Funding and Valuation - Walmart and Ribbit Capital are leading a funding round of over $300 million for FinTech startup One, valuing the company at $2.5 billion pre-funding [1] - One has a run-rate revenue exceeding $200 million and processes over $15 billion in payment flow [3] Business Model and Services - One aims to provide financial services to Walmart's extensive customer base and its 1.6 million employees, offering products such as installment loans, debit cards, payment services, and early wage access [2][4] - The startup began offering buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans for purchases ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars in categories like electronics and jewelry [5] Future Developments - One is set to launch Walmart's credit card in partnership with a new banking partner in 2025 [3] - Walmart's CFO indicated that financial services is an area where the company may not be fully leveraging its potential, suggesting future growth in this sector [5][6]

Financial Performance - Comparable sales in the U.S. increased by 4.9% and 4.7% for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in the previous fiscal year[65] - Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2024, were $168.003 billion, a 5.4% increase from $159.439 billion in the same period of 2023[68] - Total revenues for the three months ended October 31, 2024, were $169.588 billion, a 5.5% increase from $160.804 billion in the prior year[78] - Walmart U.S. segment net sales increased by $5.5 billion or 5.0% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, and $14.7 billion or 4.5% for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, compared to the same periods in the previous fiscal year[80] - Walmart International segment net sales rose by $2.3 billion or 8.0% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, and $7.5 billion or 9.1% for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, driven by positive comparable sales in most international markets[81] - Sam's Club segment net sales increased by $0.9 billion or 3.9% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, and $2.8 billion or 4.4% for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, primarily due to comparable sales growth[83] Profitability Metrics - Operating income increased by $0.5 billion or 8.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, primarily due to strong growth in membership income globally[68] - Consolidated net income for the three months ended October 31, 2024, increased to $4.714 billion, up from $643 million in the same period last year, representing a $4.071 billion increase[78] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 24.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, compared to 24.0% in the same period of 2023[68] - Membership and other income increased by 16.1% to $1.585 billion for the three months ended October 31, 2024, compared to $1.365 billion in the same period last year[78] - Gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 24.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, compared to 24.0% in the same period last year[78] Cash Flow and Investments - Free cash flow for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, was $6.222 billion, an increase of $1.882 billion compared to $4.340 billion in the prior year[76] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, was $22.918 billion, an increase of $3.904 billion from $19.014 billion in the same period last year[76] - Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $12.7 billion for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, from $15.4 billion in the previous year, primarily due to proceeds from strategic investments[88] - The company completed the acquisition of Vizio Holding Corp. for approximately $2 billion in December 2024, which will be classified as cash used in investing activities[89] Debt and Equity - Total outstanding long-term debt decreased by $2.7 billion primarily due to maturities of certain long-term debt as of October 31, 2024[92] - The Company approved a fiscal 2025 annual dividend of $0.83 per share, an increase from $0.76 per share in fiscal 2024[93] - The Company repurchased 45.9 million shares at an average price of $66.37 per share, totaling $3.049 billion during the nine months ended October 31, 2024, compared to 25.9 million shares at $49.40 per share totaling $1.282 billion in the prior year[94] - The Company has $13.5 billion remaining under its $20 billion share repurchase program approved in November 2022[94] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2024, from 21.0% in the same period of 2023[68] - The company aims to improve operating income margin through productivity initiatives and a focus on higher-margin business segments[67] Market and Economic Conditions - The company expects continued uncertainty in the business and global economy due to inflationary trends and supply chain disruptions[63] Legal and Regulatory Matters - The Company has settled a lawsuit with the State of California for $7.5 million regarding hazardous waste management practices[106] - The settlement requires the Company to maintain current hazardous waste management practices and submit reports for four years[106] - In October 2023, the Company received a Finding of Violation from the EPA for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act[106] - The Company is currently evaluating the EPA's findings and cooperating with the investigation[106] - The Company cannot predict the outcome of the EPA investigation or the potential penalties[106] - The Company does not believe these matters will materially adversely affect its business or financial position[106] - The Company is involved in ongoing civil litigation related to driver classification and payment practices[106] - The Company is unable to predict the outcome of the civil litigation and arbitration claims[106] - The Company has received subpoenas and information requests from governmental entities regarding its driver platform[106] - The Company believes the outcomes of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its cash flows[106]

Following a strong Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both Walmart and Amazon reported record-breaking sales, with their platforms seeing growth from third-party sellers.Walmart reported record sales for its third-party Marketplace during the early holiday shopping season, with the period from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, including Cyber Monday, marking its highest-ever sales day and conversion rate. The company highlighted growth in its eCommerce business, with overall sales up 22% in the most recent quarter, with Marke ...

Taking a bold step toward integrating technology and retail, Walmart Inc. (WMT) has concluded its acquisition of VIZIO, which is a leading player in the connected entertainment and smart TV space. VIZIO will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart, with its operations forming part of the Walmart U.S. segment.This deal, worth $2.3 billion, is likely to reshape how Walmart engages with customers and advertisers. However, the transaction is likely to cause slight earnings per share dilution for Walmart in ...

Walmart (WMT 0.94%) stock gained 13% in November according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. It reported strong third-quarter earnings amid a challenging operating environment.Shifting into new trendsWalmart is the largest company in the world by sales, so it's all the more impressive that it can keep building on top of that. It is constantly upgrading its stores and platforms with new product lines, expense management, new ventures, and more. There are always things to do to function better and ...

Walmart has completed its $2.3 billion purchase of smart television maker Vizio.The deal, aimed at bolstering the company’s retail media offerings, closed after a federally required waiting period expired, the retail giant announced Tuesday (Dec. 3).“The acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System allows Walmart to serve its customers in new ways to enhance their shopping journeys,” Walmart said in a news release. “It will also bring to market new and differentiated ways for advertisers to meani ...

Walmart just closed its acquisition of popular television maker Vizio in an effort to boost its advertising business. The acquisition was initially reported back in February; however, it took a few months to complete due to the waiting period under federal regulations. The all-cash deal is valued at $2.3 billion.  With this strategic move, Walmart aims to become a leader in connected TV advertising. By integrating Vizio into its advertising platform, Walmart Connect, the retail giant is positioning itself ...

Walmart NYSE: WMT is an iconic American retailer that doesn’t need an introduction. For years, as the e-commerce sector rapidly expanded, many believed Amazon NASDAQ: AMZN had a clear advantage, its dominance cemented by the convenience of doorstep delivery. Walmart, while initially lagging in the online arena, possessed the powerful counterweight of its vast network of physical superstores. Walmart TodayWMTWalmart$92.50 +0.62 (+0.67%) 52-Week Range$49.85▼$92.64Dividend Yield0.90%P/E Ratio37.96Price Target ...

On Nov. 19, retail giant Walmart (WMT 0.68%) reported financial results for its fiscal third quarter of 2025. Its revenue was only up 5.5% year over year, which might not seem like much. But Walmart is one of the largest businesses in the entire world with annualized revenue approaching $700 billion. When the numbers are this big, even a 5.5% jump is a big deal.On the bottom line, Walmart's operating income increased by 8.2%, which was far better than revenue growth. Now the difference between 5.5% and 8.2% ...

Brendan, a Pennsylvanian by birth:-Completed a Ph.D. at Stanford University in the field of organic synthesis (2009). -Worked for a major pharmaceutical company (Merck, 2009-2013).-Worked in biotech including start-ups (Theravance/Aspira) prior to securing employment at Caltech.-First employee and co-founder of 1200 Pharma as it spun out of Caltech garnering major investment (into the 8 figures).-Remains an avid investor, focused on market trends and especially biotechnology stocks.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/w ...