Expert Outlook: Walmart Through The Eyes Of 32 Analysts

Walmart WMT has been analyzed by 32 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.

In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 11 18 3 0 0
Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0
1M Ago 3 5 0 0 0
2M Ago 8 12 2 0 0
3M Ago 0 1 0 0 0

Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $72.19, a high estimate of $81.00, and a low estimate of $64.00. This current average has increased by 8.02% from the previous average price target of $66.83.

price target chart

Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look

The perception of Walmart by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
Mark Astrachan Stifel Raises Hold $71.00 $69.00
Krisztina Katai Deutsche Bank Raises Buy $77.00 $71.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $73.00 $72.00
Daniela Bretthauer HSBC Raises Buy $81.00 $70.00
Corey Tarlowe Jefferies Raises Buy $77.00 $75.00
Christopher Horvers JP Morgan Raises Overweight $81.00 $66.00
Dana Telsey Telsey Advisory Group Raises Outperform $75.00 $70.00
Rupesh Parikh Oppenheimer Raises Outperform $75.00 $69.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $72.00 $70.00
Seth Sigman Barclays Raises Overweight $66.00 $60.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $70.00 $67.00
Paul Lejuez Citigroup Raises Buy $75.00 $63.33
Bobby Griffin Raymond James Raises Outperform $70.00 $63.00
Simeon Gutman Morgan Stanley Raises Overweight $70.00 $67.00
Oliver Chen TD Cowen Raises Buy $75.00 $68.00
Steven Shemesh RBC Capital Raises Outperform $70.00 $62.00
Corey Tarlowe Jefferies Raises Buy $75.00 $70.00
Kate McShane Goldman Sachs Raises Buy $73.00 $64.33
Michael Baker DA Davidson Raises Buy $75.00 $69.00
Kelly Bania BMO Capital Raises Outperform $75.00 $65.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $70.00 $67.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Raises Outperform $70.00 $68.00
Mark Astrachan Stifel Raises Hold $69.00 $65.00
Scot Ciccarelli Truist Securities Raises Hold $64.00 $60.00
Robert Ohmes B of A Securities Raises Buy $75.00 $67.00
Peter Benedict Baird Raises Outperform $70.00 $65.00
Bill Kirk Roth MKM Raises Buy $71.00 $69.00
Bradley Thomas Keybanc Raises Overweight $75.00 $63.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $67.00 $66.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform $68.00 $68.00
Michael Lasser UBS Raises Buy $69.00 $63.00
Greg Melich Evercore ISI Group Lowers Outperform $66.00 $67.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Walmart. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Walmart compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Walmart's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.

To gain a panoramic view of Walmart's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Walmart analyst ratings.

Get to Know Walmart Better

Walmart serves as the preeminent retailer in the United States, with its strategy predicated on superior operating efficiency and offering the lowest priced goods to consumers to drive robust store traffic and product turnover. Walmart augmented its low-price business strategy by offering a convenient one-stop shopping destination with the opening of its first supercenter in 1988.Today, Walmart operates over 4,600 stores in the United States (5,200 including Sam's Club) and over 10,000 stores globally. Walmart generated over $440 billion in domestic namesake sales in fiscal 2024, with Sam's Club contributing another $86 billion to the firm's top line. Internationally, Walmart generated $115 billion in sales. The retailer serves around 240 million customers globally each week.

Unraveling the Financial Story of Walmart

Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.

Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Walmart faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -6.85% in revenue growth as of 30 April, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.

Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 3.16%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.

Return on Equity (ROE): Walmart's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 6.18% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.

Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.02%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.

Debt Management: Walmart's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.79, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.

The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know

Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.

Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.

Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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