Walmart(WMT) - 2026 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
WalmartWalmart(US:WMT)2026-01-13 14:02

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on leveraging AI technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive growth, indicating a strategic shift towards digital transformation [11][12][20] - The management emphasizes that the integration of AI will lead to transformative experiences in commerce, suggesting a gradual but significant change in revenue generation [19][47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is exploring the use of AI in various business lines, including advertising, data, and commerce, to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency [11][12] - AI tools are being developed to assist both customers and associates, enhancing the overall shopping experience and operational effectiveness [23][70] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with OpenAI and Google’s Gemini is aimed at reaching customers in non-traditional shopping moments, indicating a strategy to capture a broader market share [26][27] - The company is positioning itself to serve customers who may not initially have commercial intent but can be guided towards purchases through AI interactions [26][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to being at the forefront of AI technology, viewing it as a critical tool for enhancing customer service and operational efficiency [20][24] - The management believes that the integration of AI will not only improve customer experiences but also create a competitive advantage over rivals [22][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the risks of being a first mover in AI but believes the greater risk lies in not experimenting with new technologies [20][24] - The outlook for the next few years includes a focus on personalization and immersive experiences, with expectations of significant advancements in how customers interact with the brand [75][76] Other Important Information - The company is utilizing AI internally to optimize supply chain operations and enhance associate productivity, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to AI integration [69][70] - The app, Sparky, is being developed to improve customer interactions and streamline the shopping process, indicating a focus on enhancing digital interfaces [62][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does a Mass Comm major end up running AI for Walmart? - The executive shared that career paths are often non-linear and emphasized the importance of diverse experiences in preparing for leadership roles [7][10] Question: What is the difference between generative AI and agentic AI? - The executive explained that generative AI focuses on pattern recognition, while agentic AI takes action based on understanding customer needs [12][15] Question: Is there a risk to being too far out front with AI? - The executive stated that while there is a risk of building things that don't stick, the greater risk is not being innovative [20][22] Question: How will AI impact pricing for customers? - The executive noted that customer preferences vary, and AI will help tailor recommendations based on individual price sensitivity [40][41] Question: How is the company using AI internally? - The executive highlighted the deployment of AI in supply chain management and associate tools to enhance efficiency and customer service [69][70] Question: What problems will AI solve in the next few years? - The executive emphasized that AI will focus on practical customer problems, leading to more personalized and immersive shopping experiences [74][75]