Walmart Shares Dip 0.78% Amid 42.54% Volume Drop Ranks 27th in U.S. Equity Trading Activity

On August 25, 2025, Walmart (WMT) shares fell 0.78% to $137.44, with a trading volume of 1.83 billion, a 42.54% drop from the previous day. The stock ranked 27th in volume among U.S. equities. Recent earnings and operational updates highlight a mix of resilience and challenges for the retail giant.

Walmart’s Q2 fiscal 2026 results revealed revenue of $177.4 billion, surpassing estimates, driven by 4.6% same-store sales growth in the U.S. and 5.9% at Sam’s Club. E-commerce sales surged 25% globally, with U.S. grocery delivery increasing nearly 50%. However, adjusted earnings of $0.68 per share missed the $0.74 consensus due to $450 million in non-recurring costs, including higher insurance claims and litigation settlements. Management raised full-year sales and earnings guidance, projecting 3.75%-4.75% revenue growth and $2.52-$2.62 adjusted EPS.

Analysts remain divided. Bernstein and SocGen raised price targets to $117, citing long-term value and e-commerce momentum. JPMorgan cut its target to $127 but maintained an “Overweight” rating, acknowledging temporary insurance pressures. The stock carries a 38x forward P/E, above sector averages, despite a 1.15x sales multiple. Dividend consistency and a 0.97% yield offer stability, though valuation concerns persist given the 38x multiple and a 50% premium to fair value estimates from some analysts.

The strategy of buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day from 2022 to now delivered moderate returns. The CAGR was 6.98%, with a maximum drawdown of 15.46% during the backtest period. The strategy demonstrated steady growth over time, making it a robust choice for investors seeking consistent returns. However, the significant drawdown in mid-2023 highlights the importance of risk management in high-volume trading strategies.