Walmart's 0.91% Surge on 46th-Ranked Volume Driven by Analyst Upgrades and Institutional Bets Amid Tariff Warnings

On August 29, 2025, Walmart (WMT) rose 0.91% with a trading volume of $1.51 billion, ranking 46th in market activity. Analysts have increasingly signaled confidence in the stock, with Goldman Sachs upgrading its price target to $114 from $101, maintaining a “buy” rating. Other firms, including Evercore ISI, Robert W. Baird, and Oppenheimer, also raised price targets, reflecting a consensus of optimism. Institutional investors, such as Gerber Kawasaki and Eagle Capital, bolstered their positions in the first and fourth quarters, with Gerber Kawasaki increasing holdings by 34.6% to $3.35 million and Eagle Capital adding 9.1% to $349,000. These moves underscore institutional confidence in Walmart’s long-term resilience amid a competitive retail landscape.

The company’s latest quarterly earnings showed a 4.8% year-over-year revenue increase, though it fell short of EPS estimates by $0.06. Analysts highlighted Walmart’s continued dominance in the consumer staples sector despite short-term challenges. Forward guidance for Q3 2026 (EPS $0.58–$0.60) exceeded expectations, providing clarity on near-term performance. However, CEO Doug McMillon warned of rising tariff-driven costs, which could pressure margins. Despite these concerns, the stock’s recent performance suggests investors are prioritizing its strong market position and earnings trajectory over near-term risks.

Backtest results indicate that Walmart’s shares declined after a Q2 earnings miss and tariff-related warnings but rebounded on upgraded analyst ratings and positive institutional activity. The stock’s 0.91% gain on August 29 aligns with a broader pattern of volatility driven by mixed earnings and cost pressures, yet remains supported by bullish analyst sentiment and stake-building by major investors.