Telsey Advisory Sees Walmart (WMT) Strengthening Position as Retail Leader

Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is included among the 14 Best Low Volatility Dividend Stocks to Invest in.

On February 20, Telsey Advisory raised its price recommendation on Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) to $140 from $135. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock. The analyst told investors that Walmart is expected to remain a leader in retail and continue gaining market share. The firm also pointed to Walmart’s ongoing shift toward becoming a more tech-forward company as a key part of its long-term strength.

During the fiscal Q4 2026 earnings call, CEO John Furner said revenue rose 4.9% in constant currency, driven in part by strong 24% growth in eCommerce. He noted that adjusted operating income increased even faster, climbing 10.5%. He also said all three business segments delivered profit growth that exceeded their sales growth for the quarter. This showed that the company is not just growing, but also improving how efficiently it operates.

Furner also spoke about inventory. He said inventory at the end of the quarter was up 2.6%, which was about half the pace of sales growth. He explained that this reflected disciplined inventory management and better control over stock levels. He added that Walmart is continuing to gain market share and is seeing steady progress in areas like marketplace, advertising, and membership.

Customer trends were also encouraging. The company said the number of customers using fast delivery, defined as delivery within three hours, increased more than 60% over the year. This points to rising demand for faster and more convenient shopping options. Furner also highlighted Sparky, Walmart’s AI-powered shopping assistant. He said customer engagement has increased, and customers who use Sparky tend to spend more. According to him, customers using Sparky generate average order values about 35% higher than those who do not use it.

Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) operates as a technology-powered omnichannel retailer. The company runs retail and wholesale stores and clubs, along with eCommerce websites and mobile apps. Its operations span the United States, as well as international markets including Africa, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, and Mexico.

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