Walmart's Topline, Operating Income, Capital Return Combo Likely To Yield Shareholder Returns, Analyst Says Ahead Of Company Event

UBS analyst Michael Lasser reiterated a Buy rating on Walmart Inc WMT and a $168 price target.
Walmart laid the foundation for the key messages likely showcased at this upcoming meeting long ago.
Most likely, the company will reiterate its algorithm of a 4% topline growth and greater than 4% operating income growth, Lasser writes in a Thursday note titled "A Chance to Connect and Luminate."
Also Read: Walmart Starts Making Inroads In Amazon's Forte By Transforming Business Model; Targets Affluent Customers
The topline and operating income growth and capital returns should produce high single-digit to low double-digit total shareholder returns for the foreseeable future.
Importantly, Lasser thinks it will be able to produce this formula at the same time that it invests.
Its model provides more flexibility and opportunity, which will be even more evident after this event.
As per Lasser, this straightforward story with the wind at its back will be well-received as the market grapples with the uncertain macro and the scarcity of compelling alternative ideas.
Evercore ISI analyst Greg Melich upgrades Walmart from In-Line to Outperform, raising the price target from $145 to $160.
Price Action: WMT shares closed higher by 1.01% at $145.68 on Thursday.

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