Should I buy Walmart stock in 2025?

What is Walmart?

How much is the Walmart stock?

The price of Walmart stock is slipping slightly this week. As of now, the share trades at $97.10 USD, showing a -$0.14 (-0.14%) dip in the past 24 hours and a +0.69% gain over the last week.

Walmart’s beta of 0.70 reflects relatively low market volatility. Given its consistent gains and defensive profile, Walmart could appeal to NZ investors looking for global exposure with moderate risk.

Our complete analysis of Walmart stock

Having analysed Walmart Inc.’s (NYSE: WMT) recent financials, in tandem with its three-year market performance, sector developments, and detailed competitor benchmarking, our proprietary algorithmic model offers a high-conviction assessment of the company’s prospects. Drawing on multidimensional indicators—spanning technical momentum, fundamental resilience, and macro trends—Walmart’s trajectory invites a compelling re-examination for investors. So, why might Walmart stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global consumer and technology-enabled retail sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Walmart’s stock price has demonstrated extraordinary momentum over the past twelve months, closing at $97.10 as of 30 May 2025, a gain of 49.57% over the year—significantly outperforming both the S&P 500 Consumer Staples sector and direct retail peers. Even over the past six months, the share price advanced by 4.97%, reinforcing its positive trajectory despite fluctuating market sentiment and signals of higher volatility in global equities.

Recent positive developments have continued to catalyse confidence: Walmart reported an adjusted EPS in Q1 2025 of $0.61, exceeding consensus by 7.02%, even as revenue marginally missed expectations by a fraction ($165.61bn vs $165.84bn expected). Strategic corporate actions—including a high-profile organizational streamlining in technology and e-commerce (with c.1,500 roles restructured), the relaunch of its brand identity, and the opening of next-generation Supercenters—underscore a clear commitment to cost effectiveness and future-facing customer engagement.

Within the wider macro context, Walmart’s consumer defensive status has proven attractive amid mixed global economic conditions and shifting inflation outlooks. Notably, consumer spending in the US and international markets continues to recover, providing a supportive environment for resilient retail leaders. The sector’s pivot towards digitization and omni-channel models further favours incumbents with scale, integration capabilities, and balance sheet strength—criteria where Walmart excels.

Technical Analysis

Walmart presents a technically constructive chart pattern, building on strong short- and medium-term signals:

• Moving Averages: The 50-day moving average at $92.88 remains well above the 200-day at $88.71, confirming a persistently bullish structure. This “golden cross” formation, in combination with price action well above both averages, points to enduring trend strength and institutional accumulation.
• Relative Strength Index (RSI): At 55.64, Walmart’s RSI is comfortably positioned, avoiding both overbought and oversold conditions, indicative of healthy, sustainable momentum with significant headroom for further upside before signalling overheating.
• MACD: The positive MACD (0.95) underscores bullish intent, suggesting ongoing price acceleration rather than reversal. This is corroborated by steady higher lows and a constructive breakout above recent resistance.
• Support and Resistance: Walmart’s shares consistently respect a key support at $95.34, while minor resistance is positioned at $97.69. A decisive close above resistance would validate a potential move toward analyst consensus targets, with little technical overhang in the near term.

Momentum remains favourable for investors seeking optimal entry ahead of a possible next leg higher, both for short-term swing strategies and medium-term accumulation.

Fundamental Analysis

Delving into the fundamental picture, Walmart demonstrates financial depth and structural strengths that stand apart in global retail:

• Growth and Profitability: For Q1 2025, revenue grew by 2.5% YoY to $165.61bn, a remarkable achievement given normalization trends post-pandemic and intense sector competition. Adjusted EPS outperformance (+7.02% surprise) highlights operational excellence and disciplined expense management, further evidenced by net profit of $18.82bn and an EBITDA of $42.5bn TTM.
• Valuation: Trading at a forward P/E of 41.50 and an implied PEG ratio below sector average (relative to projected EPS growth of 10.7% p.a.), Walmart’s premium appears warranted by superior earnings growth, unparalleled scale, and ongoing digital transformation. The stock remains supported by a dividend yield of 0.97% (with a payout ratio of 36.65%), offering stability for income-oriented mandates.
• Structural Leadership: Walmart’s global logistics network, omnichannel expansion, and massive technology investments deliver a critical competitive edge. With $685bn in annual revenues and an entrenched presence across 24 countries, the company combines scale, flexibility, and local relevance to defend and extend market share—even as Amazon and emerging digital challengers vie for consumer wallets.
• Brand and Innovation: The reinvention of Walmart’s brand identity in 2025—to reflect its status as a technology-enabled, customer-centric platform—bolsters intangible value and investor confidence. Integration of AI-driven solutions, automation, and best-in-class digital infrastructure positions Walmart at the forefront of the retail technology revolution.

