The company, a bellwether for the retail industry, said its U.S. sales rose 5 percent in the third quarter, as cost-conscious consumers of all incomes sought bargains.

Walmart on Tuesday raised its annual sales and profit forecast for the third consecutive time, as people bought more groceries and merchandise, a sign the world's largest retailer continues to gain market share ahead of the holidays.

Shares in the world’s largest retailer surged to a record high in New York, as it lured ever more affluent Americans to shop in-store and online.