** Shares of Walmart WMT.O down about 2% on Weds, with the world's largest retailer seen posting higher rev and EPS in its qtrly results due before the bell on Thurs

** Analysts expect WMT to report a rise in Q1 rev to $174.98 bln vs $165.61 bln a yr ago and adj EPS of $0.66 vs $0.61 a yr ago, per LSEG

** Focus may be on co's recent restructuring efforts and also on what co executives say about the impact of higher energy costs on consumers

** The co could give insight into spending habits for an array of consumers. "Investors have long used Walmart’s earnings to gauge the financial health of the everyday, working-class U.S. consumer," writes Kent Fung, a vice president at Fundstrat Research. "When the Bentonville, Ark. retail giant reports its first-quarter results tomorrow before markets open, investors might also be able to assess the financial health of the higher-income demographic," he notes

** Earlier this month, Reuters reported, citing a source, that WMT eliminated 1,000 roles to simplify its structure

** Avg rating of 43 analysts is "buy" and median PT is $139.50; stock last at $131.26

** Shares are up ~18% YTD, outperforming the Dow's .DJI roughly 4% gain