Walmart (NYSE:WMT) shares rose more than 6% on Tuesday following the company’s reported Q3 results, with EPS of $1.50 coming in better than the Street estimate of $1.32. Revenue was $152.8 billion, beating the Street estimate of $147.55 billion.
According to the analysts at RBC Capital, the read thru for the consumer is somewhat encouraging, but it’s important to keep in mind that inflation, a more promotional environment, and trade down into WMT supported the result. Nonetheless, the analysts believe the company is well-positioned to benefit from the deteriorating macro backdrop.
The company raised its full-year outlook for net sales to 5.5% growth (vs. prior 4.5%) and adjusted EPS is now expected to decline 6-7% (vs. prior 9-11% decline). U.S. stores comparable sales ex-gas are expected to be up 5.5%, compared to the Street estimate of 4.19%. The company also announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new $20 billion share buyback program.
