Consumer Staples
Discount Stores
$751.66B
2.1M
Walmart is a leading global retailer operating a network of over 10,500 stores and various e-commerce websites across 19 countries, serving approximately 255 million customers weekly. The company's core business model is based on everyday low prices (EDLP) and everyday low costs (EDLC), offering a broad assortment of merchandise and services through both physical stores and e-commerce platforms, including grocery, general merchandise, and health and wellness products. Walmart's competitive advantages include its vast scale, global supply chain, and integrated omni-channel capabilities, allowing it to offer competitive pricing and convenient shopping experiences.
Key insights and themes extracted from this filing
Total revenues increased by $4.1 billion, or 2.5%, to $165.6 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. This growth was achieved despite a negative impact of $2.4 billion from currency exchange rate fluctuations on net sales.
Consolidated net income decreased by $0.7 billion to $4.6 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to $5.3 billion in the prior year. Consequently, diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart fell from $0.63 to $0.56.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased significantly to $5.4 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2025, up $1.2 billion from $4.2 billion in the prior year. This led to a positive free cash flow of $0.4 billion, a $0.9 billion improvement from a negative free cash flow of $(0.4) billion in the comparable period.
Walmart U.S. comparable sales increased 3.1% and Sam's Club U.S. comparable sales increased 2.8% for the three months ended April 30, 2025. This growth was primarily driven by increases in transactions and unit volumes, with eCommerce contributing positively to comparable sales (Walmart U.S. 3.4%, Sam's Club 3.3%).
Total capital expenditures rose to $4.986 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2025, up from $4.676 billion in the prior year. This increase reflects the company's strategy to allocate capital to higher-return areas such as automation, supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology, and investments in stores and clubs.
Sam's Club U.S. membership and other income increased 8.2% for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. This growth is attributed to an expanding membership base and increased Plus penetration, indicating successful strategic initiatives.
Gross profit rate increased by 12 basis points for the three months ended April 30, 2025, primarily due to disciplined inventory management and lower levels of markdowns in the Walmart U.S. segment. This indicates effective operational control over product costs.
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased by 6 basis points, primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization and casualty claims expense in the U.S., as well as VIZIO operating costs following the December 2024 acquisition. This suggests some challenges in achieving operating leverage despite revenue growth.
Management's stated objectives include prioritizing growth through a seamless omnichannel experience and improving operating income margin through productivity initiatives. The strong eCommerce contribution to comparable sales and increased capital allocation for technology align with these stated objectives.
The company anticipates continued uncertainty in the global economy due to factors such as tariffs, trade restrictions, inflationary trends, currency fluctuations, and supply chain pressures. These factors are explicitly noted as potential impacts on operating results and investment in securities.
Walmart faces numerous pending legal proceedings, including significant opioid-related litigation (MDL, DOJ, securities class actions, shareholder derivative actions), Asda equal value claims, money transfer agent services litigation, and antitrust matters in Mexico and India. The outcomes of these matters remain uncertain and could result in material liabilities.
An ongoing EPA investigation into alleged Clean Air Act violations related to refrigeration leak detection and repair programs could result in monetary penalties exceeding $1 million. While the company does not believe this will have a material adverse effect, the potential for significant penalties exists.
Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club U.S. segments both reported positive comparable sales growth (3.1% and 2.8% respectively), primarily due to increases in transactions and unit volumes. This indicates continued customer engagement and market share strength in core domestic markets.
eCommerce sales positively contributed to comparable sales (Walmart U.S. 3.4%, Sam's Club 3.3%) and outpaced total segment growth, reflecting continued strength in customer and Walmart+ member engagement with omnichannel offerings, particularly store-fulfilled pickup and delivery.
Walmart International net sales decreased by 0.3%, primarily due to negative currency exchange rate fluctuations of $2.4 billion, partially offset by positive comparable sales. The segment also faces ongoing competitive pressures and mix shifts into lower margin categories.
The gross profit rate increased by 12 basis points for the three months ended April 30, 2025, primarily driven by disciplined inventory management, including lower levels of markdowns, particularly in the Walmart U.S. segment. This indicates enhanced efficiency in managing product costs.
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased by 6 basis points, mainly due to higher depreciation and amortization, increased casualty claims expense, and VIZIO operating costs following its acquisition. This suggests some new operational cost burdens.
Capital expenditures for supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, and technology increased to $3.051 billion. These investments are part of management's strategy to improve operating income margin through productivity initiatives and optimize the efficiency of operations.
eCommerce net sales positively contributed approximately 3.4% to Walmart U.S. comparable sales and 3.3% to Sam's Club U.S. comparable sales, outpacing total segment growth. This highlights the continued success of digital initiatives.
Capital expenditures for 'Supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology and other' increased to $3.051 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2025, up from $2.602 billion in the prior year. This demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in technological capabilities.
Growth in customer and Walmart+ member engagement is primarily driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery, indicating successful integration of digital and physical retail channels. This enhances the overall shopping experience and strengthens customer loyalty.
The company repurchased $4.555 billion of common stock during the three months ended April 30, 2025, a significant increase from $1.059 billion in the prior year. This activity, under the $20 billion program with $7.5 billion remaining, reflects management's confidence and commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
The Board approved a fiscal 2026 annual dividend of $0.94 per share, representing a 13% increase over the fiscal 2025 annual dividend of $0.83 per share. This consistent increase in dividends underscores the company's commitment to providing returns to its shareholders.
Capital expenditures increased to $4.986 billion, with a focus on automation and investments in stores and clubs. This aligns with the company's strategy to allocate capital to higher-return areas that support long-term growth and operational efficiency.
The 10-Q filing primarily focuses on financial performance, operations, and legal risks, and does not contain a dedicated section or specific detailed updates on new environmental, social, or governance initiatives undertaken by the company during the quarter.
The company disclosed an ongoing EPA investigation regarding alleged Clean Air Act violations related to its refrigeration leak detection and repair program. This is presented as a potential financial risk due to possible penalties exceeding $1 million, rather than an ESG initiative or progress update.
Beyond standard corporate governance disclosures, such as executive stock trading plans, the filing does not provide specific details on new social responsibility programs, diversity and inclusion efforts, or significant enhancements to governance practices during the reported period.
Walmart International's net sales decreased by $0.1 billion, or 0.3%, primarily due to a negative impact of $2.4 billion from currency exchange rate fluctuations. This highlights the vulnerability of international operations to global currency volatility.
Management noted continued uncertainty in the global economy due to factors such as tariffs, trade restrictions, inflationary trends, and consumer confidence. These macroeconomic conditions are expected to continue impacting the company's operating results.
The company continues to face a variety of regulatory and legal challenges globally, including antitrust investigations in Mexico and India, and a CFPB lawsuit related to its driver platform. These ongoing issues reflect a demanding regulatory environment that could impact operations and financial results.