Walmart Inc. Prepares to Report Fourth‑Quarter Earnings

Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ: WMT), the world’s largest discount retailer, is scheduled to release its fourth‑quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The announcement follows a period of heightened analyst activity and investor interest in the company’s performance and outlook.

Analyst Sentiment and Target Pricing

  • DA Davidson: Analyst Michael Baker reiterated a Buy rating and a $135.00 price target for Walmart on February 18. The rating comes despite recent market volatility, underscoring confidence in the retailer’s long‑term fundamentals.
  • TipRanks: Multiple TipRanks reports highlight a general consensus that Walmart’s stock remains an attractive purchase ahead of earnings. The AI‑driven analysis on February 18 noted that the upside may already be reflected in current share prices.
  • Business Insider: Articles from February 16 and 17 discuss analyst wins for the stock, suggesting that earnings expectations may surpass recent market performance.

Market Context

  • Stock Movement: As of February 17, Walmart shares were down 3.95 %. Despite this decline, the stock has gained 16 % over the year, reflecting broader resilience within the consumer‑staples sector.
  • Valuation: The company trades at a price‑earnings ratio of 44.325, indicating that investors are willing to pay a premium for future growth prospects relative to its earnings base.
  • Recent Performance: Walmart’s 52‑week high reached $134.69 on February 16, while the 52‑week low stood at $79.81 on April 6, 2025. The current close of $126.62 (February 17) places the stock near the upper end of its recent range.

Earnings Expectations

Analysts anticipate that Walmart will continue to report robust revenue growth driven by its expanded online presence and e‑commerce initiatives. Key factors under scrutiny include:

  1. Revenue Growth – Whether sales will maintain the upward trend seen in prior quarters.
  2. Profitability – How cost‑management efforts and supply‑chain efficiencies will impact earnings per share.
  3. Margin Expansion – Potential for improved gross and operating margins through increased same‑store sales and digital penetration.

The earnings conference call on February 19 will also cover strategic developments, such as the recent launch of the WMT Guyana joint venture, which could broaden Walmart’s footprint in the Caribbean and South American markets.

Investor Outlook

  • Pre‑Earnings Sentiment: A mixed picture emerges. Some reports, like those on February 17, note a slight decline in share price, while others emphasize the potential for a rebound post‑earnings.
  • Target Range: With analysts citing a $135 price target and the stock trading near $127, there is a narrow window for upside before the earnings announcement.
  • Future Guidance: Post‑earnings guidance will be crucial. If Walmart’s forecast exceeds analyst estimates, the stock may rally; if it falls short, a correction could follow.

Conclusion

Walmart Inc. stands at a critical juncture as it prepares to disclose its fourth‑quarter results. The convergence of analyst optimism, recent price movements, and strategic initiatives such as the WMT Guyana partnership will shape investor expectations. Market participants will closely monitor the earnings report to assess the retailer’s performance trajectory and its implications for future growth.