Walmart Inc Reports Profit Growth of Almost 10% in Q1 Earnings

Walmart (WMT) reported Q1 FY 2025 earnings, which were positive and largely beat analysts' expectations, with income up almost 10%. The company is betting on easing inflation to boost demand for essentials and bring a rebound in sales of discretionary products like apparel and electronics. Shares of the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company were up 6% in premarket trading, and if these gains hold, the stock will hit a record on Thursday.

The strong performance by Walmart (WMT) could assuage some investors' fears about ebbing U.S. consumer spending. Americans have largely been able to weather higher prices, but a long bout of inflation has raised concerns that shoppers could become more constrained and a recovery in spending will be slower than previously expected.

Walmart (WMT) reported total U.S. comparable sales up 3.9%, excluding fuel, for its first quarter ended April 30. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 60 cents, easily beating the 52-cent average forecast. Total revenue of $161.51 billion also topped estimates.

The retail bellwether now expects annual consolidated net sales to rise at the high end or slightly above its prior forecast of 3% to 4% growth. It also expects adjusted profit per share to be at the high end or slightly above its prior estimate of $2.23 and $2.37.