Walmart Inc. (WMT)
SIC breadcrumb: Retail Trade > General Merchandise Stores > SIC 5331 Retail-Variety Stores
Legacy sector hub: Retail.
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=104169. Latest filing source: 0000104169-26-000055.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 706,413,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-13 |
| Net income | 21,893,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-13 |
| Assets | 284,668,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-13 |
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
This discussion, which presents our results for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2026 ("fiscal 2026"), January 31, 2025 ("fiscal 2025") and January 31, 2024 ("fiscal 2024"), should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. We intend for this discussion to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from period to period and the primary factors that accounted for those changes. We also discuss certain performance metrics that management uses to assess the Company's performance. Additionally, the discussion provides information about the financial results of each of the three segments of our business to provide a better understanding of how each of those segments and its results of operations affect the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as a whole.
Throughout this Item 7, we discuss segment operating income, comparable store and club sales and other measures. Management measures the results of the Company's segments using each segment's operating income, including certain corporate overhead allocations, as well as other measures. From time to time, we revise the measurement of each segment's operating income and other measures as determined by the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker.
In discussing our operating results, the term currency exchange rates refers to the currency exchange rates we use to convert the operating results for countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars. We calculate the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activity translated using the current period's currency exchange rates and the comparable prior year period's currency exchange rates. Additionally, no currency exchange rate fluctuations are calculated for non-USD acquisitions until owned for 12 months. Throughout our discussion, we refer to the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Recent Developments, Macroeconomic Conditions and Potential Impacts
We expect continued uncertainty in our business and the global economy due to the following factors: tariffs and trade restrictions; inflationary trends; fluctuations in global currencies; swings in macroeconomic conditions and their effect on consumer confidence; changes in employment trends; volatility in fuel prices; and supply chain pressures, any of which may impact our results. While we operate in a highly dynamic tariff environment, less than one third of what we sell in the U.S. is imported, with most of our imports coming from China, Mexico, Vietnam, India and Canada. Information on certain risks, factors, and uncertainties that can affect our operating results and an investment in our securities can be found herein under "Item 1A. Risk Factors."
Our net sales and gross profit margin are influenced in part by our pricing and merchandising strategies in response to cost increases. Those pricing strategies include, but are not limited to: absorbing cost increases instead of passing those cost increases on to our customers and members; reducing prices in certain merchandise categories; focusing on opening price points for certain food categories; and when necessary, passing cost increases on to our customers and members. Merchandising strategies include, but are not limited to: working with our suppliers to reduce product costs and share in absorbing cost increases; focusing on private label brands and smaller pack sizes; earlier-than-usual purchasing and in greater volumes or moderating purchasing in certain categories; and securing ocean carrier and container capacity. These strategies have and may continue to impact gross profit as a percentage of net sales.
In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "OBBB Act") was enacted, introducing a series of corporate tax changes in the U.S., including 100% bonus depreciation on qualified property and full expensing for research and development expenditures. The impacts of the OBBB Act were not material to our income tax expense or effective tax rate. Certain provisions decreased cash taxes paid in fiscal 2026 and may change the timing of cash tax payments in future periods.
For a detailed discussion on results of operations by reportable segment, refer to "Results of Operations" below.
Company Performance Metrics
We are committed to helping customers save money and live better through everyday low prices, supported by everyday low costs. At times, we adjust our business strategies to maintain and strengthen our competitive positions in the countries in which we operate. We define our financial priorities as follows:
•Growth - serve customers through a seamless omnichannel experience;
•Margin - improve our operating income margin through productivity initiatives as well as category and business mix; and
•Returns - improve our Return on Investment through margin improvement and disciplined capital spend.
33
Growth
Our objective of prioritizing growth means we will focus on serving customers and members however they want to shop through our omnichannel business model. This includes increasing comparable store and club sales through increasing membership at Sam's Club U.S. and through Walmart+, accelerating eCommerce sales growth and expansion of omnichannel initiatives that complement our strategy.
Comparable sales is a metric that indicates the performance of our existing stores and clubs by measuring the change in sales for such stores and clubs, including eCommerce sales, for a particular period over the corresponding period in the previous year. Walmart's definition of comparable sales includes sales from stores and clubs open for the previous 12 months, including remodels, relocations, expansions and conversions, as well as eCommerce sales. We measure the eCommerce sales impact by including all sales initiated digitally, including omnichannel transactions which are fulfilled through our stores and clubs as well as certain other business offerings that are part of our ecosystem, such as our advertising net sales. Comparable sales are also referred to as "same-store" sales by others within the retail industry. The method of calculating comparable sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our calculation of comparable sales is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Our discussion of our comparable sales below refers to our calendar comparable sales calculated using our fiscal calendar, which may result in differences when compared to comparable sales using the retail calendar (also known as the 4-5-4 calendar) as provided in our quarterly earnings releases. We report on comparable sales in the U.S. as we believe it is a meaningful metric within the context of the U.S. retail market where there is a single currency, one inflationary market and generally consistent store and club formats from year to year.
