Financial Performance - Total revenues for fiscal 2024 were $648.1 billion, with net sales of $642.6 billion[15] - Net sales for fiscal 2024 were $642.637 billion, a 6.1% increase from fiscal 2023[125] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 23.7% in fiscal 2024 from 23.5% in fiscal 2023[125] - Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 4.2% in fiscal 2024 from 3.4% in fiscal 2023[125] - Return on Assets (ROA) increased to 6.6% in fiscal 2024 from 4.6% in fiscal 2023, driven by higher operating income[126] - Return on Investment (ROI) increased to 15.0% in fiscal 2024 from 12.7% in fiscal 2023, due to higher operating income and improved business performance[126] - Consolidated net income for fiscal 2024 was $16.3 billion, an increase of $5.0 billion compared to the previous year[135] - Effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 was 25.5%, lower than the 33.6% rate in fiscal 2023 due to the tax impact of business reorganization[135] - Total revenues increased by $36.8 billion or 6.0% in fiscal 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by positive comparable sales in Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club segments[134] - Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart was $15.511 billion in fiscal 2024, up from $11.680 billion in 2023[188] - Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart was $1.92 in fiscal 2024, compared to $1.43 in 2023[188] - Consolidated net income for fiscal year 2024 is $16,270 million, compared to $11,292 million in 2023 and $13,940 million in 2022[190] - Comprehensive income attributable to Walmart for fiscal year 2024 is $15,889 million, compared to $10,028 million in 2023 and $16,673 million in 2022[190] - Consolidated net income for fiscal 2024 was $16.27 billion, up from $11.29 billion in fiscal 2023[196] Segment Performance - Walmart U.S. segment generated $441.8 billion in net sales for fiscal 2024, representing 69% of consolidated net sales[19] - Walmart International segment had net sales of $114.6 billion for fiscal 2024, accounting for 18% of consolidated net sales[27] - Sam's Club achieved net sales of $86.2 billion in fiscal 2024, representing 13% of Walmart's consolidated net sales[33] - Walmart International's highest sales volume historically occurs in the fourth fiscal quarter[30] - Sam's Club's highest sales volume historically occurs in the fiscal quarter ending January 31[38] - Walmart International operations generated approximately 18% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024[80] - Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club operating segments generated approximately 82% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024[82] - Net sales for Walmart U.S. segment increased by $21.3 billion or 5.1% in fiscal 2024, with comparable sales growth of 5.5%[136] - Walmart International segment net sales increased by $13.7 billion or 13.5% in fiscal 2024, supported by positive currency exchange rate fluctuations of $3.0 billion[138] - Operating income for Walmart U.S. segment increased by $1.5 billion in fiscal 2024, reaching $22.154 billion[136] - Walmart International segment operating income increased by $1.9 billion in fiscal 2024, reaching $4.909 billion[138] - Sam's Club segment net sales increased by $1.8 billion (2.2%) in fiscal 2024 and $10.8 billion (14.7%) in fiscal 2023 compared to the previous fiscal year[139] - Membership and other income increased by 7.5% in fiscal 2024 and 7.0% in fiscal 2023 compared to the previous fiscal year[140] E-commerce and Omni-channel - Walmart U.S. has over 4,300 locations offering same-day delivery as of January 31, 2024[20] - Walmart International operates in 18 countries with over 2,800 pickup and 2,900 delivery locations as of January 31, 2024[28] - Walmart U.S. offers an omni-channel experience with services like pickup, delivery, and Walmart+ membership[20] - Walmart International expanded its marketplace offerings and digital payment platform in India[28] - Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales contributed approximately 2.6% to comparable sales in fiscal 2024, primarily driven by store pickup and delivery[123] - Sam's Club comparable sales increased by 2.3% in fiscal 2024 and 14.6% in fiscal 2023, with eCommerce sales contributing 1.7% and 0.8% respectively[123] - Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales contributed approximately 2.6% to comparable sales in fiscal 2024, driven by store pickup and delivery[136] - Sam's Club eCommerce sales contributed 1.7% and 0.8% to comparable sales in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively[139] Supply Chain and Distribution - Walmart U.S. operates 162 distribution facilities strategically located throughout the U.S.[25] - Walmart International utilizes 176 distribution facilities across Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, Mexico, and Africa[32] - Sam's Club operates with an average warehouse facility size of approximately 134,000 square feet[35] - Sam's Club utilizes 30 dedicated distribution facilities in the U.S. and ships merchandise from 15 dedicated eCommerce fulfillment centers[39] - Investments in supply chain automation to support omni-channel strategy[70] - Total capital expenditures rose to $20.6 billion in 2024 from $16.9 billion in 2023, driven by supply chain and technology investments[130] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are projected to be approximately $20 billion to $24 billion[146] Workforce and Training - Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates globally, with 1.6 million in the U.S. and 0.5 million internationally[44] - Approximately 75% of U.S. salaried store, club, and supply chain management started in hourly positions[46] - Company offers competitive wages, 401(k) match, paid parental leave, and mental health services in the U.S.[46] - Walmart Academy and Live Better U (LBU) provide training and educational opportunities for associates[46] - Digital transformation focuses on improving associate productivity and efficiency, expanded to international markets[46] - App developed to capture real-time associate feedback and support virtual medical visits in the U.S.[47] - Increased competition for talent could result in higher associate costs or difficulty in recruitment and retention[76] Environmental and Social Goals - Walmart aims to achieve zero emissions in its operations by 2040 and reduce one billion metric tons of emissions in its value chain by 2030[43] Risks and Challenges - Strategic investments in eCommerce, technology, and supply chain automation may impact financial performance[53] - Increasing online grocery sales could reduce in-store traffic and cross-store sales opportunities[53] - Failure to predict consumer trends may lead to lower sales, spoilage, and inventory markdowns[54] - Strong competition from omni-channel retailers and eCommerce platforms could affect financial performance[56] - Macro-economic factors domestically and internationally may adversely impact financial performance[57] - Higher interest rates and increased costs of essential services could adversely affect consumer demand and net sales[58] - Strategic alliances like the fintech venture ONE and healthcare initiative with UnitedHealth Group may not meet expected profitability[60] - Global health pandemics like COVID-19 could disrupt supply chains and negatively impact financial performance[61] - Natural disasters and geopolitical events could lead to physical damage and operational disruptions[62] - Climate change could increase operational costs and disrupt supply chains due to extreme weather conditions[63] - Supplier compliance issues and global sourcing challenges could adversely affect financial performance[64] - Product quality and safety failures could lead to customer loss and liability claims[65] - Third-party marketplace transactions could expose the company to regulatory and reputational risks[67] - Disruptions in information and financial systems could harm business operations[68] - Technology-based systems failures could adversely affect omni-channel business growth[69] - Reliance on third-party service providers for technology systems and services[70] - Cybersecurity incidents could result in loss of sales and reputational damage[70] - Increased use of remote work infrastructure has expanded potential attack surfaces[70] - Digital platforms and systems are regularly subject to cyberattacks[70] - Compliance with payment card industry data security standards is critical[73] - Retail pharmacy operations are heavily dependent on third-party