01. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Year to date Share Price Gain: 54.90%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 95
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) leads our list of 10 best performing Dow stocks in 2024. As one of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores across the globe. The company has a strong presence in both physical retail and e-commerce, offering customers a diverse range of products and services, from groceries to apparel.
In its Q2 2025 earnings report, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) exceeded expectations, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $0.67, compared to the anticipated $0.646. This performance showcases the company’s solid financial fundamentals and strategic initiatives that are driving growth and profitability. Year-to-date, Walmart’s share price has gained an impressive 54.90%, reflecting investors’ confidence in its operational strength and market leadership.
Walmart’s robust sales growth across all segments has contributed to its success. Total net sales increased by 4.9% on a constant currency basis, driven by strong global e-commerce growth of 21%. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) U.S. saw a 4.2% increase in comparable sales, propelled by high traffic and unit growth across both stores and digital channels. The company’s e-commerce sales in the U.S. surged 22%, showcasing the effectiveness of its online retail strategy. Walmart’s international segment also performed well, with constant currency sales growth of 8.3%, supported by strong results in markets such as Mexico, China, and India.
The company’s margins also expanded, with consolidated gross margins rising by 43 basis points. This improvement was led by the Walmart U.S. and international segments, reflecting the company’s focus on providing everyday low prices while managing costs effectively. Walmart’s private brand penetration continues to increase across markets, catering to customers seeking value.
Additionally, hedge fund interest in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has been on the rise. As of Q2 2024, 95 hedge funds held positions in the company, up from 88 in the previous quarter. This growing institutional interest highlights the strong outlook for Walmart’s stock. Overall, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) diversified business model, strong financial performance, and strategic focus on expanding its e-commerce and membership platforms position it well for sustained growth and profitability in the coming years.
While we acknowledge the potential of WMT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WMT but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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