Walmart Inc. has reported its fourth-quarter results, with strong revenue growth of 5.7% and operating income growing even faster at 30.4%. The company's ecommerce sales surpassed $100 billion for the year, marking a 23% increase globally.
Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "Our team delivered a great quarter, finishing off a strong year. We crossed $100 billion in ecommerce sales and drove share gains as our customer experience metrics improved, even during our highest volume days leading up to the holidays. We’re proud of the team and excited about building on our momentum as we work to bring prices down for our customers and members."
The company also provided guidance for fiscal year 2025, including an expected growth in net sales in constant currency of 3% to 4% and operating income of 4% to 6%.
Walmart's consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter amounted to $173.4 billion, reflecting a 5.7% increase. The company's global ecommerce sales grew by 23%, while the global advertising business expanded by approximately 33%, including a 22% growth for Walmart Connect in the U.S.
For the full year, Walmart achieved consolidated revenue of $648.1 billion, up 6.0%, and saw its global advertising business grow by approximately 28% to reach $3.4 billion.
In terms of its financial position, Walmart reported cash and cash equivalents of $9.9 billion, total debt of $46.9 billion, and operating cash flow for the fiscal year 2024 of $35.7 billion.
Walmart also announced a 9% increase in its annual dividend and agreed to acquire Vizio Holding Corp. to further accelerate Walmart Connect in the U.S.
Looking ahead, Walmart's guidance for the first quarter and fiscal year 2025 indicates expectations for growth in both periods, with an increase in consolidated net sales and operating income.
The company's shares have responded positively to the news, moving 4.1% and trading at a price of $177.28.
The company's full 8-K submission is available here.
