Walmart has today raised its annual forecasts for the second time this year after another strong quarter led by surging online sales, in a signal of confidence headed into the Christmas season.
The company also set a December move of its stock listing to the Nasdaq from the New York Stock Exchange.
The company reported growth in US comparable sales, which includes online and stores, of 4.5% for the months from August to October, above estimates for 3.8% growth, according to LSEG.
It forecast annual net sales to rise 4.8% to 5.1%, compared with a prior target of 3.75% to 4.75%.
US households, particularly low and middle-income earners, have been under mounting financial stress for some time due to persistent inflation and a slowing job market.
The strain has sapped consumer confidence and is reshaping spending habits, as shoppers cut back on discretionary purchases like home renovation and dining out while prioritising essentials at the lowest possible price.
This environment has benefited Walmart, long known as a destination for lower-income households, but also increasingly for wealthier consumers.
Over the past several quarters, Walmart has highlighted that households earning more than $100,000 have accounted for roughly two-thirds of its growth, with much of that momentum coming from Walmart+ subscribers who benefit from free same-day and next-day delivery.
By contrast, home improvement firms Lowe's and Home Depot lowered their annual targets this week, blaming consumer weakness, and Target sales were also lower.
Adjusted earnings came in at 62 cents per share. It was not immediately clear if that compared directly with the 60 cents analysts had expected.
Revenue rose 5.8% to $179.5 billion, ahead of forecasts of $177.4 billion.
The blue-chip retailer's stock has risen about 11% so far this year, just shy of the nearly 13% rise in the broad-market S&P 500 index, but far outpacing the S&P 500 Consumer Staples index, which is down 0.25% as of last close.
Walmart also raised its annual adjusted earnings per share target range to $2.58 to $2.63, from $2.52 to $2.62 expected earlier, and said it would change its listing to the Nasdaq stock market from the New York Stock Exchange beginning December 9.
"Moving to Nasdaq aligns with the people-led, tech-powered approach to our long-term strategy," said John Rainey, the company's finance chief.
A strong appeal to technology firms and more flexible requirements have helped Nasdaq beat the NYSE for listings in recent years.
Walmart named veteran executive John Furner its new CEO last week, replacing Doug McMillon at a time the retail bellwether is deepening its push to become more tech savvy by adopting artificial intelligence in everything from inventory management and demand forecasting to search and advertising.
The company's operating income has held up fairly well even in a choppy economy as it derives about half of its profit growth from advertising revenue, Walmart marketplace sales and fee revenue, and its $98/year Walmart+ membership programme.
Global advertising revenue grew 53% in the quarter, compared with 46% in the second quarter. The company's advertising revenue comes from its Walmart Connect business which allows companies to post ads both in-store and online, as well as on offsite channels.
"eCommerce was a bright spot again this quarter. We're gaining market share, improving delivery speed, and managing inventory well," said outgoing CEO Doug McMillon in a statement.
