BUSINESS

Walmart Crashes 9% on Rare Sales Miss, Worst Day Since 2022

PUBLISHED Aug 20, 2026, 2:29 PM ET

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Walmart shares plunged about 9% on Thursday after the retailer reported its slowest U.S. comparable-sales growth in roughly six years, overshadowing stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue and adjusted earnings. U.S. comparable sales excluding fuel rose 2.6% in fiscal second-quarter 2027, below Wall Street expectations of about 3.8%, according to Reuters. Walmart said health-and-wellness sales were pressured by changes affecting prices for some Medicare drugs; excluding that category, comparable sales increased 3.4%. Revenue reached $187.94 billion, while adjusted earnings were 81 cents per share, both above consensus estimates. Walmart raised its full-year sales outlook to 4% to 5% and adjusted EPS forecast to $2.80-$2.87, but its third-quarter outlook was below analyst expectations. Executives cited consumer pressure, particularly from higher gasoline costs, and said Walmart would continue price reductions. The selloff coincided with broader weakness in U.S. stocks as Treasury yields climbed. The company also plans to use tariff refunds to support lower prices.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

May 21, 2026 — On May 21, 2026, Walmart reported strong first-quarter sales growth.
May 22, 2026 — On May 22, 2026, Walmart reported $177.8 billion quarterly revenue.
August 13, 2026 — On August 13, 2026, Walmart scheduled second-quarter earnings for August twentieth.
August 14, 2026 — On August 14, 2026, U.S. retail sales unexpectedly declined during July.
August 19, 2026 — On August 19, 2026, Federal Reserve minutes reinforced continuing inflation concerns.
August 20, 2026 — On August 20, 2026, Walmart reported 2.6% U.S. comparable-sales growth.
August 20, 2026 — On August 20, 2026, Walmart shares fell roughly 9% during trading.
August 20, 2026 — On August 20, 2026, Walmart raised full-year sales and earnings guidance.
August 20, 2026 — On August 20, 2026, Walmart issued weaker third-quarter guidance than analysts expected.
August 20, 2026 — On August 20, 2026, Treasury yields climbed alongside broader stock-market weakness.
Coming weeks — Over coming weeks, investors will scrutinize Walmart's third-quarter sales trends.
By November 2026 — By November, Walmart's next earnings report should clarify consumer momentum.
Holiday season 2026 — Through holidays, fuel prices may influence discretionary spending and margins.
Longer term — Longer term, e-commerce and advertising growth could offset slower stores.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Walmart's decline signals caution about household spending and retail demand.
Possible long-term US impact: Persistent consumer weakness could pressure retailers, employment, prices, and economic growth.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize company filings, earnings data, Reuters, AP, and Federal Reserve records.
Most Affected: Walmart shoppers, lower-income households, retail workers, investors, suppliers, and competing retailers.