Walmart reports 5.6% sales growth and unveils $30B buyback despite muted outlook
Walmart reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $4.24 billion, adjusted EPS of $0.74 versus expectations of $0.73, and revenue of $190.7 billion, up 5.6% year-over-year. It unveiled a $30 billion share buyback and guided first-quarter EPS of $0.63–$0.65 and full-year sales of $706.4 billion, both below analyst forecasts.
1. Quarter Performance
Walmart's fiscal fourth quarter delivered net income of $4.24 billion, GAAP EPS of $0.53 and adjusted EPS of $0.74, beating consensus by $0.01. Total revenue reached $190.7 billion, a 5.6% increase, with comparable store sales up 4.6% and global e-commerce sales rising 24%.
2. CEO Transition
John Furner led his first quarter as CEO after taking over from Doug McMillon, steering Walmart’s push into higher-income markets as lower pricing attracted wealthier shoppers.
3. Share Repurchase Plan
The board approved a $30 billion share repurchase program, aimed at returning capital to shareholders and offsetting dilution from stock-based compensation.
4. Financial Outlook
Walmart’s outlook calls for first-quarter sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% and EPS of $0.63 to $0.65, below analyst estimates of $0.68, while full-year guidance projects $706.4 billion in sales and $2.64 in EPS versus $712.6 billion expected.