Walmart to Announce Earnings Before Market Opens: Key Expectations

• Walmart previously guided full-year net sales growth between 4.8% and 5.1%, with investors seeking clarity on future priorities under new leadership
• The earnings report will provide a snapshot of U.S. consumer health amid mixed economic signals including tax cuts, inflation concerns, and potential tariff impacts
• Walmart is expected to lose its title as largest retailer by annual revenue to Amazon, though its stock market value recently topped $700 billion after a December stock split

Walmart Q4 Earnings Preview: New Leadership and AI Focus

Walmart will report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings Thursday before market open, marking the first results under new CEO John Furner, who assumed the role on February 1st after spending over three decades with the company.

Key Expectations:

• Earnings per share: Not specified in article
• Revenue: $190.43 billion expected
• Full-year net sales growth: 4.8% to 5.1% (guidance from November)

Strategic Developments:

Walmart has recently announced partnerships with AI chatbots, including Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, signaling a push toward digital transformation. The company's stock underwent a stock split in December, and its market value has expanded significantly. As of Wednesday's close, shares reflected strong investor confidence.

Leadership Priorities:

CEO Furner is expected to continue predecessor's strategy: expanding online business, attracting customers across all income levels, and growing higher-margin segments like third-party marketplace and advertising operations.

Market Context:

The earnings report provides crucial insight into U.S. consumer health, especially as Walmart kicks off retail earnings season ahead of Target and Home Depot. Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane notes potential tailwinds from tax cuts in President Trump's recent legislation, which may boost discretionary spending among middle-income consumers.

However, mixed economic signals persist, including inflation concerns, labor market uncertainty, and AI-driven workforce reductions. Tariff impacts on pricing remain a key investor focus.

Notable Milestone:

Walmart is expected to lose its title as largest retailer by annual revenue to Amazon, which has already surpassed Walmart on a trailing basis through its diversified business model including cloud computing and advertising.