The Bentonville, Ark.-based firm posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.68, below the $0.73 expectation of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha. Revenue increased nearly 5% year-over-year to $177.40 billion, ahead of the $175.97 billion consensus.

Walmart Inc. shares fell after profit missed expectations for the first time in three years, overshadowing higher sales.

Walmart on Thursday raised its fiscal year sales and profit forecast, driven by strong demand from shoppers across all income levels, who have turned to the world's largest retailer as they worry about rising costs.

The $100 level acted as support earlier in August. But since February, $100 has been a pretty strong resistance level. Now that WMT stock is below it once more, it is a worrying sign. Shares of Walmart rarely go on sale unless the market perceives a macro shock.

Walmart's modest growth faces margin pressure, rising debt, and sector risks. Click here for my WMT earnings preview and a close look at WMT stock's valuation.

Stocks opened lower Thursday, under pressure after a larger-than-expected rise in first-time unemployment claims and disappointing results from Walmart that saw the retail behemoth and Dow component miss Wall Street profit expectations.