Walmart Inc. is edging closer to joining the exclusive club of trillion-dollar companies after announcing a landmark partnership with OpenAI that sent its stock soaring to an all-time high. The collaboration, unveiled on Tuesday, allows customers to shop directly through ChatGPT, marking a major leap in AI-powered e-commerce and solidifying Walmart’s position as a retail innovator.
Following the announcement, Walmart shares surged 5%, the biggest single-day gain since April, boosting its market capitalization to over $854 billion. Analysts now predict that continued momentum could push the Bentonville-based retailer into the $1 trillion valuation club, a group largely dominated by technology firms.
AI Partnership Sparks Stock Rally
The partnership with Sam Altman’s OpenAI will enable Walmart shoppers to browse and purchase items such as packaged foods, clothing, and household goods directly via ChatGPT. The integration introduces a seamless “buy” button, allowing instant checkout for Walmart and Sam’s Club products. While fresh groceries will not be available initially, analysts view the feature as a critical step toward AI-driven retail automation.
Mizuho analyst David Bellinger called the partnership “a major step forward in the adoption and broader acceleration of agentic commerce,” emphasizing Walmart’s agility in adopting artificial intelligence compared to slower-moving peers. “The company is clearly ahead of the curve,” he wrote in a note to clients.
Analysts See a Trillion-Dollar Future
Walmart’s latest rally reflects growing investor confidence in its ability to blend AI innovation with traditional retail strengths. The company’s valuation surge brings it closer to joining a rarefied group of $1 trillion companies — a list currently dominated by tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Outside the tech sector, only Berkshire Hathaway and Saudi Aramco have crossed the threshold.
Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez described the OpenAI collaboration as “unique,” noting that while OpenAI has existing partnerships with Etsy and Shopify, Walmart’s integration leverages its massive logistics and retail network. “This deal highlights Walmart’s ability to remain at the cutting edge of technology while continuing to scale its retail dominance,” he said.
Strong Momentum Despite Economic Concerns
Despite concerns over the broader U.S. economy, Walmart’s consistent performance continues to attract bullish forecasts. Bellinger reaffirmed his “buy” rating on the stock, stating that “shares can still work in a lukewarm economy and combined with early/developing initiatives, represent a must-own name in the consumer space.”
Over the past three years, Walmart’s stock has outperformed the market, fueled by its low-cost strategy and expanding digital initiatives. The retailer’s shares gained more than 11% in 2023 and nearly 72% in 2024 — the company’s best annual performance since 1998. Analysts say the OpenAI deal could sustain that growth trajectory by positioning Walmart as a key player in AI-powered retail ecosystems.
As Walmart accelerates its digital transformation, the partnership with OpenAI marks a defining moment in the company’s evolution from traditional retailer to AI-driven commerce leader. If current momentum holds, Walmart may soon stand alongside the world’s tech giants in the trillion-dollar valuation club — not by selling chips or software, but by reimagining how everyday consumers shop in the age of artificial intelligence.
