Walmart earnings boosted by more higher income customers
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Walmart rang up more customers with higher household income during the second quarter as high inflation reshapes consumer behavior.
Driving the news: CFO John David Rainey told CNBC ahead of the company's earnings report this morning that a vast majority (about 75%) of Walmart's market share in grocery in the second quarter came from shoppers with $100,000 or more in annual household income.
- Budget-strapped shoppers have also been trading down "in terms of quality and quantity," he added.
- Walmart's stock rose more than 3% in premarket trading.
Why it matters: While higher income households have felt better about the economy than lower income households, Walmart's observation reflects the overwhelming impact higher prices have had across nearly all households.
- Groceries and food products, considered staple purchases for households, are lower margin for stores like Walmart. But being able to offer a wide mix is clearly helping the retailer weather the downturn in demand for nice-t0-haves, such as home goods, sporting equipment, electronics and clothing.
Catch up fast: Walmart reported $5.1 billion in net income for the second quarter.
- Its same-store sales growth reached 6.5% from last year, higher than what analysts expected and what the company guided for previously.
- The company restated its forecast for the rest of the year as it continues to clear excess inventory.
What they're saying: "[A]s you can see, in our guidance, we acknowledge reality," CEO Doug McMillon said at the end of the earnings call.
- "The world ... is feeling various pressures, most pronounced — inflation."
The big picture: Retailers have had a tough time during the pandemic trying to keep up with how quickly consumer buying behaviors changed, starting with supply shortages amid record demand and now, record inflation.
What to watch: Walmart says fuel prices will play a big role in the future price of food and goods — not only to its own transportation costs and therefore ultimately costs to the consumer, but also to consumer pocketbooks as they decide how much they can spend on anything else.
- The company was also optimistic about the fall quarter, with schools back in person and reduced lunch programs expected to drive purchases of supplies and food.
