Latest news with #omnichannel
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Shopify Inc: Needham Initiates Coverage with a 'Buy', Sees More Upside
Shopify Inc. (SHOP) (SHOP:CA) On July 14, 2025, Needham & Company started their coverage with a 'Buy' rating on Shopify, with a 12-month price target of $135 USD per share. According to Needham analysts, Shopify is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing shift toward omnichannel commerce, driven by small and medium-sized businesses seeking scalable solutions. Shopify's expanding suite of merchant tools—including AI-powered analytics, improved point-of-sale integration, and cross-border selling capabilities—as key drivers of long-term growth. In addtion, Shopify's recent partnership expansions and infrastructure investments (such as logistics improvements and fulfillment network enhancements) support both operational efficiency and customer retention. Despite broader market volatility, Needham believes Shopify's recurring revenue model, strong gross merchandise volume (GMV) growth, and solid balance sheet make it an attractive long-term holding. The $135 USD price target suggests a moderate upside from current levels, contingent on sustained execution and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Shopify Inc. has a consensus analyst rating of 'Buy', and a average analyst 12-month price target is $120 USD per share.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Walmart's Omnichannel Strategy: Core Catalyst Behind E-Commerce Surge
Walmart Inc. WMT continues to strengthen its market leadership through a powerful omnichannel strategy that combines its vast store footprint with growing digital capabilities. By investing in technology, optimizing store operations and using data to enhance customer service, the company is successfully meeting the evolving needs of modern shoppers. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Walmart reported a 22% increase in global e-commerce sales. The growth comes on the back of its robust omnichannel strategy, which blends the strengths of its physical store network with expanding digital capabilities. In the United States, e-commerce sales rose 21%, supported by strong store-fulfilled pickup and delivery, growing marketplace sales and increased revenues from growth in advertising. Consumers continue to prioritize fast, convenient delivery options, boosting demand for digital services. International e-commerce sales grew 20%, reflecting similar trends in store-based fulfillment and marketplace strength. At Sam's Club U.S., e-commerce sales jumped 27%, with major gains in Club-fulfilled deliveries and pickup services. Walmart is also expanding its ecosystem of digital services, including Walmart GoLocal (last-mile delivery), Walmart Fulfillment Services, Walmart+ (membership program) and Walmart Luminate (data analytics). Strategic investments, such as a majority stake in PhonePe and a large investment in Flipkart, further reinforce its global digital presence. Additionally, the company's leadership in online grocery shopping continues to be a major driver of e-commerce growth. By blending physical store advantages with tech-driven innovation, Walmart is effectively positioning itself as a dominant force in the future of omnichannel retail. WMT's E-Commerce Competition Target Corporation TGT is rapidly expanding its e-commerce business, thanks to a customer-focused strategy centered on speed and convenience. With services like same-day delivery, curbside pickup and in-store order fulfillment, Target is leveraging its physical retail footprint to drive strong online sales growth. Its ability to blend digital and in-store experiences has resonated well with consumers, especially loyal shoppers who value Target's exclusive brands and curated product selection. Meanwhile, Amazon AMZN continues to dominate the online retail landscape, supported by an unmatched product assortment, ultra-fast delivery and a robust third-party seller marketplace. Its strategic focus on customer loyalty through Amazon Prime — which includes free shipping, streaming and exclusive deals — plays a key role in retaining millions of subscribers. Amazon is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, advanced logistics and next-gen fulfillment centers to further streamline operations and enhance user experience. WMT's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates Shares of Walmart have gained 3.3% in six months compared with the industry 's growth of 4.4%. From a valuation standpoint, WMT trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 34.55X, above the industry's average of 31.82X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WMT's fiscal 2026 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 3.6%, whereas its fiscal 2027 earnings estimate suggests a year-over-year uptick of 11.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research WMT stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%. Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Walmart Shares Jump 40% in a Year: Should You Still Buy Now?
