- Piper Sandler emphasized the strength of Walmart’s apparel assortment and value pricing.
- Evercore ISI raised its price target to $130 from $125 while keeping an ‘Outperform’ rating.
- Walmart expects net sales growth of 4.8% to 5.1% for fiscal 2026.
Walmart Inc. (WMT) reached a major financial milestone on Tuesday, with its market capitalization climbing above $1 trillion.
The retail giant’s stock traded over 1% higher on Tuesday morning. Crossing the $1 trillion threshold places Walmart alongside major technology companies that have hit similar valuations. Fellow consumer names such as Target (TGT) and Costco Wholesale (COST) remain below this mark.
Analysts’ Confidence
Piper Sandler boosted its price target on Walmart to $130 from $123 on Tuesday, maintaining an ‘Overweight’ rating on the stock, according to TheFly. The firm emphasized the strength of Walmart’s apparel assortment and value pricing, which it says is helping the retailer expand its customer base and deliver margins above competitors.
Evercore ISI raised its price target to $130 from $125 while keeping an ‘Outperform’ rating, reflecting optimism across the company’s Retail Broadlines & Hardlines coverage.
On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock jumped to ‘bullish’ from ‘bearish’ territory the previous day. Meanwhile, message volume shifted to ‘high’ from ‘normal’ levels in 24 hours.
Walmart’s Growing Online Business And Investments
According to a Wall Street Journal report, industry analysts attributed this valuation leap to Walmart’s growing online business and significant investments in logistics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Over the past decade, Walmart has ramped up its digital capabilities, improved delivery speeds, and expanded its e-commerce offerings, drawing new customers and boosting sales, particularly during and after the pandemic, the report cited.
John Furner As The New CEO
In November, Walmart said that John Furner will become its new chief executive on February 1. He has succeeded Doug McMillon, who retired on January 31, after serving as CEO for more than 10 years.
Furner, who has served as President and CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2019, has led the company’s largest operating segment, comprising more than 4,600 stores. According to a CNBC report, Furner led several major efforts, including curbside pickup and stronger store-brand products, which helped Walmart attract wealthier customers as higher prices squeezed household food spending.
In its third-quarter earnings report in November, the retail giant said it expects net sales growth in the range of 4.8% to 5.1% for fiscal year 2026 and adjusted earnings per share between $2.58 and $2.63.
WMT stock has gained over 13% year-to-date, overwhelmingly surpassing the S&P 500’s over 1% gain in the same period.
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