Core Insights - Walmart Inc.'s International business showed strong performance in Q2 fiscal 2026, with sales increasing by 10.5% year over year in constant currency to $32.7 billion, driven by significant growth in China, Walmex, and Flipkart [1][9] Group 1: Regional Performance - China was the standout market, achieving a remarkable 30.1% growth in constant currency, with over half of sales coming from digital channels, reflecting Walmart's effective integration of physical and online sales [2][9] - Walmex experienced a 6.1% growth, supported by increased customer traffic and strong e-commerce adoption, particularly through pickup and delivery services, alongside festive sales and new store openings [3][9] - Flipkart contributed to growth with a solid performance in marketplace and advertising, leading to a 22% increase in international e-commerce sales, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery [4][9] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Operating income in constant currency decreased by 2.8% as Walmart continued to invest in technology and growth initiatives in key markets like India, Canada, and Mexico, yet the sales momentum across international markets highlighted the segment's importance in Walmart's overall growth [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a projected year-over-year sales growth of 4% and earnings per share growth of 3.6% for the current financial year [10] Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - Walmart's stock has performed well, with shares rising 32% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 25.4%, while competitors like Costco and Target showed varied performance [6] - The forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for Walmart is 37.93, which is higher than the industry average of 33.04, indicating a premium valuation compared to Target but a discount relative to Costco [7]

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. is recognized as one of the 11 Most Profitable Blue Chip Stocks to buy, highlighting its strong profitability and significant upside potential [1][2]. Financial Performance - KeyBanc Capital Markets maintains an Overweight rating on Walmart with a price target of $110, citing the company's solid performance across retail, membership, advertising, and fulfillment [2][3]. - Walmart reported annual revenue of $693 billion and a gross profit margin of 24.9%, which are key factors contributing to its sales and market share growth despite a net price inflation of 1.1% in the second quarter [3]. Strategic Developments - Walmart-owned PhonePe has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) worth approximately 120 billion rupees, indicating Walmart's ongoing expansion in global markets and digital banking services [4]. - The company's diversified growth strategy is reinforced by its ability to balance core retail strengths with high-potential alternative businesses [4]. Operational Overview - Walmart operates a variety of platforms including mobile applications, e-commerce websites, and retail locations worldwide, encompassing Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club [5].

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. is set to report its second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on August 21, with investors weighing the decision to buy or hold the stock ahead of the report [1] - The company has established a strong position in global retail through a diversified business model and omnichannel strategy, supported by steady traffic growth and expanding high-margin businesses [2] Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal second-quarter revenues is $175.5 billion, reflecting a 3.7% increase year-over-year, while the earnings per share (EPS) estimate has risen to 73 cents, indicating a 9% growth from the previous year [3][10] - Walmart has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 5.3%, with the last quarter's earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7% [6] Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model predicts a likely earnings beat for Walmart, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +1.26% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7][8] Growth Drivers - Walmart's growth is bolstered by its delivery speed, marketplace scale, and e-commerce strength, with a projected 4% increase in U.S. comparable sales and a 4.9% rise in Sam's Club U.S. comps for the fiscal second quarter [10][12] - E-commerce is a significant growth catalyst, with Walmart targeting 95% of the U.S. population for three-hour delivery options, enhancing convenience and profitability [13] - High-margin businesses, including membership and advertising, are diversifying revenue streams and providing earnings stability [14] International Expansion - Strong performances in international markets, particularly in China and Flipkart, highlight Walmart's ability to tap into high-potential regions and diversify geographic risks [15] Valuation Analysis - Walmart's stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 36.56, above the industry average of 33.34, indicating a relatively expensive valuation compared to peers like Kroger and Target [17][18] - Over the past three months, Walmart's stock has gained 5%, outperforming the industry growth of 4.2% but underperforming key peers like Target, which gained 13.3% [20][22] Investment Consideration - Walmart's broad retail reach, integration of physical and digital channels, and expanding profit streams present a solid buying opportunity ahead of its fiscal second-quarter earnings release, despite the premium valuation [23][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Walmart International generates over $120 billion in net sales with $5.5 billion in EBIT, making it a significant segment for the company [3] - The company aims to reach a $200 billion GMV segment by 2028 and double its profit while increasing e-commerce penetration [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce accounts for nearly 25% of international net sales, with over 50% of sales in China being online [20] - The international segment is positioned as a growth driver for the enterprise, contributing positively to both top and bottom lines [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - High growth markets identified include India, Mexico, and China, with a focus on unlocking omnichannel retail opportunities [8] - In India, e-commerce penetration is only about 9%, indicating significant growth potential [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term goal for the international business includes entering new markets and growing profitability in existing ones [7] - The company is exploring marketplace entry strategies rather than traditional brick-and-mortar approaches [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasizes the importance of learning from past divestitures to strengthen the current portfolio [11] - The company is adapting its supply chain to build resiliency and diversify manufacturing bases in response to global challenges [18] Other Important Information - Walmart is focusing on digital inclusion in Mexico through initiatives like the Byte business, which offers digital connectivity at a discount [57] - The company is leveraging learnings from international markets to enhance its offerings and operational strategies [64] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are Walmart's long-term goals for the international business? - The company aims to curate high-growth markets and unlock omnichannel retail opportunities while remaining open to new market entries [8][9] Question: How does Walmart plan to improve profitability in international markets? - Management highlighted ambitions to double profits and increase e-commerce penetration while maintaining a focus on growth [14][15] Question: What challenges is Walmart facing in Mexico? - The company is addressing digital inclusion and competition while focusing on building a rich ecosystem for customer engagement [60][59] Question: How is Walmart adapting its supply chain in the current environment? - The company is building resiliency in its supply chain and diversifying manufacturing locations to mitigate risks [18][66] Question: What can be learned from the success of e-commerce in China? - Management noted the importance of quick delivery models and adapting successful strategies from China to other markets like India [44][45]