reimbursements[74] - Walmart Health clinical operations face risks from changes in reimbursement rates[75] - Potential disruptions in pharmaceutical supply could severely affect pharmacy operations[74] - Cybersecurity incidents could lead to regulatory actions and legal liabilities[73] - Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates have adversely affected the reported performance of Walmart International operating segment[79] - The OECD's Pillar Two initiative introduces a 15% global minimum tax effective January 1, 2024, impacting Walmart's effective tax rate[82] - Failure to meet market expectations for financial performance could adversely affect the stock price and volatility[77] - Unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations may increase cost of sales and adversely affect gross profit[79] - Changes in tax and trade laws, including tariffs, could increase merchandise costs and affect financial performance[82] - Political instability and regulatory constraints in international markets could negatively impact Walmart's operations[80] - Compliance with new tax rules and regulations may require additional costs and affect results of operations[82] - The company accrued a liability of approximately $3.3 billion for opioid-related settlements, with almost all paid in fiscal 2024[86] - The company faces potential fines up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover for GDPR non-compliance[83] - In China, PIPL violations can result in fines ranging from RMB 50 million to up to 5% of the company's previous year's revenues generated within China[83] - The company is subject to a quasi-judicial administrative process in Mexico for alleged monopolistic practices, with potential financial impact uncertain[86] - The company has made changes to comply with China's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPL) and may make further adjustments as regulations evolve[83] - The company is involved in multidistrict litigation related to opioids, with outcomes and potential losses still uncertain[86] - The company is responding to investigations and subpoenas related to controlled substance dispensing and distribution practices involving opioids[86] - The company faces potential penalties and operational changes due to non-compliance with data privacy laws such as CCPA, GDPR, and PIPL[83] - The company is cooperating with U.S. Department of Justice investigations related to consumer fraud prevention and anti-money laundering compliance[87] - The company's exclusive forum provision in its bylaws may increase costs for shareholders to bring claims and limit favorable judicial forums[88] Shareholder Returns and Stock Performance - Walmart's cumulative total shareholder return was $177.30 for fiscal 2024, compared to $100 in 2019[113] - The company repurchased 29,465,379 shares under its $20.0 billion share repurchase program in fiscal 2024[116] - Authorization for $16.5 billion of share repurchases remained under the program as of January 31, 2024[114] - The average price paid per share for repurchases in January 2024 was $53.62[116] - Walmart's stock performance outperformed the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retailing Index in fiscal 2024[113] - The company's stock price increased from $153.58 in 2023 to $177.30 in 2024[113] - Walmart's share repurchase program has no expiration date or restrictions[114] - The company repurchased 10,211,025 shares in January 2024 at an average price of $53.62[116] - Walmart's stock trades under the symbol "WMT" on the New York Stock Exchange[110] - Company repurchased 54.6 million shares in fiscal 2024 at an average price of $50.87 per share, totaling $2.779 billion[153] - $16.5 billion remains authorized under the $20.0 billion share repurchase program as of January 31, 2024[152] - Total dividend payments were $6.1 billion in fiscal 2024, with an approved annual dividend of $0.83 per share for fiscal 2025[151] - Cash dividends declared in 2023 amounted to $6.140 billion, compared to $6.114 billion in 2022[194] - Purchase of Company stock in 2023 totaled $2.791 billion, a decrease from $9.866 billion in 2022[194] Financial Position and Cash Flow - Total assets as of January 31, 2024, are $252,399 million, up from $243,197 million in 2023[192] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $9,867 million in 2024 from $8,625 million in 2023[192] - Inventories decreased to $54,892 million in 2024 from $56,576 million in 2023[192] - Total current liabilities for 2024 are $92,415 million, slightly up from $92,198 million in 2023[192] - Long-term debt increased to $36,132 million in 2024 from $34,649 million in 2023[192] - Retained earnings grew to $89,814 million in 2024 from $83,135 million in 2023[192] - Total equity increased to $90,349 million in 2024 from $83,754 million in 2023[192] - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $35.7 billion in fiscal 2024 from $28.8 billion in fiscal 2023[131] - Free cash flow grew to $15.1 billion in 2024 from $12.0 billion in 2023, supported by higher operating cash flows[131] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $35.7 billion in fiscal 2024, $28.8 billion in fiscal 2023, and $24.2 billion in fiscal 2022[142] - Cash and cash equivalents were $9.9 billion as of January 31, 2024, compared to $8.6 billion as of January 31, 2023[143] - Net cash used in investing activities was $21.3 billion in fiscal 2024, $17.7 billion in fiscal 2023, and $6.0 billion in fiscal 2022[145] - Net cash used in financing activities decreased by $3.6 billion in fiscal 2024 compared to the previous fiscal year[147] - Short-term borrowings as of January 31, 2024, were $0.9 billion with a weighted-average interest rate of 7.7%[148] - Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end for short-term borrowings was $9.9 billion in fiscal 2024[149] - Total outstanding long-term debt increased by $0.7 billion in fiscal 2024, primarily due to new debt issuance in April 2023[151] - Estimated contractual interest payments for long-term debt amount to $20.2 billion, with $1.8 billion expected in fiscal 2025[151] - Unrecorded purchase obligations total $34.3 billion, with $14.6 billion due within one year[154] - Variable rate borrowings represent 18% of total short-term and long-term debt as of January 31, 2024[165] - A 100 basis point change in market rates would impact annual interest costs by approximately $0.1 billion[165] - Net fair value of interest rate swaps increased by $35 million in fiscal 2024 due to market rate fluctuations[163] - Company maintains strong credit ratings: S&P (A-1+ for commercial paper, AA for long-term debt), Moody’s (P-1, Aa2), Fitch (F1+, AA)[156] - Currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a $0.3 billion net gain in the currency translation category for fiscal 2024[166] - The aggregate fair value of currency swaps was $1.3 billion as of January 31, 2024, down from $1.4 billion in 2023[166] - A hypothetical 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar would change the value of swaps by $0.7 billion[166] - Equity investments resulted in a net loss of $3.8 billion in fiscal 2024 due to decreases in underlying stock prices[167] - The fair value of equity investments was $7.2 billion as of January 31, 2024[167] - A hypothetical 10% change in stock prices would alter the fair value of equity investments by $0.7 billion[167] - Total revenues for fiscal 2024 were $648.125 billion, up from $611.289 billion in 2023[188] - Operating income for fiscal 2024 was $27.012 billion, compared to $20.428 billion in 2023[188] - Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart was $15.511 billion in fiscal 2024, up from $11.680 billion in 2023[188] - Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart was $1.92 in fiscal 2024, compared to $1.43 in 2023[188] - Consolidated net income for fiscal year 2024 is $16,270 million, compared to $11,292 million in 2023 and $13,940 million in 2022[190] - Comprehensive income attributable to Walmart for fiscal year 2024 is $15,889 million, compared to $10,028 million in 2023 and $16,673 million in 2022[190] - Total assets as of January 31, 2024, are $252,399 million, up from $243,197 million in 2023[192] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $9,867 million in 2024 from $8,625 million in 2023[192] - Inventories decreased to $54,892 million in 2024 from $56,576 million in 2023[192] - Total current liabilities for 2024 are $92,415 million, slightly up from $92,198 million in 2023[192] - Long-term debt increased to $36,132 million in 2024 from $34,649 million in 2023[192]

