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

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.