New York, Feb 2, 2026, 18:51 (EST) — Trading after hours.
- Walmart shares climbed roughly 4%, reaching $124 in after-hours trading
- John Furner stepped in as CEO on Feb. 1, taking over from Doug McMillon
- Up next: fiscal Q4 results and outlook scheduled for Feb. 19
Walmart shares (WMT) climbed 4.1% to $124.06 in after-hours trading Monday, following the 4 p.m. close. During regular hours, the stock fluctuated between $118.71 and $124.19, with roughly 31.2 million shares traded.
John Furner has taken over as Walmart’s CEO, replacing Doug McMillon. Oliver Chen from TD Cowen told CNBC, “Target needs a reinvention; Walmart, continuation,” as Target also ushers in a new CEO. Over the past year, Walmart shares have gained roughly 26% and now hover near an average price target of about $125 — which, according to Investopedia, is where analysts expect the stock to trade in about a year. Investopedia
Walmart will report its fiscal fourth-quarter results on Feb. 19. Earnings details are expected by 6 a.m. Central time, followed by a conference call at 7 a.m. CT.
The broader market edged higher Monday, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.54% and the Dow rising 1.05%, buoyed by chipmakers tied to artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. factory activity expanded for the first time in a year in January, according to fresh data. Tim Ghriskey of Ingalls & Snyder commented, “The fundamentals are good and earnings are strong.” Reuters
Walmart and Caterpillar led the charge in the Dow’s rally, market data shows.
Walmart chairman Greg Penner highlighted Furner’s deep company knowledge when unveiling the succession plan, noting he “understands every dimension of our business – from the sales floor to global strategy.” Furner’s advancement through multiple roles within the company underscores that expertise. SEC
The stock’s rally has raised expectations. Any sign of softer consumer demand or intensified margin pressure from pricing battles would leave scant margin for mistakes.
Macro data might shift markets ahead. Tuesday brings the U.S. job openings report, known as JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey). Traders will be focused on its signals about hiring trends and wage inflation.
Retail stocks climbed as well. Target jumped 3.85% in regular trading, while Costco Wholesale rose 2.99%, per market data.
Walmart faces its next big test on Feb. 19, with results and guidance set to drop before the bell — marking the first earnings call under Furner’s leadership.
