Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Sector: Consumer Staples|Industry: Discount Stores|Market Cap: $751.66B|Employees: 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.

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  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

Walmart Inc. is a global retailer operating physical stores and eCommerce platforms. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. Walmart's strategy includes price leadership (Everyday Low Prices or "EDLP") and cost control (Everyday Low Cost or "EDLC") combined with an omnichannel approach integrating physical stores and eCommerce. Walmart serves approximately 255 million customers weekly through more than 10,500 stores and various eCommerce websites in 19 countries.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: 2.1 million (as of January 31, 2024)
  • Geographic Footprint: 19 countries
  • Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas
  • Founded: 1945
  • Number of locations/facilities: 10,616 retail units; 368 distribution facilities (as of January 31, 2024)
  • Revenue: $648.1 billion (FY2024)
  • Key Subsidiaries/Brands: Sam's Club, Walmart U.S., Walmart International, Flipkart, PhonePe, Massmart

Leadership

  • CEO: C. Douglas McMillon
  • CFO: John David Rainey
  • Board Chair: Gregory B. Penner
  • Other Key Executives: Daniel J. Bartlett (Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs), Rachel Brand (Executive Vice President, Global Governance, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary), David M. Chojnowski (Senior Vice President and Controller), John Furner (Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart U.S.), Suresh Kumar (Executive Vice President, Global Chief Technology Officer and Chief Development Officer), Kathryn McLay (Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart International), Donna Morris (Executive Vice President, Global People, and Chief People Officer), Christopher Nicholas (Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sam's Club)

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $648.1 billion (FY2024)
  • Net Income: $16.3 billion (FY2024)
  • Total Assets: $252.4 billion (as of January 31, 2024)
  • Number of Employees: 2.1 million (as of January 31, 2024)
  • Key Financial Highlights (FY2024): Revenue increased 6.0% compared to FY2023. Net income increased $5.0 billion compared to FY2023. Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart was $15.5 billion. Diluted EPS was $1.91.

Products and Services

Walmart offers a wide range of products and services through its various segments.

  • Walmart U.S.: Groceries, general merchandise (entertainment, hardlines, fashion, home), health and wellness products, fuel, financial services (money orders, prepaid access, money transfers, check cashing, bill payment, installment lending), advertising services (Walmart Connect), fulfillment services (Walmart Fulfillment Services), last mile delivery services (Walmart GoLocal), and data products (Walmart Luminate).
  • Walmart International: Similar product categories as Walmart U.S., along with market-specific private brands. Also offers financial services such as prepaid cards, money transfers, and a digital payments platform (PhonePe in India).
  • Sam's Club: Membership-based warehouse club offering groceries, consumables, fuel, tobacco, home goods, apparel, health and wellness products, and technology and entertainment items. Offers Plus and Club memberships with varying benefits.

Key Business Segments

Walmart operates through three reportable segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club.

  • Walmart U.S.: $441.8 billion in revenue (FY2024), representing 69% of total revenue.
  • Walmart International: $114.6 billion in revenue (FY2024), representing 18% of total revenue.
  • Sam's Club: $86.2 billion in revenue (FY2024), representing 13% of total revenue.

Significant recent changes include the divestiture of Asda (U.K. retail operations) and Seiyu (Japan retail operations) in fiscal 2022, the buyout of noncontrolling interest shareholders of Massmart in fiscal 2023, and increased ownership in PhonePe in fiscal 2023.

Business Strategy

Walmart's business strategy focuses on an omnichannel approach, integrating physical stores and eCommerce to create a seamless customer experience. Key priorities include price leadership, cost control, and enhancing convenience for customers. The company is investing heavily in eCommerce, technology, and supply chain automation to support its omnichannel strategy. Walmart is also expanding its ecosystem by offering services like advertising, marketplace, fulfillment, healthcare, and financial services.

Industry Context

Walmart operates in the highly competitive global retail industry. It competes with various brick-and-mortar, eCommerce, and omnichannel retailers, including discount stores, department stores, supermarkets, wholesale clubs, and online marketplaces. Key competitors vary by segment and market but include companies like Costco, Amazon, Kroger, and Target. The industry is experiencing rapid growth in eCommerce and evolving customer expectations for convenience, speed, and price transparency.

Risk Factors

  • Failure to execute omnichannel strategy: The shift to digital shopping and the company's significant investments in eCommerce and technology carry risks, including potential negative impacts on market position, sales, and financial performance if not executed successfully.
  • Competition: Walmart faces intense competition from various retailers, both online and offline, which could adversely affect its market share and financial results.
  • Consumer trends and preferences: Failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences and shopping patterns could negatively impact demand, market share, and business growth.
  • Cybersecurity threats: Reliance on information systems exposes the company to cyberattacks, which could compromise data, disrupt operations, damage reputation, and lead to financial losses.
  • Global and economic factors: Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical events, can significantly impact the company's operations and financial performance.

Last Updated

2024-03-15

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)