Walmart Reports $713 Billion Revenue for Fiscal 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 01 2026
0mins
Should l Buy WMT?
Source: Fool
- Massive Revenue Scale: Walmart generated approximately $713 billion in revenue for fiscal 2026, serving around 270 million customers weekly; however, despite this scale, operational complexity poses a challenge as size alone does not create a competitive moat.
- Cost Leadership Advantage: With over $483 billion in U.S. net sales, Walmart leverages its purchasing power to maintain a low-price position, achieving $31.1 billion in operating income in fiscal 2026, demonstrating the enormous profit pool derived from its scale despite thin retail margins.
- Improving Earnings Quality: Walmart is increasingly focusing on its earnings mix, with e-commerce and marketplace sales growing to 24% in Q1 2026, and its advertising business generating over $6 billion annually; while these segments do not redefine Walmart overnight, collectively they contribute to margin enhancement.
- Stable Competitive Advantage: Walmart's leadership in groceries and strong supply chain density ensure its competitiveness across economic cycles, yet pressure from competitors like Amazon in higher-margin digital segments remains significant, making future profit expansion contingent on effective execution in advertising and marketplace initiatives.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy WMT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on WMT
Wall Street analysts forecast WMT stock price to fall
26 Analyst Rating
25 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 131.450
Low
119.00
Averages
125.75
High
136.00
Current: 131.450
Low
119.00
Averages
125.75
High
136.00
About WMT
Walmart Inc. is a technology-powered omnichannel retailer. The Company is engaged in the operation of retail and wholesale stores and clubs, as well as eCommerce Websites and mobile applications, located throughout the United States (U.S.), Africa, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India and Mexico. It operates in three reportable segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam's Club U.S. The Walmart U.S. segment includes the Company's mass merchandising concept in the U.S., as well as eCommerce, which includes omni-channel initiatives and certain other business offerings such as advertising services. The Walmart International segment consists of the Company's operations outside of the U.S. through its subsidiaries, as well as eCommerce and omni-channel initiatives. The Sam's Club U.S. segment includes the warehouse membership clubs in the U.S., as well as samsclub.com and omni-channel initiatives.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Klarna's Stock Plummets Post-IPO Amid Market Concerns
- Poor IPO Performance: Klarna's stock has plummeted 62% from its first-day closing price last September, indicating investor concerns about its future growth, although the current lower price may attract buyers.
- Strong User Growth: With over 119 million active consumers across 26 countries and processing 3.4 million transactions daily, Klarna maintains its leadership in the buy now, pay later market, despite risks associated with declining consumer spending.
- Improved Financials: In the first quarter, Klarna's revenue surged 44% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising from $3 million to $68 million, and net income flipping from a $99 million loss to a $1 million profit, showcasing significant progress in diversifying revenue streams.
- Market Share Gains: By forging new partnerships with JPMorgan and Worldpay, Klarna is capturing market share from competitors like Affirm and PayPal, further solidifying its position in the rapidly growing BNPL sector.
See More
Klarna Reports Strong Q1 Growth Amid Product Diversification
- Product Diversification: Klarna has successfully expanded its market reach by launching new products and partnering with JPMorgan Payments and Worldpay, with its Fair Financing product's GMV increasing by 138% year-over-year in Q1, indicating strong market demand and profit potential.
- Significant User Growth: With over 119 million active consumers across 26 countries and processing more than 3.4 million transactions daily, Klarna solidifies its leadership position in the buy now, pay later market, further enhancing its market share.
- Improved Profitability: Despite being unprofitable since its IPO, Klarna reported a net profit in Q1, reflecting the resilience of its business model, particularly as consumer spending faces pressure, showcasing the necessity and appeal of its products.
- Competitive Market Advantage: Klarna's price-to-sales ratio is lower than that of its competitors, especially compared to PayPal, enhancing its competitiveness in the buy now, pay later sector; although its stock is down 48% year-to-date, its diversification strategy lays a solid foundation for future growth.
See More
Three High-Yield Safe Stocks to Consider
- Target Stock Recovery: Target's stock has risen 25% this year, yet it remains down over 40% in the past five years, indicating a significant valuation gap compared to rival Walmart, with expectations for future price increases, although economic conditions may delay this rebound.
- Bristol Myers Dividend Advantage: Bristol Myers offers a dividend yield of 4.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.1%, and despite a 12% decline in stock price over the past five years, its free cash flow of $11.9 billion suggests it can sustain dividends while reducing debt.