Calendar comparable sales, as well as the impact of fuel, for fiscal 2026 and 2025, were as follows:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2026
2025
2026
2025
With Fuel
Fuel Impact
Walmart U.S.
4.3%
4.8%
0.0%
(0.1)%
Sam's Club U.S.
2.9%
4.7%
(1.9)%
(1.5)%
Walmart U.S. comparable sales increased 4.3% and 4.8% in fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. Comparable sales in fiscal 2026 were driven by growth in average ticket and transactions, and also reflected growth in unit volumes and strength in all merchandise categories. Comparable sales in fiscal 2025 were driven by growth in transactions and unit volumes, with strong sales in grocery and health and wellness. Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales positively contributed approximately 4.3% and 2.9% to comparable sales for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. This growth reflects continued strength in customer and Walmart+ member engagement with omnichannel offerings, and was primarily driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery.
Sam's Club U.S. comparable sales increased 2.9% and 4.7% in fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. For fiscal 2026, comparable sales were driven by growth in unit volumes and transactions, reflecting strong sales in grocery, health and wellness and general merchandise. For fiscal 2025, comparable sales were driven by growth in transactions and unit volumes, with strong sales in grocery and health and wellness. Additionally, fiscal 2026 and 2025 growth was partially offset by lower fuel sales, negatively impacting comparable sales by 1.9% and 1.5%, respectively, primarily due to lower fuel prices. Sam's Club U.S. eCommerce sales positively contributed approximately 3.3% and 2.3% to comparable sales for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, which reflects continued strength in member engagement with omnichannel offerings.
34
Margin
Our objective of prioritizing margin focuses on growth with a focus on incremental margin accretion through a combination of productivity improvements as well as category and business mix. We invest in technology and process improvements to increase productivity, manage inventory and reduce costs and we operate with discipline by managing expenses and optimizing the efficiency of how we work. We measure operating discipline through expense leverage, which we define as net sales growing at a faster rate than operating, selling, general and administrative ("operating") expenses. Additionally, we focus on our mix of businesses, including expanding our ecosystem in higher margin areas, such as digital advertising. Our objective is to achieve operating income leverage, which we define as growing operating income at a faster rate than net sales.
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions, except unit counts)
2026
2025
Net sales
$
706,413
$
674,538
Percentage change from comparable period
4.7
%
5.0
%
Gross profit(1) as a percentage of net sales
24.2
%
24.1
%
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales
20.9
%
20.7
%
Operating income
$
29,825
$
29,348
Operating income as a percentage of net sales
4.2
%
4.4
%
(1)Gross profit defined as net sales less cost of sales.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales ("gross profit rate") increased 8 and 40 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase in fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by the Walmart U.S. segment, due to disciplined inventory management, as well as growth in higher margin businesses globally. The increase in fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by the Walmart U.S. segment, due to managing prices aligned to our competitive historic price gaps, as well as growth in higher margin businesses globally. In both years, the increases were partially offset by mix shifts into lower margin merchandise categories across segments, as well as ongoing channel and format mix shifts in the Walmart International segment.
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 20 and 36 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to higher self-insured general liability claims expense in the U.S. of approximately $0.9 billion, influenced by rising costs to resolve claims across retail and related industries, a charge of $0.7 billion related to modification of certain share-based compensation arrangements for our PhonePe subsidiary and increased depreciation related to our capital investments. The increase for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to higher variable pay as a result of exceeding planned performance, increased marketing and higher depreciation expenses.
Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased 13 basis points for fiscal 2026 and increased 15 basis points for fiscal 2025, respectively, primarily due to the factors described above and strong growth in membership income globally.
Returns
As we execute our financial framework, we believe our return on capital will improve over time. We measure return on capital with our return on investment and free cash flow metrics. In addition, we provide returns in the form of share repurchases and dividends, which are discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.
Return on Assets and Return on Investment
We include Return on Assets ("ROA") and Return on Investment ("ROI") as metrics to assess our return on capital. ROA is the most directly comparable measure based on our financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP") while ROI is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes ROI is a meaningful metric to share with investors because it helps investors assess how effectively Walmart is deploying its assets. Trends in ROI can fluctuate over time as management balances long-term strategic initiatives with possible short-term impacts.
