained flat [6] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.61, reflecting a 1.6% growth rate compared to the previous year [7] - Operating cash flow increased by 25%, and free cash flow turned positive at $0.4 billion, a significant improvement from last year's negative figure [8] Guidance and Market Sentiment - Walmart reaffirmed its revenue growth forecast of 3.5% for the year, with expectations of stronger performance in the first half [4] - Analysts maintain a bullish sentiment, with a price target of $103.94, indicating an 8.61% upside potential [5] - The company’s capital return strategy, including dividends and share buybacks, supports positive market sentiment [9] Dividend and Capital Management - Walmart has a dividend yield of 0.98% and a history of increasing dividends for 53 years, with a payout ratio of 39% [9] - The company raised some cash through debt in Q1, but the overall cash balance remains stable, and leverage is low [10] Stock Price Action - Following the earnings release, Walmart's stock experienced mixed price action, indicating potential near-term volatility [11] - Critical support is identified at the 30-day EMA near $94.50, while resistance is near $100, with potential for a 10% to 20% upswing if surpassed [12]

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with revenues and earnings growing year over year, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimate [1][4] - The company is focusing on operational efficiency while enhancing customer experiences through e-commerce and new ventures [1][5] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 1.7% to 61 cents, beating the consensus estimate of 57 cents [3] - Total revenues rose 2.5% year over year to $165.61 billion, with a constant-currency growth of 4% [4] - Operating income increased by 4.3% year over year to $7.1 billion, supported by sales growth and higher membership income [8] E-commerce and New Ventures - Global e-commerce sales surged 22%, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services [5] - Membership income increased by 14.8%, while the global advertising business advanced by 50% [5] Segment Performance - Walmart U.S. net sales grew 3.2% to $112.2 billion, with e-commerce sales rising 21% [9] - Walmart International segment's net sales decreased by 0.3% to $29.8 billion, but increased by 7.8% on a constant-currency basis [11] - Sam's Club U.S. net sales increased by 5.5% to $19.7 billion, with e-commerce sales jumping 27% [14][15] Operational Metrics - Consolidated gross profit margin expanded by 12 basis points to 24.2% [6] - Operating expenses deleveraged by 6 basis points due to increased costs in various areas [7] Future Guidance - For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Walmart expects consolidated net sales growth of 3.5-4.5% [19] - Full-year guidance includes expected consolidated net sales growth of 3-4% and adjusted EPS in the range of $2.50-$2.60 [20] Stock and Cash Position - As of the end of the quarter, Walmart had cash and cash equivalents of $9.3 billion and total debt of $52.9 billion [16] - Share repurchases amounted to $4.6 billion, with a remaining authorization of $7.5 billion [17]

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Viewpoint - Walmart plans to increase prices due to the impact of tariffs on goods, indicating that the magnitude and speed of these price hikes could be unprecedented in history [1][2]. Price Increases - The company has already begun raising prices on certain items, such as bananas, which increased from 50 cents to 54 cents per pound [1]. - Walmart's Chief Financial Officer, John David Rainey, warned that consumers will see higher prices "towards the tail end of this month, and then certainly much more in June" due to the tariffs [3]. Financial Performance - Despite the challenging environment, Walmart reported strong sales, with US same-store sales increasing by 4.5% and Sam's Club by 6.7% for the three months ending May 2 [7]. - E-commerce sales in the US rose by 21%, marking the 12th consecutive double-digit gain, while global online sales increased by 22% year-over-year [7]. - However, net income fell to $4.49 billion, or 56 cents per share, down from $5.10 billion, or 63 cents per share, in the same period last year, and revenue rose about 2.5% to $161.5 billion, missing expectations of $165.84 billion [9]. Market Positioning - The company plans to absorb some tariff costs to maintain competitive pricing against rivals [4][8]. - Walmart has not canceled any orders but has reduced the size of some purchases in anticipation of customer pullback due to tariffs [11]. - The retailer expects to gain market share during the trade war, as more high-income households chose Walmart for groceries in the previous quarter [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company grew sales by 4% and profit by 3% in constant