- General Mills High-Yield Challenges: General Mills boasts a 7.4% dividend yield, but its stock has fallen 47% over the past five years, with projected organic net sales declines of 1.5% to 2% for the upcoming fiscal year; however, its free cash flow of $1.7 billion is sufficient to cover dividend payments, indicating financial resilience.
- Market Uncertainty: While all three stocks face unique challenges, the undervaluation of Target and Bristol Myers, along with their stable dividend payments, makes them attractive for long-term investment, particularly in the context of potential economic recovery.
See More
Retail Stocks Under Pressure as Earnings Reports Loom
- Retail Sector Decline: The S&P Retail Select Industry Index has dropped nearly 7% year-to-date, with the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) following suit, indicating significant weakness in the retail sector and escalating investor concerns about consumer health.
- Consumer Sentiment Weakness: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey hit an all-time low in May, reflecting a significant decline in consumer spending willingness under the pressures of high inflation and rising energy costs, which could adversely affect retailers' profitability.
- Pessimistic Earnings Outlook: Home Depot is expected to report first-quarter earnings per share of $3.41, while Lowe's and TJ Maxx are projected at $2.97 and $1.02 respectively, with analysts expressing skepticism about the retail sector's ability to achieve 20% earnings growth amid negative wage growth.
- Rising Consumer Credit Risks: The New York Fed reported that total household debt rose to $18.8 trillion in Q1, with credit card debt nearing all-time highs and personal savings rates dropping to 3.6%, indicating a deteriorating financial situation for consumers that may lead to further declines in demand.
See More
Analysis of Investment Prospects in AI Stocks
- SoundHound AI's Strong Earnings: SoundHound AI reported record revenue of $44.2 million for Q1 2026, a 52% increase year-over-year, yet the company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of $225-$260 million, indicating robust performance in the AI voice agent sector despite market expectations for an upward revision.
- Significant Acquisition Risks: SoundHound's planned $43 million all-stock acquisition of LivePerson raises concerns due to LivePerson's recent struggles, although management anticipates the deal could add $100 million in annual revenue by 2027, highlighting the execution risks involved in the integration process.
- Aurora's Growth Potential: Aurora Innovation focuses on autonomous trucking technology and expects over 200 driverless trucks to be operational by the end of 2026; despite only generating $3 million in revenue in 2025, the expansion of its agreement with Berkshire Hathaway's McLane indicates growing market confidence.
- High Market Volatility: Aurora's stock is more than two and a half times as volatile as the broader market, and while facing challenges like driver shortages and rising gas prices, its AI technology's application in complex scenarios could yield potential long-term gains for investors willing to endure the volatility.
See More
Trump Warns Iran of Possible Conflict Resurgence
- Oil Price Surge: Trump's social media comments urging Iran to 'get moving' have led to a spike in oil prices overnight, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict that could destabilize global energy markets.
- Market Volatility: Following Trump's remarks, stock futures have fallen, setting Wall Street up for another day of significant losses, highlighting the direct impact of political factors on market sentiment.
- Delta Air Lines Investment: Berkshire Hathaway's announcement of a $2.6 billion stake in Delta Air Lines, making it the company's 14th largest holding, reflects confidence in the airline industry's recovery and may drive Delta's stock price higher.
- Meta Layoff Plans: Meta is expected to lay off about 10% of its workforce this week, amidst widespread layoffs in the tech sector, which could dampen employee morale and underscores the company's urgent need for cost control.
See More
Klarna's Stock Plummets Post-IPO Amid Market Concerns
- Poor IPO Performance: Klarna's stock has plummeted 62% from its first-day closing price last September, indicating investor concerns about its future growth, although the current lower price may attract buyers.
- Strong User Growth: With over 119 million active consumers across 26 countries and processing 3.4 million transactions daily, Klarna maintains its leadership in the buy now, pay later market, despite risks associated with declining consumer spending.
- Improved Financials: In the first quarter, Klarna's revenue surged 44% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising from $3 million to $68 million, and net income flipping from a $99 million loss to a $1 million profit, showcasing significant progress in diversifying revenue streams.
- Market Share Gains: By forging new partnerships with JPMorgan and Worldpay, Klarna is capturing market share from competitors like Affirm and PayPal, further solidifying its position in the rapidly growing BNPL sector.
See More
Klarna Reports Strong Q1 Growth Amid Product Diversification
- Product Diversification: Klarna has successfully expanded its market reach by launching new products and partnering with JPMorgan Payments and Worldpay, with its Fair Financing product's GMV increasing by 138% year-over-year in Q1, indicating strong market demand and profit potential.
