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
Consolidated net income increased by 51.8% to $7,151 million for the three months ended July 31, 2025, compared to $4,711 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS rising to $0.88 from $0.56. This significant growth was primarily due to a favorable swing in 'Other (gains) and losses)' to a net gain of $2.7 billion, largely from changes in the fair value of equity investments, offsetting an 8.2% decline in operating income.
Total revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2025, rose 4.8% year-over-year to $177.4 billion, with net sales increasing by the same percentage. Walmart U.S. comparable sales grew 4.7% (excluding fuel), and Sam's Club U.S. comparable sales increased 3.3% (including fuel), both significantly boosted by eCommerce contributions (4.0% for Walmart U.S. and 3.4% for Sam's Club U.S.).
Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased 58 basis points to 4.1% for the three months ended July 31, 2025, compared to 4.7% in the prior year. This decline was primarily due to a 64 basis point increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, impacted by $0.4 billion in legal charges and higher self-insured general liability claims, alongside channel and format mix shifts in the Walmart International segment.
Walmart U.S. comparable sales increased 4.7% for the three months ended July 31, 2025, with eCommerce contributing approximately 4.0% to this growth, reflecting strong customer and Walmart+ member engagement. Sam's Club U.S. also saw comparable sales rise 3.3%, with eCommerce outpacing total segment growth due to continued member engagement with omnichannel offerings.
Total capital expenditures for the six months ended July 31, 2025, increased by $0.9 billion to $11.4 billion, with significant allocations to 'Supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology and other' ($6.7 billion) and 'Store and club remodels' ($2.9 billion). This indicates a continued focus on enhancing operational infrastructure and customer experience to support long-term growth.
Walmart International's net sales increased $1.6 billion or 5.5% for the three months ended July 31, 2025, driven by positive comparable sales across international markets and strength in eCommerce. However, these gains were partially offset by negative currency exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted net sales by $1.5 billion for the quarter.
The company repurchased $6.2 billion in common stock during the six months ended July 31, 2025, a significant increase of $4.1 billion compared to the prior year, signaling confidence in the company's valuation. Additionally, the fiscal 2026 annual dividend was approved at $0.94 per share, a 13% increase over the prior fiscal year, reflecting a commitment to consistent shareholder returns.
Gross profit rate increased 4 and 8 basis points for the three and six months ended July 31, 2025, respectively, primarily due to disciplined inventory management and growth in higher-margin businesses within the Walmart U.S. segment. This indicates effective execution of productivity initiatives, despite rising operating expenses from legal matters and claims.
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 64 basis points for the three months ended July 31, 2025, due to higher self-insured general liability claims expense, increased depreciation from capital investments, and VIZIO operating costs post-acquisition. Additionally, strategic growth investments include associate wages in international markets, demonstrating management's focus on long-term growth and talent.
The $0.7 billion judgment against the company in the Lake and Trumbull Counties opioid MDL case was vacated, and the claims were dismissed with prejudice on July 25, 2025, following a favorable Supreme Court of Ohio ruling. This resolution significantly reduces a previously material contingent liability and a major legal risk.
The company faces ongoing legal proceedings including the DOJ Opioid Civil Litigation (trial scheduled for November 2027), an EPA investigation into Clean Air Act violations with potential penalties over $1 million, and an India Antitrust Matter. These indicate a persistent regulatory environment that could result in material liabilities and operational disruptions.
Walmex's subsidiary received a $5 million USD monetary penalty from COFECE in Mexico for alleged monopolistic practices, which is currently under appeal. Additionally, Flipkart faces ongoing investigations in India regarding Foreign Direct Investment rules and competition law violations, which could lead to monetary and non-monetary relief.
Walmart U.S. achieved 4.7% comparable sales growth for the three months ended July 31, 2025, with eCommerce contributing 4.0% to this growth. This performance, driven by strength across all merchandise categories and increased customer engagement with omnichannel offerings, suggests a strong competitive standing in the domestic retail market.
Both Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club U.S. reported continued strength in customer and member engagement with omnichannel offerings, with Sam's Club seeing growth in its membership base and Plus penetration. This focus on integrated shopping experiences and loyalty programs reinforces competitive advantages in retaining and attracting customers in a competitive retail landscape.
