BUZZ-Walmart falls as 2026 sales growth forecast comes in below expectations

Updates

Shares of retailer Walmart WMT.N slump about 6% to $97.75 in early trading

Company forecasts fiscal 2026 net sales growth in the range of 3% to 4%, compared with a 4% rise based on data compiled by LSEG

Expects annual adjusted earnings per share between $2.50 and $2.60, compared with estimates of $2.76

Stock set for its worst day since November 16, 2023

"With investors on edge on the post-holiday slowdown, WMT's comparable sales shortfall vs. expectations touches a high anxiety point," says J.P. Morgan analyst Christopher Horvers

WMT posts Q4 total U.S. comparable sales growth of 4.9%, surpassing analysts' estimates of a 4.15% rise, helped by a strong holiday season

Shares of rival Target TGT.N slip 1.2% while Costco COST.O drops 2.2% and Dollar Tree DLTR.O down 3%

Stock rose about 72% in 2024