Collectively, these fundamentals justify renewed investor interest at current levels, and reinforce Walmart’s capacity to sustain premium valuation multiples.

Volume and Liquidity

Walmart’s average daily trading volume of 22.63 million shares speaks to deep liquidity, attracting both institutional and sophisticated retail investors. This robust volume profile, paired with a significant float (4.36 billion shares), supports dynamic price discovery and minimises transaction slippage even for large block trades, features especially attractive for NZ investors seeking efficient exposure to the US consumer sector.

Combined with institutional ownership of 36.07% and notable insider confidence (45.53% insider holding), shareholder alignment remains high. Such confidence is often interpreted as a signal of conviction regarding future prospects, enhancing the stock’s appeal as a core holding in global portfolios.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Looking forward, multiple positive catalysts support a continued bullish view for Walmart:

• E-Commerce Expansion: The rapid 22% growth in e-commerce, now projected to reach sustainable profitability in the US during 2025, unlocks margin expansion in a key strategic segment previously regarded as a cost centre.
• Omnichannel Acceleration: Strengthened integration across digital and brick-and-mortar channels enhances customer experience and operating leverage, enabling Walmart to serve as a dominant “one-stop shop” ecosystem. This omnichannel model is becoming the gold standard in global retail.
• AI and Technology: Walmart’s foray into agentic AI—improving both customer interactions and operational efficiency—shows clear first-mover advantage in applying advanced technology at scale.
• International Growth: Aiming for $200 billion in GMV for international operations by 2028, Walmart can bank on accelerating growth in emerging and developed markets alike.
• ESG Leadership: From environmental initiatives to digital financial services, Walmart’s diversified revenue streams and sustainable operating model resonate both with forward-looking investors and end consumers.
• Favourable Sector Tailwinds: Regulation, evolving consumer preferences, and inflation resilience continue to play into Walmart’s strengths as a global staple, with technology-driven expansion facilitating sustainable long-term outperformance.

Analyst consensus targets currently sit at $108.26, with our model pointing to a potential reach of $126.23—clear evidence of unpriced growth embedded in today’s valuation.

Investment Strategies

Walmart’s profile appears especially attractive across multiple investment horizons:

• Short-Term: For tactically minded investors, holding or accumulating at current levels offers exposure ahead of anticipated operational catalysts (such as upcoming earnings, e-commerce milestones, or product rollouts). The current technical set-up, with the share price near key support and poised for a breakout above minor resistance, offers an ideal risk-reward entry.
• Medium-Term: Investors may see continued strength as Walmart executes on omnichannel and internal efficiency measures. Upside towards analyst targets within 6-12 months appears plausible, supported by positive business momentum and robust sector dynamics.
• Long-Term: For core portfolio builders, Walmart’s powerful combination of scale, innovation, market share, and ESG leadership presents an appealing case for gradual accumulation or DRIP-style compounding. Its low beta (0.70) ensures relative defensiveness, making it a potential cornerstone in international and globally diversified portfolios.
• Optimal Positioning: Buying activity near the $95.34–$97.10 support/entry zone, with a measured approach ahead of the next announced catalyst or technical breakout, may offer the most attractive set-up for risk-adjusted returns.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Walmart?

Synthesising the above, Walmart displays a compelling suite of strengths rarely matched in the sector: a robust operating model underpinned by 49.57% annual stock appreciation, digital transformation driving faster-than-expected e-commerce growth, steadfast technical momentum above key moving averages, and ongoing deployment of next-generation technologies to future-proof its advantage. Liquidity, institutional alignment, and a credible, innovation-focused management team reinforce the company’s unique market position.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the outlook remains decidedly positive: Walmart appears poised to capture significant incremental value from its omni-channel strategy, AI investments, and global expansion. At current levels, the fundamentals and technical profile together suggest a favourable risk-reward opportunity—well suited to investors seeking defensive growth, sector innovation, and global diversification. The stock arguably enters a new bullish phase, and the convergence of business execution and market tailwinds justifies strong consideration for portfolio inclusion.

In sum, Walmart stands out as a dynamic leader at the intersection of retail and technology—a rare combination that, especially in the present context, seems to represent a timely and attractive opportunity for those seeking both stability and forward-looking growth in their international equity allocations.

How to buy Walmart stock in NZ?

Buying Walmart shares online is straightforward and secure for New Zealand investors thanks to trusted, regulated brokers. Modern trading platforms let you invest in Walmart (WMT) from NZ without complex processes or paperwork. You can either buy Walmart shares directly ("spot buying") to become a shareholder, or trade Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for more flexible, leveraged strategies. Both methods offer different benefits and risk profiles. If you’re unsure which approach suits your goals, see our broker comparison further down the page to help you find the right provider for your needs.

