Walmart Beats Expectations in Fiscal Fourth Quarter Earnings Report
Retail giant Walmart has reported better-than-expected earnings in its fiscal fourth quarter, with a 5% increase in earnings to $1.80 per share. The company also announced a 5.7% increase in revenue, driven by a strong 23% increase in e-commerce sales. Despite these positive results, Walmart provided mixed guidance for the upcoming quarter, with expectations for Q1 EPS to be between $1.48 and $1.56.
In a strategic move to expand its advertising business, Walmart has also announced its acquisition of TV maker Vizio for a staggering $2.3 billion. This acquisition is expected to further strengthen Walmart’s position in the competitive retail market.
Following the earnings report and acquisition announcement, Walmart’s stock saw a modest increase of 3.9% to $177.01 in Tuesday morning trading. In addition, the company announced a 3-for-1 stock split scheduled for Feb. 23.
Despite these recent successes, Walmart’s relative strength line has lagged compared to the S&P 500, showing little progress over the past 15 years. However, with the acquisition of Vizio and strong e-commerce sales, Walmart appears to be positioning itself for future growth and success in the retail industry.
In related news, Home Depot also reported earnings before Tuesday’s open, indicating a positive trend in the retail sector overall. As Walmart continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, investors will be closely watching the company’s performance in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates on Walmart and other retail news on The Puck Drop.