Walmart backs Q1 revenue view up 3%-4%

Walmart (WMT) is hosting its investment community meeting where leadership is sharing its focus. In addition to the longer-term strategy, executives will also speak to the current operating environment ahead of its Q1 earnings report May 15. The company expects Q1 sales growth to continue to be in line with its 3%-4% outlook and annual sales and operating income growth guidance remains unchanged. The range of outcomes for Q1 operating income growth has widened due to less favorable category mix, higher casualty claims expense, and the desire to maintain flexibility to invest in price as tariffs are implemented. “History tells us that when we lean into these periods of uncertainty, Walmart emerges on the other side with greater share and a stronger business,” said John David Rainey, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Walmart Inc. Rainey also added, “We have fundamentally changed our business model through years of thoughtful, strategic investments and now have a financial model that yields much higher returns.”