Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, is recognized for its extensive network of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores across the United States. Established in 1962 by Sam and James “Bud” Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, the company has since grown to become the world’s largest company in terms of revenue. Walmart’s headquarters are located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and it also operates Sam’s Club retail warehouses.
With an impressive annual revenue of approximately US$570 billion as reported in October 2022 by the Fortune Global 500 list, Walmart holds the top position in terms of revenue among global companies. Additionally, Walmart stands as the largest private employer globally, providing employment to 2.2 million individuals. Although it is a publicly traded entity, the company remains under the control of the Walton family, with over 50 percent ownership through their holding company, Walton Enterprises, and individual holdings.
In 2019, Walmart claimed the title of the largest grocery retailer in the United States, with U.S. operations contributing to 65 percent of the company’s sales totaling US$510.329 billion. As of May 25, 2023, Walmart’s net worth stands at an impressive $394.94 billion.
Here’s the breakdown of Walmart net worth (for the quarter ended April 30, 2023):
Name: | Walmart Inc. (WMT) |
Net Worth: | $394.94B |
Revenue: | $622.021B |
Total Assets: | $243.197B |
Total Liabilities | $159.443B |
Table of Contents
Overview
Walmart Inc., the world’s largest retailer, reported its first-quarter 2023 earnings, showcasing a positive financial performance despite challenges faced by the retail industry during the period. The company’s total revenue reached $141.6 billion, reflecting a 2.4% increase, although it was negatively affected by $5 billion due to divestitures.
Walmart’s strong financials were driven by growth in the grocery business and contributions from its e-commerce operations. However, the bottom line fell below expectations due to various factors impacting operating income in both Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Key Metrics and Performance
Total Revenue and Segment Analysis
- Walmart’s total revenue for Q1 2023 was $141.6 billion, representing a 2.4% increase, but impacted negatively by $5 billion due to divestitures.
- Net sales for Walmart U.S. increased by 4% to $96.9 billion compared to the first quarter of 2022.
- Walmart International net sales declined by 13% to $23.8 billion, primarily due to divestitures.
- Sam’s Club net sales experienced a significant increase of 17.5% to $19.6 billion compared to the previous year.
E-commerce Performance
- U.S. first-quarter comp store sales for Walmart grew by 3.0% and 9.0% on a two-year stack.
- Walmart’s U.S. eCommerce sales witnessed a 1% growth or 38% increase on a two-year stack.
- Sam’s Club comp sales rose by 10.2%, and 17.4% on a two-year stack.
Membership and Income
- Sam’s Club achieved a remarkable 10.5% increase in membership income, with the largest quarterly member sign-up on record in the U.S.
Financial Outlook and Guidance
Walmart provided an updated guidance for the full year based on its financial performance and expectations for the future. The company expects consolidated net sales to increase approximately 4% in constant currency.
Excluding divestitures, the increase is projected to be 4.5% to 5.5%. Net sales for the year are anticipated to grow by 3.5%, surpassing the prior range of 2.5% to 3%. Adjusted EPS for the year is expected to range from $6.10 to $6.20, exceeding the previous forecast of $5.90 to $6.05.
CEO and CFO Statements
Doug McMillan, the President and CEO of Walmart Inc., expressed satisfaction with the company’s strong top-line performance but acknowledged that the bottom line fell below expectations due to certain factors impacting operating income. He emphasized the need to adjust to changes in inflation levels, balancing the customers’ need for value with profit growth.
Brett Biggs, the CFO, highlighted that the costs associated with inventory and fuel prices would continue to impact the company in Q2, but they were being mitigated, and the sales strength and favorable weather conditions gave confidence in overcoming these challenges.
International Expansion and Financial Services
Walmart highlighted its progress in international expansion and financial services. The company launched Flipkart Health+ in India, expanding access to affordable care through the Flipkart Health+ app. In Canada, the number of primary care clinics increased to 87, and the company planned to launch digital pharmacy services in partnership with TELUS Health.
Moreover, Walmart emphasized its focus on financial services, mentioning the success of PhonePe in India and the growth of Cashi, a digital wallet in Mexico. In the U.S., Walmart completed the acquisitions of fintech businesses One Finance and Even, integrating them under the ONE brand.
Conclusion
Despite the challenging retail environment during the first quarter of 2023, Walmart demonstrated strong performance in its financials, driven by growth in its grocery business and contributions from e-commerce operations.
The company’s leadership expressed confidence in its ability to navigate through challenges, adjust to changing market conditions, and deliver value to customers while pursuing future profit growth. Walmart’s focus on international expansion and financial services further strengthens its position in the global retail landscape.
