New York, Jan 29, 2026, 12:45 EST — Regular session
Walmart Inc shares ticked up Thursday following a boost in pay opportunities for thousands of pharmacy technicians, highlighting the retailer’s push deeper into healthcare and delivery. By 12:30 p.m. EST, Walmart climbed roughly 0.7% to $117.39.
The pay hike is significant since pharmacy relies heavily on labor, and labor costs are among the few expenses major retailers can’t easily trim. Investors often react negatively when wage pressures hit margins, but they’re also on the lookout for signs that Walmart is expanding higher-frequency businesses that drive repeat visits.
Walmart’s shares held up better amid a weak session: the S&P 500-linked SPDR ETF dropped roughly 0.6%, and the retail-focused XRT slid close to 0.9%. Target gained around 1.3%, while Amazon dipped about 1.2% and Costco eased near 0.5%. CVS Health saw a modest uptick.
Walmart announced Wednesday it upgraded 3,000 pharmacy technician jobs to operations team lead roles, raising average hourly wages from $22 to $28. Lead pay can reach up to $42 an hour, depending on location. The company also expanded pay ranges for pharmacy technicians to as much as $40.50 an hour as it staffs around 4,600 pharmacies and scales digital services like Better Care Services, Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect program access, and enhanced pharmacy delivery. Meanwhile, Amazon is stepping up its prescription game too, with broader same-day delivery and a new insurance channel for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, priced at about $149 a month in cash, Reuters reported. (Reuters)
“This investment is really about supporting the pharmacy teams who show up for their communities every day,” said Kevin Host, Walmart’s senior vice president of pharmacy. Leisha Gonzalez, recently promoted to operations team lead, described the change as a reward for years of effort: “My hard work has paid off,” she said. (Walmart News)
For shareholders, the split is clear: boosting wages might stabilize staffing and enhance service, but it hits the bottom line as a cost upfront. If prescription volume and delivery growth stall, the numbers become tougher to justify.
The healthcare race is heating up. Walmart’s massive scale offers broad reach, but it’s entering a battleground where drug pricing, quick fulfillment, and insurance deals often determine the victor. Meanwhile, Amazon and established pharmacy chains aren’t standing still.
The stock’s defensive appeal in volatile markets stems from its grocery roots and consistent repeat visits. Pharmacy plays a key role too: lock customers into the ecosystem, then push the next purchase.
But the risks remain tangible. Wage inflation might pick up, and pharmacy margins could shift abruptly if reimbursement rates drop or delivery costs climb faster than anticipated. A wider slump in consumer demand would also challenge Walmart’s ability to rely on price and convenience.
Walmart is set to report its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 19, followed by a conference call at 7 a.m. Central time. Investors will be looking closely for updates on costs, guidance, and how quickly the company’s health and delivery segments are growing. (Walmart News)
