Walmart’s Stock (NYSE: WMT) Hit New High Heading Into Holiday as Strategic Shift Pays Off

Retail giant Walmart's stock (NYSE: WMT) added 0.62% on the day leading into the Thanksgiving holiday, having set a new all-time-high of $92.25 intraday. The company has long been synonymous with value-driven shopping, yet the company's latest financial reports and strategy shifts point to a successful move upscale, expanding its market appeal and potentially boosting its stock performance.

Walmart's share price has been a huge outperformer this year, gaining 73.03%, whilst the S&P 500 has added 26.48%. This a growth story that owes as much to diversification and strategic moves as the strong U.S. consumer.

In its 2025 fiscal third quarter, Walmart reported a robust 5.5% increase in sales and an even more impressive 8.2% upturn in operating income. These metrics underscore the company's effective adaptation to the evolving retail landscape and set the stage for ongoing financial health. A deeper dive into Walmart's recent initiatives reveals the significant transformations fueling this performance.

E-commerce stands out as a remarkable growth area for Walmart, with a 27% surge in third-quarter sales year over year, and U.S e-commerce experiencing a 22% jump. The retailer's substantial market share gains, of which 75% came from households earning over $100,000, highlight the changing demographic of its customer base. CEO Doug McMillon attributes much of this shift to the strategic use of AI and machine learning in understanding and catering to customers' needs, integrating technology to attract a higher-income clientele.

Walmart's innovation spree is further evidenced by its introduction of scan-and-go technology and 1-hour delivery services, aimed at enhancing the customer experience and staying ahead in the race of e-commerce convenience. Moreover, the launch of a new brand, Better Goods, signals a targeted effort to capture the younger and more affluent demographic with an emphasis on healthier foods, including plant-based and gluten-free options.

By moving beyond its traditional focus on low-priced staples, Walmart is actively diversifying its product offerings and carving out a space in the upscale shopping segment. This shift comes at a time when competitors like Target and Kroger encounter operational challenges, providing Walmart with an edge in capturing market share.

Walmart's third-quarter financials are just one indication of its strategic success. By targeting higher-income customers, integrating cutting-edge technology, and expanding into the health-conscious market, Walmart is not just keeping up with retail trends — it's setting them. The ripple effect of these shifts could very well mean a continued climb for Walmart's stock as it reshapes expectations and shopping experiences alike.