Walmart IncWMTCOMMENTJan 31, 2017Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Sep 04, 2026. Market Open.
Both great companies, but both very expensive. COST is over 50x PE, and WMT's in the 40s. Fairly low-margin model. Reliant on the consumer, and everyone's affected when that consumer is struggling.
WMT reported today. Earnings were OK, but projections on future quarters were tough. High fuel prices were highlighted.
Successful transition to e-commerce is why stock's been on fire. Topline growth is only 4-5%, and his team debates this company all the time. PE is 46x earnings for 2026, extremely expensive. Seen as a safe place to park $$ as they continue to execute.
See his Top Picks.
Wonderful business, adds a lot of value for customers. He struggles with the valuation, given its growth profile. To get a good longer-term return, you need earnings growth and multiple expansion.
WMT, as well as COST and DOL, are very defensive havens for investors. That's bid up the shares. PE ratios for the three are all north of 40x. With just a slight moderation in the PE, the overall return will still be flat. He'd be interested on a significant pullback. Be patient.
Everyone's probably shaking their head wondering why he's picking something trading at all-time highs ;) His 12-month price target is $131. Still a decent return. He'd start a position here at $113, add more at $105, and get your final third around $100.
Without a doubt, effectively runs the largest AI-enabled physical and digital commerce network in the whole world. What every retail aspires to be able to do. All that will just pour down to the bottom line. Yield is 0.83%.
He is underweight a lot of US retailers. This one could be negatively impacted by border adjusted tariffs, which would certainly have an impact on their bottom line. He doesn’t own this, primarily because of secular growth concerns. E-commerce and Amazon are having a big impact on their business. Valuation is not all that compelling, and you are looking at flat earnings growth during the next couple of years.