Walmart's August 20 Earnings: Are Quiet Margin Gains Coming for Shelf Prices?

Walmart reports fiscal 2027 Q2 earnings August 20 at 7 a.m. CDT. After vowing to "eat the tariffs" rather than pass costs to shoppers (Reuters, June 2025), the largest US grocer faces a disinflationary backdrop — January 2026 CPI rose marginally, with core goods flat. Watch gross margin and pricing commentary for signs Walmart is rebuilding margins, which could push shelf prices higher despite subdued headline inflation.