currency [7] - Consolidated revenue increased by 4% in constant currency, despite currency headwinds reducing reported sales results by $2.4 billion [25] - Adjusted operating income grew by 3% in constant currency, with adjusted EPS of 61 cents, higher than the guided range [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Walmart US comp sales grew by 4.5%, aided by strong e-commerce sales growth of 21% [26] - Sam's Club US comp sales, excluding fuel, increased nearly 7%, with e-commerce growing by 27% [29] - International business sales grew by 7.8% in constant currency, driven by strength in China and Flipkart [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce globally grew by 22%, with each segment delivering growth of at least 20% [8] - In international markets, items delivered same or next day increased by 35%, with about 45% delivered in under three hours [28] - The number of deliveries in less than three hours for Walmart US grew by 91% year-on-year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving e-commerce growth and reshaping its business model for higher profitability [9] - The strategy includes managing inventory effectively and navigating tariff impacts while maintaining low prices [11][21] - The company aims to grow profit faster than sales, with a commitment to diversifying income streams through advertising and membership [19][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating cost pressures from tariffs and maintaining profitability [21][39] - The company anticipates that economic uncertainty may provide opportunities to gain market share [37] - Management emphasized the importance of managing inventory well in a dynamic environment [46] Other Important Information - The company achieved e-commerce profitability for the first time on a global basis [30] - Membership fee income grew nearly 15% across the enterprise, with strong growth in Sam's Club and Walmart Plus memberships [31][32] - The company repurchased $4.6 billion in stock during the first quarter, equivalent to the total for the previous year [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: E-commerce profitability and future margins - Management highlighted that e-commerce profitability was achieved globally, driven by network densification and reduced delivery costs [51][52] Question: Balancing investments and profit growth - Management stated that they are striking the right balance between investment and profit growth, with a focus on diversifying income streams [70][71] Question: Consumer behavior across income levels - Management noted growth across all income cohorts, with a focus on value and speed of delivery [75][76] Question: Capital allocation and automation investment - Management confirmed that CapEx will remain in the range of 3% to 3.5% of sales, with a focus on long-term returns [85][86] Question: Strength in advertising and integration of Vizio - Management reported strong growth in Walmart Connect and highlighted the ongoing integration of Vizio [91][92] Question: Impact of tariffs on inventory planning - Management emphasized the importance of managing replenishable items and adjusting inventory based on tariff assumptions [106][107]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company reported a sales growth of 4% and profit growth of 3% in constant currency [6] - International sales increased by 7.8%, with e-commerce growing globally by 22% [6][25] - Consolidated revenue increased by 4% in constant currency, despite currency headwinds reducing reported sales by $2.4 billion [25] - Adjusted operating income grew by 3% in constant currency, with adjusted EPS of 61¢ exceeding the guided range [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Walmart US comp sales grew by 4.5%, driven by strong e-commerce sales growth of 21% [26] - Health and wellness sales increased in the high teens, while general merchandise sales saw a slight decline [26] - Sam's Club US comp sales, excluding fuel, increased nearly 7%, with e-commerce growing by 27% [28] - The advertising business across markets increased by 50%, with Walmart Connect in the US growing by 31% [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international business saw a sales growth of 7.8% in constant currency, particularly strong in China and Flipkart [27] - Items delivered same or next day in international markets increased by 35%, with about 45% delivered in under three hours [27] - The company reported that over 50% of Sam's Club members now transact digitally [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving e-commerce growth and enhancing delivery speed, aiming to reach 95% of the US population with delivery options of three hours or less [8] - The strategy includes diversifying profit streams through e-commerce, advertising, and membership, with a commitment to grow profit faster than sales [19][36] - The