Walmart Rises 1.12% to 34th in Market Activity, 52-Year Dividend Streak and 7.5% Earnings Growth Seen

Walmart (WMT) rose 1.12% on August 4, with a trading volume of 1.9 billion shares, ranking 34th in market activity. The retail giant is set to report Q2 earnings on August 21, with analysts expecting a 7.5% year-over-year earnings increase. Recent Q1 results showed $165.6 billion in revenue and 1.7% higher adjusted earnings per share, driven by 22% global e-commerce growth. Same-store sales in the U.S. and Sam’s Club rose 4.5% and 6.7%, respectively, excluding fuel. Despite tariffs and pricing pressures, Walmart’s 52-year dividend-increase streak and 34% payout ratio underscore its resilience.

Management highlighted the company’s ability to gain market share during economic downturns but warned of near-term risks from unpredictable U.S. trade policies. The VIZIO acquisition is projected to add 20 basis points to Q2 sales, though earnings guidance remains withheld. Analysts maintain a “Strong Buy” consensus, with a $110.86 average price target implying 12.5% upside. Over the past decade, WMT has outperformed the S&P 500, rising 356% compared to the index’s 216% gain, reflecting its recession-resistant model and consistent performance.

A backtest of a strategy purchasing the top 500 high-volume stocks and holding for one day returned 166.71% from 2022 to present, outperforming the benchmark by 137.53%. This highlights liquidity concentration’s role in short-term gains, particularly in volatile markets. Walmart’s focus on digital expansion, store modernization, and strong cash flow positions it to capitalize on such dynamics as it navigates macroeconomic headwinds.