Walmart (WMT) Stock Predictions: What Investors Should Expect in 2026 and Beyond

Walmart (WMT) forecast

Walmart is coming off a strong year. Its stock gained 23.3% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500’s 16.4% rise. The retail giant benefited from strong consumer spending and the growth of its e-commerce platform last year. Walmart has invested to transform from a big-box retailer to a leading e-commerce platform by modernizing its supply chain, launching its Walmart+ loyalty program, and expanding its digital advertising business. These initiatives have helped boost its profit margins. They set the company up for continued growth in 2026 and beyond.

2026 forecast

Most Wall Street analysts had “buy” ratings on Walmart stock at the beginning of 2026. Of the 43 analysts who followed the company, 31 had a "buy" or equivalent rating, while nine had a "strong buy" or equivalent rating. However, the consensus price target was only $122.23 per share, less than 5% above the share price in early 2026 (around $118 in mid-January).

Several analysts had started to increase their price targets in early 2026. For example, Bernstein raised its target from $122 to $129, driven by its expectation that middle- to high-income consumers would be in a stronger position in 2026. Meanwhile, Mizuho and Oppenheimer both raised their price targets from $115 to $125.

I’m not quite so bullish on Walmart stock in 2026. After rallying in 2025 and into early 2026, the consumer staples stock traded at almost 45 times forward earnings in mid-January, which was higher than the S&P 500 (more than 22 times forward earnings) and the Nasdaq-100 index (almost 26 times forward earnings). That drives my prediction that Walmart could give back some of its gains in 2026 and finish the year below $110 a share.

2030 forecast

Predictions vary for Walmart’s stock price for 2030. Conservative-to-bearish forecasts have Walmart trading between $120 and $140 per share in 2030 due to potential competitive pressures and its current high valuation. Meanwhile, wildly optimistic predictions have the stock more than doubling to more than $250 a share. That bullish view assumes aggressive expansion in e-commerce, digital ads, and international markets, coupled with Walmart maintaining its high valuation multiple.

I’m a bit more conservative in my view of Walmart stock. While the company’s accelerating profit growth in recent years justifies a higher valuation multiple compared to other retailers, it will be difficult for the company to continue growing as briskly in the future to justify its valuation multiple. That drives my prediction that Walmart stock could rise to $150 by 2030.

Walmart’s highlights and risks

Walmart has transformed from a big-box retailer to an e-commerce powerhouse in recent years. The company has invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to support this strategy. This plan should drive solid revenue growth and even stronger profitability in the years to come.

However, one of the biggest risks with Walmart stock is its valuation. After rallying 23% in 2025 and almost 6% through early January 2026, Walmart traded at a hefty 45 times forward earnings. That was a premium compared to the broader market, as even the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 index traded at less than 26 times forward earnings. If Walmart’s growth slows due to growing competition or a major economic downturn, its stock price could take a big hit as its valuation compresses.

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