Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) stock fell 0.14% (As on August 26, 11:24:47 AM UTC-4, Source: Google Finance) after the company delivered robust second-quarter results, showing its ability to attract shoppers and outperform rivals such as Target despite economic uncertainty and ongoing tariff pressures. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer reported a 4.6% increase in comparable sales for the quarter, driven by established stores and online channels, while raising its annual sales and profit outlook. This is slightly higher than the 4.5% gain in Q1, with groceries and health and wellness items driving momentum. Global e-commerce sales rose 25%, surpassing the 22% growth in the previous quarter. The retailer reported net earnings of $7.03 billion, or 88 cents per share, for the quarter ending July 31, up from $4.50 billion, or 56 cents per share, a year ago.

Moreover, Walmart US e-commerce sales grew 26%. The marketplace sales grew nearly 20%, with more sellers utilizing our fulfillment services. Approximately 44% of Marketplace volumes flow through WFS, an increase of 250 basis points versus last year. International was once again growth accretive to the enterprise. With sales up more than 10% in constant currency, led by strength in China, Womx, and Flipkart.

WMT in the second quarter of FY26 has reported the adjusted earnings per share of 68 cents, missing the analysts’ estimates for the adjusted earnings per share of 73 cents. This is largely due to $450 million in settlement costs related to worker and shopper injury claims The company had reported the adjusted revenue growth of 4.6 percent to $177.4 billion in the second quarter of FY26, beating the analysts’ estimates for revenue of $175.51 billion.

Looking ahead, Walmart has issued guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting net sales growth between 3.75% and 4.75% in constant currency. The company anticipates a 3.0% to 6.0% increase in operating income, also in constant currency terms.  Walmart forecast third-quarter earnings per share between 58 cents and 60 cents, slightly above analyst expectations of 57 cents. This guidance considers potential headwinds from the acquisition of VIZIO, which is expected to have a 140 basis point impact on operating income.

For the full year, the retailer raised its per-share guidance to $2.52–$2.62 and projected sales growth of 3.75–4.75%, higher than its May estimate. For the full fiscal year 2026, Walmart has revised its net sales growth forecast upward to 3.75% to 4.75%.