0929 ET - Walmart is telling investors to brace for big quarter-by-quarter swings in its margin and earnings due to intense volatility in the cost of its inventory. Tariff-related price jumps could result in markups on Walmart's inventory, though they could be offset by markdowns that are required later if costs come down, CFO John David Rainey says on a call with analysts. "The magnitude of these swings, both positive and negative, given the level of additional costs that could be applied to the inventory that we're purchasing right now, are unprecedented in our business," Rainey says. A better way to view the company's performance during this volatile time would be to "think about the next couple quarters in the aggregate," the CFO says. (dean.seal@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 15, 2025 09:29 ET (13:29 GMT)

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