Walmart Inc. WMT remains a retail leader, driven by its strong omnichannel strategy, broad scale and continued innovation. These strengths have helped the company outperform, with the stock posting 40.1% growth over the past year, nearly matching the industry 's 40.2% growth and significantly outpacing the Zacks Retail and Wholesale sector's 16.9% and the S&P 500's 12.6% growth. WMT Price Performance vs. Industry, S&P 500 & Sector Compared to its peers, The Kroger Co. KR, Ross Stores, Inc. ROST and Target Corporation TGT, Walmart's stock performance stands out. Kroger delivered solid 36% growth over the same period, while Ross Stores saw a 12% decline. Target Corporation fared even worse, with a 29.8% drop, reflecting broader challenges faced by legacy general merchandise retailers. Walmart's relative strength highlights its ability to adapt and execute in a rapidly evolving retail environment. As of the latest trading session, Walmart closed at $96.81, 8.1% below the 52-week high of $105.30, reached on Feb. 14, 2025. The stock's solid upward trajectory is further validated by the position above key technical benchmarks, the 200-day simple moving average of $91.20, indicating sustained bullish momentum and price stability. WMT Trades Above 200-Day Moving Average Walmart's strong price performance, coupled with technical support, underscores investor confidence in its underlying business strength. To better understand what's fueling this momentum, let's take a closer look at the company's fundamentals. What's Powering Walmart's Momentum? Walmart continues to demonstrate operational strength through its diversified business model and steady execution across both physical and digital retail channels. The company has maintained a stronghold in the evolving global retail landscape by consistently driving customer engagement, whether in-store or online, through its broad multichannel capabilities. One of the primary drivers behind this sustained momentum is Walmart's robust omnichannel ecosystem. By integrating stores with digital infrastructure, Walmart has created a seamless shopping experience backed by data analytics, technology investments, and in-store operational enhancements. With a large portion of the U.S. population living near a Walmart store, the retailer leverages store-based logistics to offer rapid delivery and pickup services, enhancing convenience and driving higher customer satisfaction. The company delivered strong comparable sales growth, supported by continued store enhancements and strategic digital investments. In the United States, comparable sales (excluding fuel) increased 4.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by a 1.6% rise in transactions and a 2.8% gain in average ticket size, signaling healthy consumer engagement and a focus on value. The grocery segment remained a standout performer, delivering mid-single-digit comp growth and capturing additional market share. E-commerce remains a high-growth pillar. In the fiscal first quarter, Walmart's global e-commerce sales surged 22%, led by strong adoption across all business segments, with United States e-commerce sales rising 21%, supported by fast fulfillment, robust marketplace activity, and growing advertising revenues. Sam's Club U.S. stood out with a 27% e-commerce increase, underscoring the value of club-fulfilled delivery and pickup. International markets also contributed meaningfully, with a 20% e-commerce jump. What's Pressuring Walmart's Growth Momentum? While Walmart maintains strong operational momentum, near-term headwinds are beginning to emerge. Tariff-related pressures remain a key concern, with management acknowledging that the company cannot fully sidestep the impact of heightened trade costs. On its last earnings call, leadership cautioned that a return to sharply elevated tariffs could significantly hinder year-over-year earnings growth. Reflecting the current uncertainty, Walmart also refrained from issuing earnings per share guidance for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, citing a highly unpredictable operating environment. Moreover, Walmart's substantial international footprint exposes it to foreign exchange volatility. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, adverse currency movements shaved $2.4 billion off reported sales, underscoring the risks posed by macroeconomic fluctuations. While the company's core operations remain resilient, these external challenges could cloud its short-term financial visibility. Walmart Valuation Picture From a valuation standpoint, Walmart is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry peers. The stock's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 35.48, higher than the industry average of 32.62. Adding to these concerns, Walmart currently holds a Value Score of C, indicating potential overvaluation relative to its fundamentals. In comparison, key peers such as Kroger, Ross Stores, and Target are trading at significantly lower earnings multiples of 14.18, 20.25 and 13.11, respectively, which may appear more attractive to value-focused investors. WMT P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months) Investment Guidance for WMT Despite mounting external pressures, Walmart continues to distinguish itself as a leader in modern retail through its scale, agility and evolving business model. Its investments in digital infrastructure, fulfillment, and high-margin verticals, such as advertising and memberships, are helping drive sustainable growth. Still, elevated valuation metrics and global economic headwinds, particularly tariffs and currency fluctuations, warrant a more cautious stance in the near term. Investors who prioritize long-term structural strength may find Walmart worth holding, while those focused on value may prefer to monitor for a more attractive entry point. At present, WMT carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Higher. Faster. Sooner. Buy These Stocks Now A small number of stocks are primed for a breakout, and you have a chance to get in before they take off. At any given time, there are only 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. On average, this list more than doubles the S&P 500. We've combed through the latest Strong Buys and selected 7 compelling companies likely to jump sooner and climb higher than any other stock you could buy this month. You'll learn everything you need to know about these exciting trades in our brand-new Special Report, 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Download the report free now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report The Kroger Co. (KR): Free Stock Analysis Report Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST): Free Stock Analysis Report