Our calculation of ROI is considered a non-GAAP financial measure because it uses financial measures that differ from those used in ROA, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. ROA is consolidated net income for the period divided by average total assets for the period. We define ROI as operating income plus interest income, depreciation and amortization, and rent expense for the trailing 12 months divided by average invested capital during the period. We consider average invested capital to be the average of our beginning and ending total assets, plus average accumulated depreciation and amortization, less average accounts payable and average accrued liabilities for that period. Although ROI is a standard financial measure, numerous methods exist for calculating a company's ROI. As a result, the method used by management to calculate our ROI may differ from the methods used by other companies to calculate their ROI.
35
The calculation of ROA and ROI, along with a reconciliation of ROI to the calculation of ROA, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is as follows:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON ASSETS
Numerator
Consolidated net income
$
22,270
$
20,157
Denominator
Average total assets(1)
$
272,746
$
256,611
Return on assets (ROA)
8.2
%
7.9
%
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Numerator
Operating income
$
29,825
$
29,348
+ Interest income
368
483
+ Depreciation and amortization
14,203
12,973
+ Rent
2,434
2,347
= ROI operating income
$
46,830
$
45,151
Denominator
Average total assets(1)
$
272,746
$
256,611
+ Average accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)
129,117
121,624
- Average accounts payable(1)
60,864
57,739
- Average accrued liabilities(1)
30,266
29,052
= Average invested capital
$
310,733
$
291,444
Return on investment (ROI)
15.1
%
15.5
%
(1)The average is calculated using the account balance at the end of the current and prior comparative periods.
As of January 31,
2026
2025
2024
Certain Balance Sheet Data
Total assets
$
284,668
$
260,823
$
252,399
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
134,587
123,646
119,602
Accounts payable
63,061
58,666
56,812
Accrued liabilities
31,187
29,345
28,759
ROA was 8.2% and 7.9% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in ROA was primarily due to an increase in net income as a result of net increases in the fair value of our equity and other investments combined with higher operating income, offset by an increase in average total assets due to higher purchases of property and equipment. ROI was 15.1% and 15.5% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. The decrease in ROI was primarily due to an increase in average invested capital due to higher purchases of property and equipment. ROI benefited from increased operating income due to improved business performance, which was partially offset by the incremental non-cash share-based compensation charge at PhonePe as well as certain legal matters and other business restructuring charges.
Capital Allocation
Our strategy includes allocating the majority of our capital to higher-return areas focused on automation such as eCommerce, supply chain and store and club investments. The following table provides additional detail regarding our capital expenditures:
(Amounts in millions)
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Allocation of Capital Expenditures
2026
2025
Supply chain, customer-facing initiatives, technology and other
$
16,468
$
14,603
Store and club remodels
5,571
5,552
New stores and clubs, including expansions and relocations
1,406
450
Total U.S.
$
23,445
$
20,605
Walmart International
3,197
3,178
Total Capital Expenditures
$
26,642
$
23,783
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Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes, however, that free cash flow, which measures our ability to generate additional cash from our business operations, is an important financial measure for use in evaluating the Company's financial performance. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, consolidated net income as a measure of our performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for discussions of GAAP metrics including net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities and net cash used in financing activities.
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities in a period minus payments for property and equipment made in that period. Walmart's definition of free cash flow is limited in that it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other contractual obligations or payments made for business acquisitions. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a measure that provides supplemental information to our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Although other companies report their free cash flow, numerous methods may exist for calculating a company's free cash flow. As a result, the method used by management to calculate our free cash flow may differ from the methods used by other companies to calculate their free cash flow.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash provided by operating activities, which we believe to be the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to free cash flow, as well as information regarding net cash used in investing activities and net cash used in financing activities.
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
41,565
$
36,443
$
35,726
Payments for property and equipment
(26,642)
(23,783)
(20,606)
Free cash flow
$
14,923
$
12,660
$
15,120
Net cash used in investing activities(1)
$
(26,350)
$
(21,379)
$
(21,287)
Net cash used in financing activities
(13,553)
(14,822)
(13,414)
(1)"Net cash used in investing activities" includes payments for property and equipment, which is also included in our computation of free cash flow.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2026 is primarily due to an increase in cash provided by operating income, lower cash tax payments and the timing of certain payments. Free cash flow for fiscal 2026 increased when compared to fiscal 2025 due to an increase in cash provided by operating income, lower cash tax payments and timing of certain payments, partially offset by an increase of $2.9 billion in capital expenditures to support our omnichannel growth strategy. Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2025 increased when compared to fiscal 2024 primarily due to an increase in cash provided by operating income and lapping the payment of accrued opioid legal charges in the prior year, partially offset by increased inventory purchases. Free cash flow for fiscal 2025 decreased when compared to fiscal 2024 due to an increase of $3.2 billion in capital expenditures to support our omnichannel growth strategy, partially offset by the increase in net cash provided by operating activities described above.
