0806 ET - Walmart's 4Q results Thursday will mark John Furner's debut as the retailer's 5th CEO since Sam Walton. "Most expect the message to be business as usual, which is to say continued market share gains, comps in the 4%-5% range, and continued margin expansion," D.A. Davidson says in a research note. Analysts Michael Baker and Keegan Cox say performance will be driven by strength across Walmart's core business, as well as benefits from its investments in alternative businesses, AI and automation. "We wouldn't be surprised if Walmart's initial 2026 guidance is below consensus, which seems high to us," the analysts add. However, they note the company has a tendency to beat its original plan. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 18, 2026 08:06 ET (13:06 GMT)

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