Cash buying

A cash purchase means you buy real Walmart shares listed on the NYSE. As a shareholder, you own the actual stock and get potential dividends. NZ brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order, ranging from NZ$5 to NZ$15, depending on the platform. Some may also charge a small foreign exchange fee when converting NZD to USD.

Example

Let’s say the Walmart share price is USD $97.10 (about NZ$158). With NZ$1,000 (approx. USD $614 at 1 NZD ≈ 0.614 USD), you could buy 6 shares (6 × USD $97.10 = USD $582.60 ≈ NZ$948), factoring in a brokerage fee of NZ$10.

Gain scenario

If Walmart’s share price increases by 10%, your 6 shares would be worth USD $640.86 (≈ NZ$1,042).

Result: You make a +NZ$94 gross gain, or +10% on your initial NZ$948 investment (before fees and taxes).

Trading via CFD

A CFD (Contract for Difference) lets you trade on Walmart’s share price movements without owning real shares. CFDs allow leverage, meaning you can control a bigger position with a smaller outlay, but this involves higher risk. CFD brokers charge a "spread" (the difference between buying and selling price), and may add an overnight financing fee if you hold positions past market close.

Example

With NZ$1,000, you open a CFD on Walmart using 5x leverage. This gives you market exposure to NZ$5,000 worth of Walmart stock.

Gain scenario

If Walmart’s share price rises by 8%, your position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: You make a +NZ$400 gain on your NZ$1,000 margin (excluding spread and any overnight fees).

Final advice

Before you start, it’s essential to compare the fees, trading conditions, and features offered by different brokers—these can significantly impact your returns. Spot buying suits investors aiming for long-term growth and dividend income, while CFD trading is more suitable for those seeking active, leveraged strategies (with higher risk). Your choice should reflect your financial goals and risk appetite. For more, check our detailed broker comparison further down this page to find the platform that best matches your needs.

Our 7 tips for buying Walmart stock

The latest news about Walmart

Walmart stock has delivered a strong 49.57% annual performance and shows a steady uptrend. In the past week, Walmart’s stock price recorded a further 0.69% gain, continuing its robust year-on-year increase. Technical indicators confirm ongoing positive momentum, with the 50-day moving average comfortably above the 200-day level and a moderately bullish RSI of 55.64, suggesting room for further upside. This consistent performance can be seen as a sign of resilience and attractive stability to New Zealand investors seeking defensive assets in global portfolios, particularly those listed on major international markets like the NYSE.

Walmart’s Q1 2025 results exceeded profit expectations and maintained revenue growth despite a competitive landscape. For the most recent quarter, Walmart reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.61, surpassing consensus estimates by more than 7%, even while revenue landed just below forecasts at $165.61 billion. Revenue still grew 2.50% year-over-year, underscoring operational strength amid persistent competition from Amazon and others. This financial discipline, especially in profit generation, is relevant for New Zealand-based investors and funds with exposure to global equities, as it sets a positive outlook for international retail allocations.

Walmart’s e-commerce segment posted a 22% growth rate and is on track for profitability in 2025. E-commerce expansion, a key strategic focus, continues to drive business transformation and underlines the value of Walmart’s omnichannel approach. The sustained double-digit digital sales growth—reinforced by ongoing technological investment—positions the company well to capture future shifts in global retail, including in Asia-Pacific supply chains where New Zealand relies on large distributors. This growth may also enhance competitive pricing and product availability for Kiwi consumers through channels importing Walmart-distributed merchandise.

Recent investments in technology and AI signal ongoing retail innovation and efficiency gains. Walmart’s strategic push in adopting AI-powered solutions and automation is designed to improve both customer and employee experiences while sustaining operational efficiencies. These innovations are expected to benefit Walmart’s global logistics and supply chain networks, factors which impact cost structure and product sourcing for New Zealand-based distributors. By maintaining leadership in retail tech, Walmart strengthens its case as a model for scalability and resilience, attributes prized by international investors.

Walmart’s stock maintains an attractive analyst consensus and stable dividend outlook, supporting its utility for NZ institutional investors. The current analyst consensus price target stands at $108.26, approximately 11% above the present level, supplemented by a stable, although modest, annual dividend yield of 0.97%. The next ex-dividend date is August 15, 2025. These factors, together with a low five-year beta of 0.70, highlight Walmart as an appealing core holding for New Zealand fund managers and individual investors with USD exposure seeking steady income and capital appreciation from a large-cap, global defensive stock.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.