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Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Dollar amounts and retail square feet in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net sales
$
706,413
$
674,538
$
642,637
Percentage change from comparable period
4.7
%
5.0
%
6.1
%
Membership and other income(1)
6,750
6,447
5,488
Total revenues
713,163
680,985
648,125
Percentage change from comparable period
4.7
%
5.1
%
6.0
%
Gross profit(2)
171,018
162,785
152,495
Operating expenses(2)
147,943
139,884
130,971
Operating income
29,825
29,348
27,012
Other (gains) and losses
(2,075)
794
3,027
Consolidated net income
$
22,270
$
20,157
$
16,270
Percentage of net sales
Gross profit
24.2
%
24.1
%
23.7
%
Operating expenses
20.9
%
20.7
%
20.4
%
Operating income
4.2
%
4.4
%
4.2
%
Retail unit counts at period end
10,955
10,771
10,616
Retail square feet at period end
1,057
1,053
1,053
(1)Membership and other income includes membership fees and other items such as rental and tenant income, recycling income, gift card breakage income, as well as other income from corporate campus facilities.
(2)Gross profit is defined as net sales less cost of sales. Operating expenses refers to operating, selling, general and administrative expenses.
Our total revenues increased $32.2 billion or 4.7% and $32.9 billion or 5.1% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. These increases in revenues were primarily due to increases in net sales, which increased $31.9 billion or 4.7% and $31.9 billion or 5.0% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increases were primarily due to strong positive comparable sales across our U.S. segments and international markets. In fiscal 2026, growth was primarily driven by increases in average ticket and transactions, and also reflected growth in unit volumes, while fiscal 2025 growth was primarily driven by higher transactions and unit volumes. Both years include strength in eCommerce as well as strong sales in grocery and health and wellness, with fiscal 2026 also benefiting from improved sales in general merchandise. Net sales were negatively impacted by $2.8 billion and $3.2 billion of fluctuations in currency exchange rates during fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Membership and other income increased $0.3 billion and $1.0 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, primarily driven by growth in membership fee revenue globally, partially offset by decreases in certain other income items, including a reduction in recycling income in fiscal 2026.
Our gross profit rate increased 8 and 40 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase in fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by the Walmart U.S. segment, due to disciplined inventory management, as well as growth in higher margin businesses globally. The increase in fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by the Walmart U.S. segment, due to managing prices aligned to our competitive historic price gaps, as well as growth in higher margin businesses globally. In both years, the increases were partially offset by mix shifts into lower margin merchandise categories across segments, as well as ongoing channel and format mix shifts in the Walmart International segment.
Our operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 20 and 36 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to higher self-insured general liability claims expense in the U.S. of approximately $0.9 billion, influenced by rising costs to resolve claims across retail and related industries, a charge of $0.7 billion related to modification of certain share-based compensation arrangements for our PhonePe subsidiary and increased depreciation related to our capital investments. The increase for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to higher variable pay as a result of exceeding planned performance, increased marketing and higher depreciation expenses.
Other gains and losses consist of certain non-operating items, such as changes in the fair value of our investments, which by their nature can fluctuate from period to period. Other gains and losses resulted in a net gain of $2.1 billion and a net loss of $0.8 billion in fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, primarily driven by changes in the fair value of our equity and other investments due to fluctuations in their underlying stock prices.
38
Our effective income tax rate was 24.4%, 23.4%, and 25.5% for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in effective income tax rate in fiscal 2026 compared to fiscal 2025 is primarily due to the share-based compensation charge recorded at the Company's PhonePe subsidiary, which provided no tax benefit. The decrease in effective tax rate in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024 is primarily due to the tax impact on changes in fair value of our investments. Our effective income tax rate may also fluctuate as a result of various factors, including changes in our assessment of unrecognized tax benefits, valuation allowances, business operations, acquisitions, investments, entry into new businesses and geographies, intercompany transactions, changes in tax law, changes in the administrative practices, principles, and interpretations related to tax, and the mix and size of earnings among our U.S. operations and international operations, which are subject to statutory rates that are generally higher than the U.S. statutory rate. The reconciliation from the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rates for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024 is provided in Note 8.
