The discounter is expected to post year-over-year revenue gains, even as consumers are choosier about spending because of inflation.will report earnings on Thursday, as investors look to the nation's largest retailer to gauge the health of American consumers and the strength of the industry.As the nation's largest retailer and private employer, Walmart is often viewed as a bellwether for the U.S. economy.
Walmart expects sales to grow in the quarter and full year. The company said in February that it anticipates consolidated net sales will rise 4% to 5% in its fiscal first quarter. It also expected adjusted earnings per share of $1.48 to $1.56 on a prestock split basis. The company Walmart has been slashing spending in some areas and investing heavily in others. Earlier this week, the company said it wouldhundreds of its corporate employees, including the transfer of many to its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. That move came on the heels of another cost-cutting measure:On the other hand, the big-box retailer has poured money into other efforts. As it chases advertising dollars, Walmart announced in February that it willShares of Walmart closed on Wednesday at $59.