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Monday, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed their positive outlook on Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), maintaining an Outperform rating with a steady price target of $110. Following the attendance at Walmart’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, which included store tours and an executive luncheon, BMO Capital’s analyst Kelly Bania expressed continued confidence in the retail giant’s positioning in the market. This optimism aligns with broader market sentiment, as InvestingPro data shows 19 analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward, with an average price target suggesting further upside potential.
Bania highlighted Walmart’s significant growth in fresh sales, which have increased by over 50% since Fiscal Year 2020. This rise suggests that sales in the center store categories have grown by approximately 40-42% over the same timeframe. The retail giant continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, with total revenue reaching $685 billion and maintaining a healthy 4.22% growth rate. The analysis also pointed out the growing trend of Walmart customers utilizing expedited delivery services for grocery orders, with one-third of such orders incurring additional fees for faster delivery times.
Walmart has seen a pattern where customers who use grocery delivery services three to four times tend to purchase their full range of groceries from the retailer. The initial orders typically consist of dry groceries, with fresh items being added in subsequent orders. Walmart has identified the fourth rapid delivery as a pivotal moment for customer retention, particularly for the Walmart+ subscription service, indicating that fresh grocery delivery is a key factor in driving customer loyalty and increasing sales.
The BMO Capital analyst’s remarks come as Walmart continues to expand its delivery options, catering to the growing consumer demand for convenience and speed. The company’s efforts to enhance its grocery delivery services appear to be paying off, as indicated by the increased uptake of expedited delivery and the addition of fresh products to customer orders. Walmart’s strategic focus on fresh grocery delivery is positioned as an essential component of the company’s broader strategy to cement its place as a leader in the retail sector.
In other recent news, several developments have emerged regarding Walmart Inc. Analysts from UBS, DA Davidson, Piper Sandler, and KeyBanc have all maintained their positive ratings on Walmart stock, with price targets ranging from $110 to $117. UBS highlighted Walmart’s advancements in eCommerce and AI integration as key drivers of market share gains and margin growth. DA Davidson emphasized Walmart’s strong stock performance and its valuation based on projected 2026 earnings, reflecting confidence in the company’s financial prospects. Piper Sandler noted Walmart’s strategic advertising efforts, particularly in e-commerce, which could boost online sales and overall growth. KeyBanc raised its price target to $110, citing Walmart’s potential for market share expansion and profit growth despite potential consumer spending risks. Additionally, Walmart has reestablished its partnership with Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) to issue its credit cards, marking a strategic move in the financial services sector. This renewed collaboration includes a co-branded card for multiple merchants and a private-label card for Walmart purchases. The developments reflect Walmart’s ongoing strategic efforts to enhance its market position and financial service offerings.
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