As a result of the factors discussed above, we reported $22.3 billion and $20.2 billion of consolidated net income for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, which represent increases of $2.1 billion and $3.9 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart ("EPS") was $2.73, $2.41 and $1.91 for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Walmart U.S. Segment
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Dollar amounts and retail square feet in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net sales
$
482,975
$
462,415
$
441,817
Net sales percentage change from comparable period
4.4
%
4.7
%
5.1
%
Calendar comparable sales increase
4.3
%
4.8
%
5.5
%
Membership and other income
2,624
2,594
1,985
Gross profit
132,615
125,964
118,254
Operating expenses
110,081
104,676
98,085
Operating income
$
25,158
$
23,882
$
22,154
Percentage of net sales
Gross profit
27.5
%
27.2
%
26.8
%
Operating expenses
22.8
%
22.6
%
22.2
%
Operating income
5.2
%
5.2
%
5.0
%
Retail unit counts at period end
4,611
4,605
4,615
Retail square feet at period end
699
698
699
Net sales for the Walmart U.S. segment increased $20.6 billion or 4.4% and $20.6 billion or 4.7% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increases in net sales were primarily due to increases in comparable sales of 4.3% and 4.8% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. Comparable sales in fiscal 2026 were driven by growth in average ticket and transactions, and also reflected growth in unit volumes and strength in all merchandise categories. Comparable sales in fiscal 2025 were driven by growth in transactions and unit volumes, with strong sales in grocery and health and wellness. Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales positively contributed approximately 4.3% and 2.9% to comparable sales for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. This growth reflects continued strength in customer and Walmart+ member engagement with omnichannel offerings, and was primarily driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery.
Membership and other income increased slightly for fiscal 2026 and increased $0.6 billion for fiscal 2025. In both years, the increases were primarily driven by double-digit growth in membership fee revenue from Walmart+. For fiscal 2026, the increase was partially offset by decreases in certain other income items, including a reduction in recycling income. Fiscal 2025 also benefited from higher recycling income compared to the previous fiscal year.
Gross profit rate increased 22 and 47 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by disciplined inventory management and growth in higher margin businesses, partially offset by mix shifts into lower margin merchandise categories. The increase for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to managing prices aligned to our competitive historic price gaps and growth in higher margin businesses, partially offset by product mix shifts into lower margin categories.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased 15 and 44 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to higher self-insured general liability claims expense and increased depreciation related to our capital investments. For fiscal 2025, the increase was primarily due to increased marketing expenses, higher variable pay as a result of exceeding planned performance and increased depreciation expenses.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income increased $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year.
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Walmart International Segment
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Dollar amounts and retail square feet in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net sales
$
130,423
$
121,885
$
114,641
Percentage change from comparable period
7.0
%
6.3
%
13.5
%
Membership and other income
1,565
1,478
1,408
Gross profit
27,847
26,618
24,810
Operating expenses
24,309
22,595
21,309
Operating income
$
5,103
$
5,501
$
4,909
Percentage of net sales
Gross profit
21.4
%
21.8
%
21.6
%
Operating expenses
18.6
%
18.5
%
18.6
%
Operating income
3.9
%
4.5
%
4.3
%
Retail unit counts at period end
5,743
5,566
5,402
Retail square feet at period end
278
274
274
Net sales for the Walmart International segment increased $8.5 billion or 7.0% and $7.2 billion or 6.3% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. Net sales growth was primarily due to positive comparable sales growth across our international markets, which includes strong eCommerce growth of $6.3 billion and $4.7 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increases were partially offset by negative fluctuations in currency exchange rates of $2.8 billion and $3.2 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Gross profit rate decreased 49 basis points for fiscal 2026 and increased 20 basis points for fiscal 2025, when compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2026, the decrease was primarily due to ongoing channel and format mix shifts, as well as strategic growth investments in price and delivery capabilities, partially offset by growth in higher margin businesses. The increase in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to improved eCommerce margin and business mix changes, partially offset by ongoing channel and format mix changes.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased 10 basis points for fiscal 2026 and decreased 5 basis points for fiscal 2025, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to a charge of $0.7 billion related to PhonePe's modification of certain share-based payment arrangements in contemplation of a potential public offering (refer to Note 3), partially offset by strong sales as well as format mix shifts. The decrease for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to increased sales driving expense leverage, partially offset by planned investments in associate wages and strategic priorities in Mexico and Central America.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income decreased $0.4 billion and increased $0.6 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year.
