US companies continue to publish their quarterly results. Investors were making bullish calls on Walmart whose report was due on Tuesday, May 18. Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. In general, the earnings report was in line with optimistic expectations. The quarter that ended on April 30 was also marked by an increase in retail sales, which was greatly facilitated by the use of stimulus checks, and an increase in online sales. Apparently, Walmart took notice of benefits from retails sales. So, it will definitely expand its retail network and compete with another retail giant, Amazon.
The report's results were largely positive. Total revenue amounted to $138.3 billion, an increase of 2.7% compared to the first quarter of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Analysts had expected a decrease of 4.6%. Both operating profit ($6.9 billion vs. $ 5.2 billion) and adjusted earnings per share ($1.69 vs. $ 1.18) rose year-over-year. The net profit of $ 2.7 billion is a third less than a year ago, but last quarter there was a loss of $2.1 billion.
Walmart shares soared by about 3%, amid positive earnings report results which means that investors welcomed the upbeat quarterly report. There is reason to hope that the company will continue to strive to increase its retail sales this year and, accordingly, profit growth. Naturally, one should never rule out a correction, for example, at the end of the next reporting quarter. However, the current upward in Walmart shares, including long-term ones, is likely to continue.
