Keep an eye on Walmart (SYM: WMT).
After a recent dip to $77.49, the stock is just starting to pivot higher again. Last trading at $80.33, we’d like to see it test $85 initially.
Helping, analysts at Truist just upgraded the retailer stock to a buy rating, noting that “Walmart continues to gain share across income levels, due to its focus on price, convenience and assortment. Our work suggests that the company is increasingly using its rapidly growing, higher-margin revenue streams like advertising, membership and marketplace to both expand price gaps/gain share and structurally push margins higher,” as quoted by MarketWatch.com.
Recent earnings haven’t been too shabby either.
In its second quarter, the company’s EPS of 67 cents beat by two cents. Revenue of $169.3 billion, up 4.7% year over year, beat by $386.55 million.
“Looking ahead, the Company issues guidance for Q3 and raises its outlook for FY25. For Q3, net sales are expected to grow 3.25% to 4.25% vs. estimated growth of 3.88% Y/Y and operating income to grow 3.0% to 4.5% in constant currency. For FY25, net sales are expected to grow 3.75% to 4.75% (prior High-end or slightly above original guidance +3%-4%) vs. estimated growth of 4.68% Y/Y and adjusted operating income to grow 6.5% to 8.0% cc,” as noted in the company’s earnings release.