40
Sam's Club U.S. Segment
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Dollar amounts and retail square feet in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Including Fuel
Net sales
$
93,015
$
90,238
$
86,179
Percentage change from comparable period
3.1
%
4.7
%
2.2
%
Calendar comparable sales increase
2.9
%
4.7
%
2.3
%
Membership and other income
2,525
2,323
2,051
Gross profit
10,556
10,203
9,431
Operating expenses
10,639
10,122
9,290
Operating income
$
2,442
$
2,404
$
2,192
Percentage of net sales
Gross profit
11.3
%
11.3
%
10.9
%
Operating expenses
11.4
%
11.2
%
10.8
%
Operating income
2.6
%
2.7
%
2.5
%
Retail unit counts at period end
601
600
599
Retail square feet at period end
81
80
80
Excluding Fuel (1)
Net sales
$
83,744
$
79,777
$
75,057
Percentage change from comparable period
5.0
%
6.3
%
4.7
%
Operating income
$
1,822
$
1,785
$
1,659
Operating income as a percentage of net sales
2.2
%
2.2
%
2.2
%
(1)We believe the "Excluding Fuel" information is useful to investors because it permits investors to understand the effect of the Sam's Club U.S. segment's fuel sales on its results of operations, which are impacted by the volatility of fuel prices. Volatility in fuel prices may continue to impact the operating results of the Sam's Club U.S. segment in the future.
Net sales for the Sam's Club U.S. segment increased $2.8 billion or 3.1% and $4.1 billion or 4.7% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increases in net sales were primarily due to increases in comparable sales, including fuel, of 2.9% and 4.7% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. Comparable sales in fiscal 2026 were driven by growth in unit volumes and transactions, reflecting strong sales in grocery, health and wellness and general merchandise. Comparable sales in fiscal 2025 were driven by growth in transactions and unit volumes, with strong sales in grocery and health and wellness. Additionally, fiscal 2026 and 2025 growth was partially offset by lower fuel sales, negatively impacting comparable sales by 1.9% and 1.5%, respectively, primarily due to lower fuel prices. Sam's Club U.S. eCommerce sales positively contributed approximately 3.3% and 2.3% to comparable sales for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, which reflects continued strength in member engagement with omnichannel offerings.
Membership and other income increased 8.7% and 13.3% for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2026 and 2025, the increases were primarily due to growth in the membership base and Plus penetration. Fiscal 2026 was also positively impacted by additional breakage income related to unredeemed Sam's Cash rewards, while fiscal 2025 was positively impacted by the expiration of a promotional offering offsetting membership fee increases during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Gross profit rate increased 4 and 37 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to operational efficiencies and higher margins in fuel, partially offset by higher eCommerce fulfillment costs and the impact of reorganization charges related to strategic supply chain decisions. The increase for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to improved operational efficiencies related to merchandise flow and increased margins in fuel, partially offset by higher eCommerce fulfillment costs and product mix shifts into lower margin categories.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased 22 and 44 basis points for fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase for fiscal 2026 was primarily due to lower fuel sales and higher self-insured general liability claims expense. The increase for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to increased compensation related expenses, including associate wage investments and higher variable pay as a result of exceeding our planned performance, as well as elevated technology spend.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income increased slightly for fiscal 2026 and increased $0.2 billion for fiscal 2025, when compared to the previous fiscal year.
41
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
The strength and stability of our operations have historically supplied us with a significant source of liquidity. Our cash flows provided by operating activities, supplemented with our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, have been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to invest in activities that support the long-term growth of our operations. Generally, some or all of the remaining available cash flow has been used to fund dividends on our common stock and share repurchases. We believe our sources of liquidity will continue to be sufficient to fund operations, finance our investment activities, pay dividends and fund our share repurchases for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
41,565
$
36,443
$
35,726
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $5.1 billion for fiscal 2026 when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase is primarily due to an increase in cash provided by operating income, lower cash tax payments and timing of certain payments. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2025, when compared to the previous fiscal year, was primarily due to an increase in cash provided by operating income and lapping the payment of accrued opioid legal charges in the prior year, partially offset by increased inventory purchases.
Cash Equivalents and Working Capital Deficit
Cash and cash equivalents were $10.7 billion and $9.0 billion as of January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Our working capital deficit, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, was $22.6 billion and $17.1 billion as of January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in our working capital deficit was primarily driven by timing of certain payments combined with an increase in short-term borrowings for general corporate purposes, partially offset by increased inventories and receivables related to higher sales growth as well as higher cash balances. We generally operate with a working capital deficit due to our efficient use of cash in funding operations, consistent access to the capital markets and returns provided to our shareholders in the form of payments of cash dividends and share repurchases.
