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Walmart Inc. delivered robust second-quarter results on Thursday, 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, AP reported.Executives highlighted Walmart’s appeal across income cohorts, particularly higher-income shoppers, thanks to faster delivery, grocery discounts, and trend-focused fashion. In contrast, Target reported continued comparable sales declines, prompting a leadership change earlier this year.Walmart’s strong e-commerce operations, profitable product mix, and advertising revenue have helped it absorb rising costs from tariffs. CEO Doug McMillon said, “We’re keeping our prices as low as we can for as long as we can. Our merchants have been creative and acted with urgency to avoid additional pressure for our customers and members.”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. Sales rose 4.9% to $177.4 billion. US comparable sales growth of 4.6% was 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.About one-third of US store deliveries were fulfilled within three hours, and 20% within 30 minutes, reflecting Walmart’s operational efficiency. The company’s stock, however, fell nearly 5% late Thursday morning after earnings per share came in slightly below analyst expectations of 73 cents, largely due to $450 million in settlement costs related to worker and shopper injury claims.Walmart forecast current-quarter earnings per share between 58 cents and 60 cents, slightly above analyst expectations of 57 cents. 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.
