03:09 PM EST, 02/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Walmart's ( WMT ) lower-than-expected earnings forecast in fiscal year 2027 was due to economic indicators such as "hiring recession", Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey in an interview.

Along with higher student delinquencies and trade uncertainty, "it's prudent to be somewhat measured with the outlook right now," Bloomberg quoted Rainey as saying.

Walmart ( WMT ) typically offers conservative guidance at the start of the year, Bloomberg said.

Walmart ( WMT ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

The retailer earlier issued fiscal 2027 adjusted earnings per share guidance of $2.75 to $2.85. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect $2.97.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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