Walmart shares hit all-time high ahead of fiscal Q1 earnings

Shares of Walmart Inc. reached a new all-time high this week, trading as high as $134.71, as investors positioned ahead of the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings report scheduled for Thursday. The stock has risen approximately 20% year-to-date, significantly outpacing the broader market.

Analyst expectations for the quarter are elevated. Consensus estimates project revenue of approximately $174.94 billion, representing nearly 6% year-over-year growth. Adjusted earnings per share are forecast at 66 cents, with comparable store sales expected to increase 3.8%. A key area of focus will be the performance of higher-margin segments, including global e-commerce, which is projected to have grown around 22%, and the advertising business.

This report will be the first under new Chief Executive Officer John Furner, who succeeded Doug McMillon in February. The earnings call will provide Furner an opportunity to outline his strategic priorities for the company.

The recent stock performance reflects underlying business strength demonstrated in prior quarters. In its fiscal fourth quarter, ended Jan. 31, the company reported revenue growth of 5.6%, with global e-commerce sales rising 24%...