Walmart price target raised to $180 from $165 at Baird

Baird analyst Peter Benedict raised the firm’s price target on Walmart to $180 from $165 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares after its Q2 earnings beat and guidance raise. Consumers are choosing Walmart for a blend of value and convenience as evidenced by traffic gains in stores and online, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The company’s efforts to drive improved productivity and profitability are also gaining traction, the firm added, stating that it sees profit growth outpacing sales and prospects for improving ROI at Walmart.