Core Insights - Walmart has initiated a pilot project with unspun to explore the use of 3D weaving technology for garment production, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability in the apparel supply chain [1][2][3] Company Collaboration - The pilot project will focus on producing workwear style pants under a Walmart house brand using unspun's innovative 3D weaving machines, which directly transform yarn into garments, minimizing waste and manufacturing steps [4][5] - Should the pilot prove successful, Walmart and unspun plan to expand their collaboration, potentially establishing additional microsites for on- and near-shored manufacturing across the U.S. with a goal of deploying 350 machines by 2030 [5][6] Industry Context - The apparel industry faces significant challenges related to waste from traditional manufacturing processes, including fabric loss and excess inventory, which the pilot project aims to address [2][6] - Walmart's commitment to sustainability is underscored by its ongoing initiatives, including a goal to be powered 50% by renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035, as well as its involvement in Project Gigaton, which aims to reduce emissions across its supply chain [7][8][10] Technological Innovation - Unspun's 3D weaving technology, known as Vega™, is designed to revolutionize garment production by eliminating the need for large order quantities and reducing transportation emissions, thereby addressing the pressing need for more sustainable manufacturing practices [9][6] - The collaboration with Walmart is seen as a significant opportunity to scale these innovations and potentially disrupt the traditional garment manufacturing industry [6][9]