- Significant User Growth: With over 119 million active consumers across 26 countries and processing more than 3.4 million transactions daily, Klarna solidifies its leadership position in the buy now, pay later market, further enhancing its market share.
- Improved Profitability: Despite being unprofitable since its IPO, Klarna reported a net profit in Q1, reflecting the resilience of its business model, particularly as consumer spending faces pressure, showcasing the necessity and appeal of its products.
- Competitive Market Advantage: Klarna's price-to-sales ratio is lower than that of its competitors, especially compared to PayPal, enhancing its competitiveness in the buy now, pay later sector; although its stock is down 48% year-to-date, its diversification strategy lays a solid foundation for future growth.
See More
Three High-Yield Safe Stocks to Consider
- Target Stock Recovery: Target's stock has risen 25% this year, yet it remains down over 40% in the past five years, indicating a significant valuation gap compared to rival Walmart, with expectations for future price increases, although economic conditions may delay this rebound.
- Bristol Myers Dividend Advantage: Bristol Myers offers a dividend yield of 4.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.1%, and despite a 12% decline in stock price over the past five years, its free cash flow of $11.9 billion suggests it can sustain dividends while reducing debt.
- General Mills High-Yield Challenges: General Mills boasts a 7.4% dividend yield, but its stock has fallen 47% over the past five years, with projected organic net sales declines of 1.5% to 2% for the upcoming fiscal year; however, its free cash flow of $1.7 billion is sufficient to cover dividend payments, indicating financial resilience.
- Market Uncertainty: While all three stocks face unique challenges, the undervaluation of Target and Bristol Myers, along with their stable dividend payments, makes them attractive for long-term investment, particularly in the context of potential economic recovery.
See More
Retail Stocks Under Pressure as Earnings Reports Loom
- Retail Sector Decline: The S&P Retail Select Industry Index has dropped nearly 7% year-to-date, with the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) following suit, indicating significant weakness in the retail sector and escalating investor concerns about consumer health.
- Consumer Sentiment Weakness: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey hit an all-time low in May, reflecting a significant decline in consumer spending willingness under the pressures of high inflation and rising energy costs, which could adversely affect retailers' profitability.
- Pessimistic Earnings Outlook: Home Depot is expected to report first-quarter earnings per share of $3.41, while Lowe's and TJ Maxx are projected at $2.97 and $1.02 respectively, with analysts expressing skepticism about the retail sector's ability to achieve 20% earnings growth amid negative wage growth.
- Rising Consumer Credit Risks: The New York Fed reported that total household debt rose to $18.8 trillion in Q1, with credit card debt nearing all-time highs and personal savings rates dropping to 3.6%, indicating a deteriorating financial situation for consumers that may lead to further declines in demand.
See More
Analysis of Investment Prospects in AI Stocks
- SoundHound AI's Strong Earnings: SoundHound AI reported record revenue of $44.2 million for Q1 2026, a 52% increase year-over-year, yet the company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of $225-$260 million, indicating robust performance in the AI voice agent sector despite market expectations for an upward revision.
- Significant Acquisition Risks: SoundHound's planned $43 million all-stock acquisition of LivePerson raises concerns due to LivePerson's recent struggles, although management anticipates the deal could add $100 million in annual revenue by 2027, highlighting the execution risks involved in the integration process.
- Aurora's Growth Potential: Aurora Innovation focuses on autonomous trucking technology and expects over 200 driverless trucks to be operational by the end of 2026; despite only generating $3 million in revenue in 2025, the expansion of its agreement with Berkshire Hathaway's McLane indicates growing market confidence.
- High Market Volatility: Aurora's stock is more than two and a half times as volatile as the broader market, and while facing challenges like driver shortages and rising gas prices, its AI technology's application in complex scenarios could yield potential long-term gains for investors willing to endure the volatility.
See More
Trump Warns Iran of Possible Conflict Resurgence
- Oil Price Surge: Trump's social media comments urging Iran to 'get moving' have led to a spike in oil prices overnight, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict that could destabilize global energy markets.
- Market Volatility: Following Trump's remarks, stock futures have fallen, setting Wall Street up for another day of significant losses, highlighting the direct impact of political factors on market sentiment.
- Delta Air Lines Investment: Berkshire Hathaway's announcement of a $2.6 billion stake in Delta Air Lines, making it the company's 14th largest holding, reflects confidence in the airline industry's recovery and may drive Delta's stock price higher.
- Meta Layoff Plans: Meta is expected to lay off about 10% of its workforce this week, amidst widespread layoffs in the tech sector, which could dampen employee morale and underscores the company's urgent need for cost control.
See More
