Walmart Set to Post 74-Cent Q2 EPS as $186.77 Billion Sales Gauge U.S. Consumer

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Aug 19

Thursday’s report is expected to show Walmart earning 74 cents a share on $186.77 billion in fiscal second-quarter revenue, making it a closely watched read on U.S. household spending.
The retailer has stayed relatively resilient by stressing value for lower-income shoppers while drawing higher-income customers, though it has warned the gap between income groups is widening.
That outlook follows a weaker-than-expected full-year forecast last quarter, when Walmart cited soaring gas prices and softer consumer confidence after only its third earnings miss in 16 quarters.
Analysts at Bernstein say comparable-sales growth may be slowing as tariff-driven price increases are lapped, while grocer price-cut talks and persistent pressure on low-income consumers keep uncertainty elevated.
Tariff refunds are also in focus after Target booked a $752 million earnings boost and Home Depot said $685 million of refunds helped cut merchandise costs.