Walmart (NYSE:WMT) shares climbed 3% on Tuesday after the retail giant reported better-than-expected third-quarter results and raised its annual earnings guidance, highlighting continued momentum in its core markets.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58 for the quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.53. Revenue rose to $169.6 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $167.67 billion. Strong comparable sales performance in the US, excluding fuel, played a significant role in the quarter’s success. Total US comparable sales grew 5.5%, beating the 3.8% estimate.
Walmart’s US store sales increased by 5.3%, outpacing the 3.73% projection, while Sam’s Club US comparable sales surged 7%, surpassing the anticipated 4.22% growth. The company also noted robust growth across its fulfillment channels, with in-store volumes expanding, and store pickup and delivery growing at even faster rates.
Building on this strong performance, Walmart raised its fiscal 2025 EPS guidance to a range of $2.42 to $2.47, up from the prior forecast of $2.35 to $2.43, aligning with the consensus estimate of $2.45. The company also revised its expectations for net sales growth to 4.8% to 5.1% and projected adjusted operating income growth, excluding currency fluctuations, of 8.5% to 9.25%.