Walmart Stock: Is WMT Outperforming the Consumer Defensive Sector?

WMT +2.01% XLP +1.17%

With a market cap of $829.7 billion, Walmart Inc. (WMT) is a global retailer that operates through three main segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Club. The company runs retail and wholesale stores, eCommerce platforms, and digital payment services, offering a broad assortment of merchandise, groceries, health and wellness products, and financial solutions.

Companies valued at more than $200 billion are generally considered “mega-cap” stocks, and Walmart fits this criterion perfectly. Guided by its everyday low price (EDLP) philosophy and omni-channel strategy, Walmart helps customers save money and live better by seamlessly integrating in-store and online shopping experiences.

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Shares of the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company have decreased over 5% from its 52-week high of $109.57. Over the past three months, its shares have risen 7.5%, surpassing the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLP) 6.6% decline during the same period.

Longer term, WMT stock is up 15.2% on a YTD basis, outpacing XLP's 2.1% dip. Moreover, shares of the retail giant have returned 15.1% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLP’s 5.9% drop over the same time frame.

Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has been in a bullish trend, consistently trading above its 200-day moving averages since last year.

Shares of WMT climbed 6.5% on Nov. 20 after Walmart delivered a strong Q3 2026 performance, with revenue rising 5.8% to $179.5 billion and adjusted EPS increasing 6.9% to $0.62. Investors reacted positively to exceptional e-commerce strength, with global online sales up 27%, advertising revenue up 53%, and improved margins, alongside solid growth across all segments, including U.S. comp sales up 4.5% and International sales up 10.8%.

Sentiment was further boosted by Walmart raising fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting 4.8% - 5.1% net sales growth and adjusted EPS of $2.58 - $2.63.

Additionally, WMT stock has outpaced its rival, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST). COST stock has fallen 3.3% YTD and 8.1% over the past 52 weeks.

Due to WMT's outperformance over the past year, analysts remain bullish about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from 37 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $118.46 is a premium of 13.8% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com