Walmart Inc. achieved a milestone on Friday, with its stock closing at an unprecedented $131.18, a gain of 3.34% for the session. The shares retreated slightly in after-hours trading to approximately $130.98.
Analyst Confidence and Market Context
The rally followed an optimistic note from Citi, where analyst Paul Lejuez increased the firm's price target on Walmart to $147 from $120 while reaffirming a Buy rating. The stock's performance outpaced some peers, as Target rose 4.24% and Costco added 1.20%, while Amazon declined over 5% during the day.
Broader market strength provided a tailwind, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above the 50,000 level for the first time ever on Friday.
Upcoming Catalysts: Economy and Earnings
Investors are now looking ahead to key macroeconomic releases that could influence the market's direction. The U.S. Labor Department's January jobs report is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, followed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for January on Friday, February 13.
These indicators are critical for shaping expectations around interest rates and consumer spending power, factors that directly impact retail stocks like Walmart.
The spotlight will then turn to the company itself. Walmart is set to report its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter results before the market opens on Wednesday, February 19, with a conference call to follow. The record-high share price has elevated expectations, making the company's financial performance and, crucially, its forward-looking guidance pivotal for the stock's next move.
With valuations sensitive to interest rate outlooks, any surprises in the economic data or a cautious tone from management could test the resilience of Walmart's recent gains.