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For years, Walmart has used AI to create a more efficient supply chain, reducing emissions while helping to ensure more of the items its customers want are available where, when and how they want them. Today, the company is making that same award-winning, AI-powered logistics technology — Route Optimization — available to all businesses as a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution through Walmart Commerce Technologies. “We have invested significant time, resources and op ...

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) stock appears to be a reliable investment option, offering steady appreciation, accessibility, and dividend payouts that appeal to savvy investors.However, it’s worth noting that Samuel Robson Walton, former chairman and heir to the Walmart Fortune, has sold 10.9 million WMT shares over the last three weeks, totaling just under $1.7 billion. This move suggests he’s chosen to cash in on some of his holdings.Samuel Walton sales of WMT stock. Source: BarchartEven after selling at an average ...

Walmart Inc. (WMT) has been focused on constantly pioneering innovative solutions to streamline customers’ shopping experience. This is evident from the company’s introduction of curbside pickup in 2013 to the launch of doorstep and in-home delivery in subsequent years. Taking another step on its path to simplifying customers’ lives, the omnichannel retailer announced its latest delivery service, Express On-Demand Early Morning Delivery.With this service, customers can now enjoy the convenience of on-demand ...

Walmart (WMT -0.40%) surprised investors earlier this year when the retail giant announced a 3-for-1 stock split, its first split in more than 20 years.The news was unexpected. It's been a long time since Walmart's last split in 1999, and its share price wasn't exceedingly high. Investors responded well to the news, as Walmart explained that it decided to split its shares to make it easier for employees to buy the stock.It's important to understand that stock splits don't create any fundamental value for in ...

A look back at the performance of Walmart's (WMT -0.40%) stock in the 21st century reveals some interesting trends. From 2000 to 2016, Walmart's stock rose in value by roughly 0%. That's a terrible return for a 16-year holding period. Then, suddenly, Walmart's stock price began to rise. Since 2016, shares have tripled in value. In the past 12 months, their 29% jump has narrowly outperformed the heady 27% rise of the S&P 500. What caused Walmart's resurgence over the past eight years or so? More importantly, ...

Walmart (WMT -0.40%) is one of the bellwethers of the global retail sector. It operates over 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce sites across 19 countries, and that scale helped it survive the retail apocalypse that wiped out many other big-box retailers.From its fiscal 2019 to its fiscal 2024 (which ended in January), Walmart's annual revenue rose at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% as its EPS grew at a CAGR of 21%. It achieved that steady growth even as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, ...

Walmart (WMT) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.Shares of this world's largest retailer have returned +6.9% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.4% change. The Zacks Retail - Supermarkets industry, to which Walmart belongs, has gained 8.1% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near ter ...

One has performed much better than the other in the past year, but both Walmart (WMT -0.35%) and Target (TGT -1.15%) stocks have attractive qualities as long-term investments. The retailers are improving their profit margins right now, for example, and are boosting sales in a highly competitive industry. They each have increased their dividend payments for more than 50 consecutive years, too.Let's look at a few reasons why you might choose one of these stocks over the other for your portfolio right now.Walm ...