WMT’s weaker-than-expected 2.6% U.S. comp sales growth signals consumer strain amid inflation, falling short of the 3.8% consensus.
Walmart reported U.S. comparable sales growth of 2.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, below the 3.8% estimate from FactSet. The result marks a slowdown from 4.6% growth in the same period last year, with an 80 basis point headwind from government drug price caps further pressuring performance.
The miss represents the weakest growth in over six years, raising concerns about consumer resilience amid persistent inflation. Analysts noted that even adjusting for the drug price impact, sales still fell short of expectations.
WMT shares fell 8.6% in midday trading, reflecting investor unease over the retail giant’s performance and broader economic implications.