While Walmart International's net sales increased 5.5% for the three months ended July 31, 2025, driven by positive comparable sales, the segment's gross profit rate decreased due to channel and format mix shifts and strategic growth investments in price and delivery capabilities. This indicates a competitive environment requiring ongoing investment to maintain market position.
The gross profit rate increased 4 basis points for the three months ended July 31, 2025, primarily driven by disciplined inventory management and growth in higher-margin businesses within the Walmart U.S. segment. This demonstrates effective operational strategies to optimize product mix and reduce waste, contributing positively to profitability.
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 64 basis points for the three months ended July 31, 2025, primarily due to $0.4 billion in charges related to certain legal matters and higher self-insured general liability claims expense of approximately $0.4 billion. These factors indicate external and internal cost pressures impacting overall operational efficiency.
Capital expenditures for 'Supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology and other' increased to $6.7 billion for the six months ended July 31, 2025, from $6.0 billion in the prior year. Sam's Club U.S. also incurred reorganization charges related to strategic supply chain decisions, suggesting ongoing efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
Capital expenditures for 'Supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology and other' reached $6.7 billion for the six months ended July 31, 2025, up from $6.0 billion in the prior year, highlighting a strong commitment to technological advancement. This supports the company's strategy of serving customers through a 'seamless omnichannel experience' and accelerating eCommerce sales growth.
Walmart U.S. eCommerce net sales positively contributed approximately 4.0% to comparable sales for the three months ended July 31, 2025, and Sam's Club U.S. eCommerce net sales outpaced total segment growth. This indicates effective execution of digital strategies and strong customer adoption of online and omnichannel offerings, enhancing market reach and customer convenience.
The filing mentions 'VIZIO operating costs following the acquisition in December 2024' as a factor impacting operating expenses, indicating a strategic move into new technology-driven businesses. Additionally, 'developments and disruptions related to the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies' are listed as an operating risk factor, suggesting ongoing engagement with AI to enhance operations.
The company repurchased $6.2 billion in common stock during the six months ended July 31, 2025, a substantial increase of $4.1 billion compared to $2.1 billion in the prior year. This acceleration, driven by 'opportunistic prices during the first quarter,' demonstrates management's belief in the company's value 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 significant dividend hike underscores the company's strong cash flow generation and confidence in future earnings, aligning with its strategy to provide consistent returns to shareholders.
Total capital expenditures for the six months ended July 31, 2025, increased by $0.9 billion to $11.4 billion, focused on supply chain, technology, and store remodels. To support these investments, the company issued $4.0 billion in new long-term debt during the period, increasing total outstanding long-term debt by $3.7 billion.
The $0.7 billion judgment in the Lake and Trumbull Counties opioid MDL case was vacated, and the claims were dismissed, significantly mitigating a major social responsibility and legal challenge related to the company's past dispensing practices. This positive development reduces a substantial contingent liability and reputational risk.
The company faces an EPA investigation for alleged Clean Air Act violations related to its refrigeration leak detection program, with potential penalties exceeding $1 million. Additionally, 'Asda Equal Value Claims' and 'Driver Platform Matters' (regarding independent contractor classification) remain ongoing, indicating continued scrutiny on social responsibility and labor practices.
Walmart settled with the FTC for $10 million regarding its money transfer agent services, addressing allegations of consumer fraud prevention and anti-money laundering compliance issues. While settled, this highlights the ongoing need for robust social responsibility and governance in financial services offerings to prevent future issues.
Management expects 'continued uncertainty in our business and the global economy due to tariffs and trade restrictions; inflationary trends; fluctuations in global currencies; swings in macroeconomic conditions... and supply chain pressures.' This indicates a challenging and volatile market environment impacting operational costs and consumer behavior.
The enactment of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in July 2025, introducing 100% bonus depreciation and full expensing for R&D, is expected to decrease cash taxes paid in the current fiscal year. This legislative change provides a positive financial tailwind, although the timing of cash tax payments may shift in future periods.
The company is navigating various international regulatory challenges, including a $5 million USD antitrust penalty in Mexico and ongoing competition law investigations in India. Domestically, there are persistent legal and regulatory matters related to opioids, money transfer services, and environmental compliance, underscoring a complex operating environment.