company plans to continue investing in automation, store growth, and technology, while managing costs associated with tariffs [34][85] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating cost pressures from tariffs and maintaining profitability despite challenges [21][36] - The company anticipates that the current economic environment will not alter its long-term financial framework [36][95] - Management highlighted the importance of managing inventory effectively in a dynamic environment, particularly in light of tariff impacts [104] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $4.6 billion in stock during the first quarter, equivalent to the total share repurchases for the previous year [35] - The company expects capital expenditures to be in the range of 3% to 3.5% of sales for the fiscal year [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: E-commerce profitability and future margins - Management noted that e-commerce achieved profitability for the first time, driven by network densification and reduced delivery costs [50][51] Question: Balancing investments and profit growth - Management emphasized the importance of growing profit faster than sales while remaining open to increasing investments as needed [66] Question: Consumer behavior across income levels - Management reported growth across all income cohorts, with a focus on value and convenience for customers [73][78] Question: Capital allocation and share buybacks - Management confirmed a commitment to share buybacks in response to price dislocations, while balancing investments and dividends [85] Question: Impact of tariffs on marketplace sellers - Management indicated that inventory is flowing well and that tools have been developed to assist sellers in managing their inventory effectively [107]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., has indicated potential price increases due to tariff uncertainties, despite meeting Wall Street expectations for its first quarter results [1][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Walmart reported revenue of $165.6 billion, aligning with expectations, and adjusted earnings per share slightly exceeded Wall Street forecasts [6]. - The company anticipates net sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% in the second quarter and expects full-year net sales to grow by 3% to 4% [10]. Group 2: E-commerce and Store Performance - For the first time, Walmart's e-commerce business achieved profitability for a full quarter, with e-commerce sales growing by 22% [7]. - Sales at U.S. stores open for at least a year increased by 4.5%, driven by strong growth in health and grocery segments [7]. Group 3: Tariff Impact and Strategic Response - Walmart's CEO expressed that the company cannot absorb all the pressure from tariffs due to narrow retail margins, indicating a need for potential price hikes [1]. - The company plans to make strategic investments to enhance its value proposition despite tariff uncertainties [2]. - A recent meeting between Walmart's CEO and President Trump was described as productive, focusing on trade negotiations and tariff impacts [5]. Group 4: Product Category Performance - The company experienced weakness in the general merchandise category, particularly in electronics, home, and sporting goods, but this was offset by strong sales in toys, automotive, and kids' apparel [8].

Financial Performance - Q1 FY26 - Total revenues reached $165.6 billion, including a negative impact of $2.4 billion from currency fluctuations[12] - Total revenues (cc) increased +4.0%[12] - Adjusted operating income (cc) of $7.3 billion, up +3.0%[23] - Adjusted EPS of $0.61, up 1.7%[28] - Operating cash flow increased $1.2 billion[37] - Free cash flow increased $0.9 billion[37] Segment Performance - Walmart U.S net sales were $112.2 billion, +3.2%; eCommerce +21%[49] - Walmart International net sales (cc) were $32.1 billion, +7.8%[59] - Sam's Club U.S net sales were $22.1 billion, +2.9%, Net sales without fuel +5.5%, eCommerce +27%[92] Guidance - Q2 FY26 net sales (cc) are expected to increase 3.5% to 4.5%, including approximately 20 bps tailwind from the acquisition of VIZIO[5] - FY26 net sales are expected to increase 3.0% to 4.0%, including approximately 20 bps tailwind from the acquisition of VIZIO[7] - FY26 adjusted operating income is expected to increase 3.5% to 5.5%[7]

Target's former chief diversity officer is weighing in on the backlash the retailer has faced over its rollback of DEI policies. Caroline Wanga, who left Target in 2020 and is now CEO of Essence, told NBC's Today show on Friday that Target "didn't walk away from DEI. They trained it.""If you do this thing right, you create a way that gives goals that can be measured to incent people into the behavior," she said. "Eventually the goal goes away because the behavior is embedded and you pick the next thing." ...