=Walmart (WMT) reported earnings on Thur 19 Feb 21 (b/o)

 

Walmart misses by $0.12, beats on revs; US comps +8.6%; will raise average associate average to above $15 per hour (starting wages will remain at $11/hour); approves new $20 bln share repurchase; provides FY22 guidance 

Reports Q4 (Jan) adjusted earnings of $1.39 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.12 worse than the S&P Capital IQ Consensus of $1.51; revenues rose 7.3% year/year to $152.1 bln vs the $147.02 bln S&P Capital IQ Consensus. Decision to repay property tax relief in the U.K. lowered GAAP EPS and Adjusted EPS by $0.07; COVID-related costs were $1.1 billion in Q4.

Walmart will also invest in U.S. wages, raising the associate average to above $15 per hour (starting wages will remain at $11/hour).

Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 8.6% with strength across most key categories.

Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales increased 69% with strong results across all channels.

Co approved a new $20 billion share repurchase program and increased dividend.

Co provides FY22 guidance: Co expects FY22 EPS to "decline slightly" from levels of FY21 (Flat to up slightly, excluding divestitures); sees FY22 decline in constant currency sales; sees Walmart U.S., up low single-digits, ex. fuel.