We use intercompany financing arrangements in an effort to ensure cash can be made available in the country in which it is needed with the minimum cost possible. Additionally, from time-to-time, we repatriate earnings and related cash from jurisdictions outside of the U.S. Under current law, repatriations of foreign earnings will generally be free of U.S. federal tax, but may incur other taxes such as withholding or state taxes. We do not expect current local laws, or other existing limitations on anticipated future repatriations of cash amounts held outside the U.S. to have a material effect on our overall liquidity, financial position or results of operations.
As of January 31, 2026 and 2025, cash and cash equivalents of $3.9 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively, may not be freely transferable to the U.S. due to local laws or other restrictions or are subject to the approval of the noncontrolling interest shareholders.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(26,350)
$
(21,379)
$
(21,287)
Net cash used in investing activities generally consisted of capital expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities increased $5.0 billion for fiscal 2026 when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase is primarily due to the change in net proceeds received from the sale of certain strategic investments as well as increased payments for property and equipment, partially offset by the acquisition of VIZIO for net consideration of $1.9 billion in the prior year. Net cash used in investing activities increased $0.1 billion for fiscal 2025, when compared to the previous fiscal year, primarily due to increased payments for property and equipment as well as the acquisition of VIZIO for net consideration of $1.9 billion, partially offset by net proceeds received from sales of certain strategic investments, including $3.6 billion related to the sale of our JD.com investment.
Capital expenditures
Refer to the "Capital Allocation" section in our Company Performance Metrics for capital expenditure detail for fiscal 2026 and 2025. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027 ("fiscal 2027"), we project capital expenditures will be approximately $25 billion to $27 billion, with a focus on technology, supply chain and customer-facing initiatives.
42
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(13,553)
$
(14,822)
$
(13,414)
Net cash used in financing activities generally consisted of debt transactions, dividends paid, repurchases of Company stock and transactions with noncontrolling interest shareholders. Fiscal 2026 net cash used in financing activities decreased $1.3 billion when compared to the previous fiscal year. The decrease is primarily due to proceeds from new long-term debt issued, higher short-term borrowings in the current fiscal year and lower debt repayments, partially offset by increased share repurchases and higher dividends paid. Fiscal 2025 net cash used in financing activities increased $1.4 billion when compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase was primarily due to lapping debt issuances in the prior fiscal year and increased share repurchases, partially offset by the purchase of certain noncontrolling interests in the prior fiscal year and higher short-term borrowings.
Purchase and Sale of Subsidiary Stock
During fiscal 2024, we paid $3.5 billion to acquire shares from certain Flipkart noncontrolling interest holders and settle a $0.9 billion liability to former noncontrolling interest holders of PhonePe in connection with the separation from Flipkart in fiscal 2023. Additionally, we received $0.7 billion related to new rounds of equity funding for the Company's majority owned PhonePe subsidiary.
Short-term Borrowings
We generally utilize the liquidity provided by short-term borrowings to provide funding for our operations, dividend payments, share repurchases, capital expenditures and other cash requirements. The following table includes additional information related to our short-term borrowings for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2026
2025
2024
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
$
10,241
$
7,232
$
9,942
Average daily short-term borrowings
7,031
4,157
4,295
Annual weighted-average interest rate
4.5
%
5.1
%
5.1
%
Short-term borrowings as of January 31, 2026 and 2025 were $6.6 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, with weighted-average interest rates of 4.0% and 5.3%, respectively. We also have $15.0 billion of various undrawn committed lines of credit in the U.S. as of January 31, 2026 that provide additional liquidity, if needed. Additionally, we maintain access to various credit facilities outside of the U.S. to further support our Walmart International segment operations, as needed.
As of January 31, 2026, we have $2.0 billion of syndicated and fronted letters of credit available, of which $1.7 billion was issued and represents an unrecorded current obligation.
Long-term Debt
The following table provides the changes in our long-term debt for fiscal 2026:
(Amounts in millions)
Long-term debt due within one year
Long-term debt
Total
Balances as of February 1, 2025
$
2,598
$
33,401
$
35,999
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
—
3,983
3,983
Repayments of long-term debt
(2,625)
—
(2,625)
Reclassifications of long-term debt
3,569
(3,569)
—
Currency and other adjustments
—
809
809
Balances as of January 31, 2026
$
3,542
$
34,624
$
38,166
Our total outstanding long-term debt increased $2.2 billion during fiscal 2026, primarily due to issuances of long-term debt. Refer to Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the issuances of long-term debt.
Estimated contractual interest payments associated with our long-term debt amount to $17.3 billion, with approximately $1.7 billion expected to be paid in fiscal 2027. Estimated interest payments are based on our principal amounts and expected maturities of all debt outstanding as of January 31, 2026, and assumes interest rates remain at current levels for our variable rate instruments.