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Affluent Shoppers Want To Browse Online But Buy In-Store
New Forbes survey data reveals luxury shoppers are embracing omnichannel experiences but still prize ... More in-person purchases. In an increasingly digitally driven retail world, how do the wealthy shop? While affluent consumers value a seamless, omnichannel journey that facilitates purchases from any device, the Forbes Research 2025 High Net Worth Survey revealed their distinct preference for tailored, in-store experiences when buying high-end goods. The survey was fielded to 250 people globally with over $2 million in investable assets between April and May 2025, and the data revealed the following about the luxury shopping habits of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs): Ahead, explore other key findings from the survey. Personalized Services Are The Biggest Factor In Buying Luxury Goods The HNWIs Forbes surveyed plan to spend an average of $29,243 on designer watches, $19,921 on designer clothing and $12,619 on high-end accessories such as handbags and belts in the coming year. The top factor that drives the decision to buy a luxury item? Personalized customer service, such as a concierge or personal shopper, to ensure their needs are being met efficiently and in a timely manner. The wealthy are also seeking exclusivity when interacting and engaging with brands, with 87% percent of respondents more likely to shop from a brand that offers a unique experience, such as in-person events. Nearly two-thirds say they have attended a fashion show, private concert or art exhibit hosted by a luxury brand. A Seamless Omnichannel Journey Boosts Customer Loyalty And Brand Perception Brands are going to great lengths to get the synergy of omnichannel shopping right. The ones that achieve full connectivity will be rewarded: Forbes Research data found that seven in 10 respondents would be more loyal to a brand that offers seamless integration of online and in-store purchasing. Seventy-eight percent of respondents said personalized marketing messages across multiple channels — informed by their preferences and behaviors — significantly impact their perception of a brand. The world's wealthy are seeking cutting-edge retail experiences, but the personal touch of interacting with their favorite luxury stores still holds ultimate sway.
Globe and Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
E-Commerce Gains at Home Depot: Incremental or Game-Changing?
The Home Depot, Inc. 's HD digital strategy remains a cornerstone of its overall growth. Its e-commerce gains are significant and transformative, which go beyond incremental growth and play a vital role in the company's success. This strategy is further amplified by the buildout of its One Supply Chain (OSC) network, focused on strengthening distribution centers, market delivery operations and same-day delivery capabilities. Home Depot has been strengthening its in-store and digital experiences, fulfillment and delivery improvements, interconnected retail strategy expansion and Pro ecosystem enhancements to ignite growth. Its continued emphasis on delivering an interconnected retail experience through seamless integration of physical stores and digital platforms remains central to its omnichannel strategy. With roughly 90% of the company's online orders fulfilled via its stores using BOPIS/BORIS, e-commerce functions as a convenience amplifier and highly complements HD's core store-based approach. Home Depot's digital investments range from mobile upgrades to real-time inventory visibility and delivery enhancements. These investments aim at optimizing the customer journey, particularly for Pro customers and huge DIY projects. HD's online comparable sales grew 8% year over year in first-quarter fiscal 2025. Home Depot is further boosting its delivery speed, with faster delivery times directly linked to increased engagement and higher spending across multiple categories. The ongoing investments in its direct fulfillment center network and inventory optimization are driving improvements in order accuracy and responsiveness. Such digital upgrades are expected to enrich customer experience and foster deep loyalty across the DIY and Pro customers. Such moves offer HD a competitive edge and position it for long-term success. HD's Competition in E-Commerce Space Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW and Inc. AMZN are the key companies competing with Home Depot on the e-commerce front. Lowe's has been steadily advancing its e-commerce strategy, focused on building efficiency, optimizing inventory flow and offering a superior, reliable customer experience. The company aims to build a robust omnichannel strategy that ensures product availability in the right quantities, at the right time, and in the right locations. This strategy includes enhancing network capacity, improving flow management and driving overall operational efficiency through end-to-end optimization. As a core part of its Total Home strategy, Lowe's continues to make investments in modernizing its network to boost its omnichannel capabilities. Lowe's saw mid-single-digit growth in online comparable sales in first-quarter fiscal 2025. A leading e-commerce titan, Amazon is continuously making e-commerce efforts, aimed at driving speed, efficiency and scalability to ramp up its omnichannel capabilities. The company's efforts include regionalization of the fulfillment network, robotics, automation, innovations and technology integration. Amazon heavily focuses on strengthening its same-day and next-day delivery capabilities, thus elevating the overall shoppers' experience. Continued investment in its digital arm, supported with innovation, is pivotal to Amazon's success, with quick delivery options and adaptability to meet customers' evolving needs. HD's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Shares of Home Depot have lost 4.7% year to date compared with the industry's decline of 7.6%. From a valuation standpoint, HD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.52X compared with the industry 's average of 20.78X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HD's fiscal 2025 earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 1.3% while that of fiscal 2026 shows growth of 9.1%. The company's EPS estimate for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 has been stable in the past 30 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Home Depot stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report The Home Depot, Inc. (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report
