Walmart CEO Doug McMillan joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss retirement, inflationary pressures, tariffs, AI-driven growth and the future of America’s largest retailer.
Walmart posted solid fourth-quarter results Thursday as shoppers continued to prioritize value and convenience, boosting online sales to a record share of the retailer’s top line.
The company reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $190.7 billion, up 5.6% from a year earlier. U.S. comparable sales rose 4.6%, driven by a 2.6% increase in the number of transactions and a 2% increase in the average amount shoppers spent per visit.
Food prices rose just 0.6% from a year earlier, with some categories – including eggs and dairy products – falling.
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The company reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $190.7 billion. (Gabby Jones/Getty Images)
Global e-commerce sales rose 24% this quarter, including a 27% increase in the US, where online now accounts for 23% of total sales – the highest level in the company’s history.
The growth was fueled in part by roughly 50% growth in store deliveries, as Walmart expanded faster delivery options that now reach the vast majority of U.S. households within hours.
Walmart’s profits grew faster than total sales this quarter. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The retailer said it continued to gain market share across all income categories, including upper-income households – a sign that its price and convenience strategy is resonating beyond budget-conscious consumers.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMT | WALMART INC. | 126.62 | -2.23 |
-1.73% |
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Profits grew faster than total revenue in the quarter. Adjusted operating income increased by approximately 10%, compared to revenue growth of approximately 5%. The gains were driven by higher-margin activities, including advertising and membership programs. Advertising revenue rose 37% globally, including 41% growth for Walmart Connect in the US, while membership fee revenue rose more than 15%. Together, advertising and membership fees accounted for nearly a third of operating revenue in the quarter.
Walmart expects sales to increase by 3.5% to 4.5% for the entire current fiscal year. (Brian Kaiser/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Inventory growth remained below the pace of sales growth, reflecting continued supply chain discipline.
Looking ahead, Walmart expects full-year sales to rise 3.5% to 4.5%, with operating profit expected to rise 6% to 8%.
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The results suggest that U.S. consumers remain resilient even as they remain value-oriented, while Walmart’s investments in digital services, faster delivery and higher-margin revenue streams continue to strengthen its competitive position.
