0950 ET - Walmart's outlook for the coming year calls for net sales growth 3.5% to 4.5% as well as operating income growth of 6% to 8%, missing some investors' high expectations. CFO John Rainey says on a call with analysts, though, that it was important to start the year with a level of conservatism, given the macroeconomic backdrop is still somewhat unstable. "Our goal is to outperform this guidance," he says. Walmart says it expects continued margin expansion driven by favorable business mix, automation benefits and productivity, and less headwinds from merchandise category mix. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 19, 2026 09:50 ET (14:50 GMT)

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