Walmart and Delta Air Lines have both adjusted their forecasts for the first quarter, reflecting concerns about the ongoing trade war under President Donald Trump’s policies. The escalating trade tensions have resulted in increased uncertainty, which has negatively impacted consumer sentiment and business growth projections.
Walmart Adjusts First-Quarter Outlook
Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., has pulled its guidance for operating income growth in the first quarter. The company stated that the “range of outcomes for Q1 operating income growth has widened due to less favorable category mix, higher casualty claims expense, and the desire to maintain flexibility to invest in price as tariffs are implemented.” CFO John David Rainey added that the company is still assessing the impact of the tariffs but acknowledged that the uncertainty and declining consumer sentiment have caused increased sales volatility.
Delta Air Lines Cuts Growth Forecast
Similarly, Delta Air Lines has cut its growth plans for the year. CEO Ed Bastian explained that economic uncertainty and the ongoing global trade situation had caused the airline’s growth to stall. Delta, one of the most profitable U.S. carriers, has decided to protect its margins by reducing capacity growth for the second half of the year. Originally, Delta had planned for a 3% to 4% capacity increase, but this is now expected to be flat compared to last year. Despite this, the airline remains focused on profitability and managing costs effectively.
Economic Impact of Trade Tensions
The adjustments from both companies highlight how the trade war is affecting businesses that rely on both domestic and global markets. Walmart sources a significant portion of its products from overseas, particularly China and Mexico, and the continued uncertainty surrounding tariffs is impacting consumer behavior. Delta is similarly feeling the effects of the economic slowdown, as global trade tensions contribute to broader market instability.
Walmart’s Sales Forecast
Despite the volatility, Walmart has maintained its sales growth forecast for the first quarter, projecting a 3% to 4% increase. The company’s efforts to balance tariff impacts with price adjustments and maintaining flexibility in its operations have allowed it to navigate through the trade war’s challenges. However, Walmart has refrained from offering new guidance for operating income growth, signaling the difficulty in predicting future performance amid such uncertainty.
Delta’s Financial Outlook
For Delta, while the second-quarter profitability is projected to be between $1.5 to $2 billion, the airline has refrained from updating its full-year outlook, given the unclear economic environment. Despite the challenges, Delta remains confident in its ability to deliver solid profitability and free cash flow for the year.
