finance
Walmart reports lower sales forecast
Walmart reported first-quarter results that topped revenue estimates but issued a softer outlook for the current quarter and full year. Finance chief John David Rainey said higher tax refunds had eased the impact of elevated fuel costs on shoppers so far.
May 21, 7:31 AM·1m read2 sources
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Walmart reported fiscal first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street revenue forecasts but issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for the current quarter and full year. 91 consensus.
98 billion a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 66 cents, matching analyst estimates. 49 billion, or 56 cents per share, in the same period last year.
5 percent and expects second-quarter sales to rise 4 percent to 5 percent. Finance chief John David Rainey said higher tax refunds had muted the effect of elevated gas prices during the first quarter. " — John David Rainey, May 2026 (CNBC) Rainey added that the company absorbed a $175 million fuel-price headwind in the first quarter and expects a larger impact in the current quarter if prices remain elevated.
The outlook comes as consumer sentiment has fallen to a record low in May amid higher gas prices, a new Middle East conflict, and ongoing inflation concerns. Walmart shares fell about 2 percent in premarket trading following the report.
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