Walmart Posts 2.5% Revenue Growth, Beats Q1 Earnings Expectations
1min read Walmart, the world's largest retailer, reported better-than-expected earnings for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, maintaining its full-year performance outlook. The company's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at 0.61 dollars, with revenue growing by 2.5% to 165.61 billion dollars. Analysts polled by Visible Alpha had previously forecasted EPS of 0.58 dollars and revenue of 165.99 billion dollars.
Walmart's CEO, Doug McMillon, commented on the results, stating, "We delivered a solid first quarter performance in a dynamic operating environment." He added that the retailer is "well-positioned and maintaining flexibility to navigate short-term challenges while continuing to invest in creating long-term value."
Walmart has kept its full-year performance guidance for the 2026 fiscal year, projecting a 3.5% to 4.5% increase in net sales for the second quarter on a constant currency basis. In the previous quarter, the company had forecasted a 3% to 4% increase in net sales, based on 674.5 billion dollars for the 2025 fiscal year, with adjusted EPS ranging from 2.50 to 2.60 dollars (compared to 2.51 dollars the previous year).
Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey noted, "Given the dynamic nature of the current environment and the wide range and unpredictability of recent results, we believe it is prudent not to provide a specific guidance range for second-quarter revenue growth and EPS at this time. From a longer-term, full-year perspective, we believe we are well-positioned to navigate and achieve our full-year guidance."
Walmart's performance highlights its resilience in a challenging retail landscape, marked by shifting consumer behaviors and economic uncertainties. The company's ability to adapt and maintain profitability in such conditions underscores its strategic agility and operational efficiency. By focusing on cost management, supply chain optimization, and customer-centric initiatives, Walmart continues to demonstrate its leadership in the retail sector.
Looking ahead, Walmart's commitment to long-term value creation and its strategic investments in e-commerce, technology, and sustainability position it well to navigate future challenges. The company's robust performance in the first quarter, coupled with its maintained full-year outlook, instills confidence in its ability to deliver sustained growth and shareholder value.