43
Dividends
Our total dividend payments were $7.5 billion, $6.7 billion and $6.1 billion for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Effective February 19, 2026, the Company approved the fiscal 2027 annual dividend of $0.99 per share, an increase over the fiscal 2026 annual dividend of $0.94 per share. For fiscal 2027, the annual dividend will be paid in four quarterly installments of $0.2475 per share, according to the following record and payable dates:
Record Date
Payable Date
March 20, 2026
April 6, 2026
May 8, 2026
May 26, 2026
August 21, 2026
September 8, 2026
December 11, 2026
January 4, 2027
Company Share Repurchase Program
From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its common stock under share repurchase programs authorized by the Company's Board of Directors. Any repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to an unissued status. All repurchases during fiscal 2026 were made under the $20.0 billion share repurchase program approved in November 2022, of which authorization for $4.0 billion of share repurchases remained as of January 31, 2026. In February 2026, the Board of Directors approved a new $30.0 billion share repurchase authorization, which has no expiration date or other restrictions limiting the period over which the Company can make repurchases, and beginning February 23, 2026, replaced the remaining capacity under the prior authorization.
We regularly review share repurchase activity and consider several factors in determining when to execute share repurchases, including, among other things, current cash needs, capacity for leverage, cost of borrowings, our results of operations and the market price of our common stock. We anticipate that a majority of the ongoing share repurchase program will be funded through the Company's free cash flow.
The following table provides, on a settlement date basis, the number of shares repurchased, average price paid per share and total amount paid for share repurchases for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
2026
2025
2024
Total number of shares repurchased
85.0
61.9
54.6
Average price paid per share
$
95.13
$
72.72
$
50.87
Total amount paid for share repurchases
$
8,088
$
4,494
$
2,779
During fiscal 2026, the Company repurchased $8.1 billion in shares of its common stock, an increase of $3.6 billion as compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The increase was primarily driven by opportunistic prices during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as part of the Company's long-term strategy.
Material Cash Requirements
Material cash requirements from operating activities primarily consist of inventory purchases, employee related costs, taxes, interest and other general operating expenses, which we expect to be primarily satisfied by our cash from operations. Other material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations include short-term borrowings, long-term debt and related interest payments, leases and purchase obligations. See Note 4, Note 5 and Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding accrued liabilities, outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt, and leases, respectively.
As of January 31, 2026, the Company has $41.4 billion of unrecorded purchase obligations outstanding, of which $18.3 billion is due within one year. Purchase obligations include legally binding contracts, such as firm commitments for inventory and utility purchases, as well as commitments to make capital expenditures, software acquisition and license commitments and legally binding service contracts. Contractual obligations for the purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Contracts that specify the Company will purchase all or a portion of its requirements of a specific product or service from a supplier, but do not include a fixed or minimum quantity, are excluded from the obligations quantified above. Accordingly, purchase orders for inventory are also excluded as purchase orders represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase orders are based on our current inventory needs and are fulfilled by our suppliers within short time periods. We also enter into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the timing of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.
44
Capital Resources
We believe our cash flows from operations, current cash position, short-term borrowings and access to capital markets will continue to be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements and contractual obligations, which includes funding seasonal buildups in merchandise inventories and funding our capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments and share repurchases.
We have strong commercial paper and long-term debt ratings that have enabled and should continue to enable us to refinance our debt as it becomes due at favorable rates in capital markets. As of January 31, 2026, the ratings assigned to our commercial paper and rated series of our outstanding long-term debt were as follows:
Rating agency
Commercial paper
Long-term debt
Standard & Poor's
A-1+
AA
Moody's Investors Service
P-1
Aa2
Fitch Ratings
F1+
AA
Credit rating agencies review their ratings periodically, and therefore, the credit ratings assigned to us by each agency may be subject to revision at any time. Accordingly, we are not able to predict whether our current credit ratings will remain consistent over time. Factors that could affect our credit ratings include changes in our operating performance, the general economic environment, conditions in the retail industry, our financial position, including our total debt and capitalization, and changes in our business strategy. Any downgrade of our credit ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our future borrowing costs or impair our ability to access capital and credit markets on terms commercially acceptable to us. In addition, any downgrade of our current short-term credit ratings could impair our ability to access the commercial paper markets with the same flexibility that we have experienced historically, potentially requiring us to rely more heavily on more expensive types of debt financing. The credit rating agency ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our commercial paper or debt securities. Each rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization and should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Moreover, each credit rating is specific to the security to which it applies.
Other Matters
In Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is captioned "Contingencies" and appears in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "