Walmart's fiscal 2026 earnings outlook disappointed investors
Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) stock is 6.5% lower to trade at $97.27 at last glance, brushing off a fourth-quarter top- and bottom-line beat after blue-chip retailer also issued weaker-than-expected guidance for the fiscal year. For the quarter, Walmart reported adjusted earnings per share of 66 cents on at $180.55 billion in revenue.
For 2026, Walmart forecasted earnings per share between $2.50 and $2.60, below analyst projections. The company also warned that it wouldn’t be “immune” to potential headwinds from postponed tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The update is rippling across the broader market and contributing to volatility.
The options pits are buzzing with activity. Already, 104,000 calls and 116,000 puts have traded hands today, which is eight times the average intraday volume. The most popular contract by far is the February 95 put, where new positions are currently being opened.
Today's drop has WMT distancing itself from a Feb. 14, record high of $105.30 and slipping below recent support at its 20-day moving average, though the 50-day trendline continues to provide a floor. Despite eyeing its worst day since November 2023, the security boasts an 7.2% year-to-date lead, with a 67.2% year-over-year gain to boot.