** Walmart WMT.O issued a full-year sales and profit forecast that missed high expectations, even as strong holiday demand driven by low prices and investments in online delivery marked CEO John Furner's first steps in the top job

** Median PT of 45 brokerages covering the stock is $135 - LSEG data

GOT THE 'AI‑ISLE' ADVANTAGE

** Citigroup ("buy", PT: $147) said "strength and consistency continue to impress"

** Adds, faster-growing ad, membership and fulfillment businesses give co room to invest in prices while still lifting margins, and that its AI and automation push keeps it ahead of rivals

** Bernstein ("outperform", PT: $134) said despite the cautious forecast, they expect WMT to deliver in FY27 and recommend buying on weakness, supported by improving e-commerce profitability and strong ad momentum

** TD Cowen ("buy", PT: $145) said Walmart is "well‑positioned as an A.I. retail leader" and its new intent‑driven AI assistant is helping boost engagement

** Telsey Advisory Group ("outperform", PT: $140) said co's momentum is driven by broad share gains, strong e-commerce and fast-growing high-margin businesses, while its automation and AI tools, including Sparky, which lifts order values by ~35% are sharpening its edge

(Reporting by Rashika Singh in Bengaluru)

((rashika.singh@thomsonreuters.com))