EX-99.1 2 earningsreleasefy25q1.htm PRESS RELEASE Document

Walmart Reports
First Quarter Results
Strong revenue growth of 6.0% with operating income growing faster at 9.6%; adjusted operating income up 13.7%1
eCommerce up 21% globally, led by store-fulfilled pickup & delivery and marketplace
GAAP EPS of $0.63; Adjusted EPS of $0.601
Company issues guidance for Q2; updates outlook for FY25
BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 16, 2024 – Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announces first quarter results with strong growth in revenue and operating income. Globally, eCommerce penetration is higher across all markets led by store-fulfilled pickup & delivery and marketplace. Walmart U.S. comp sales up 3.8%2. Looking ahead, the Company issues guidance for the second quarter and expects net sales to increase 3.5% to 4.5% and operating income to grow 3.0% to 4.5%, in constant currency (“cc”)1. The Company now expects to be at the high-end or slightly above its previous guidance (cc) for net sales growth of 3.0% to 4.0% and operating income growth of 4.0% to 6.0% for FY25.
Our team delivered a great quarter. Around the world our goal is simple - we’re focused on saving our customers both money and time. It’s inspiring to see how our associates are simultaneously executing the fundamentals and innovating to make shopping with us more enjoyable and convenient. We’re people-led and tech-powered, and that combination is propelling our business.”

Doug McMillon
President and CEO, Walmart

First Quarter Highlights
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Consolidated revenue of $161.5 billion, up 6.0%, or 5.8% (cc)1, including a benefit of ~1% from an additional selling day
Consolidated gross margin rate up 42bps due to improvements across segments, led by Walmart U.S.
Consolidated operating income up $0.6 billion, or 9.6%; adjusted operating income up 13.7%1 , due to higher gross margins and growth in membership income
Global eCommerce sales grew 21%, led by store-fulfilled pickup & delivery and marketplace
Global advertising business3 grew 24%, including 26% for Walmart Connect in the U.S.
Adjusted EPS1 of $0.60 excludes the effect, net of tax, from a net gain of $0.05 on equity and other investments and business reorganization charges of $0.02
Global inventory down 2.7%, including a decrease of 4.2% for Walmart U.S.; in-stock levels healthy
1 See additional information at the end of the release regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
2 Comp sales for the 13-week period ended April 26th, 2024 compared to the 13-week period ended April 28th, 2023, and excludes fuel. See Supplemental Financial Information for additional information.
3 Our global advertising business is recorded in either net sales or as a reduction to cost of sales, depending on the nature of the advertising arrangement.
“cc” - constant currency



Key Financial Metrics

Dollars in billions, except per share data. Dollar and percentage changes
may not recalculate due to rounding. Charts may not be to scale.

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Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents of $9.4 billion
Total debt of $50.1 billion3
Operating cash flow of $4.2 billion, a decrease of $0.4 billion
Free cash flow of negative $0.4 billion2, a decrease of $0.6 billion
Repurchased 18.0 million shares4, or $1.1 billion
Inventory of $55.4 billion, a decrease of $1.6 billion
1Comparison period per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the February 23, 2024 stock split.
2See additional information at the end of this release regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
3Debt includes short-term borrowings, long-term debt due within one year, finance lease obligations due within one year, long-term debt and long-term
finance lease obligations.
4$15.5 billion remaining of $20 billion authorization approved in November 2022.
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Business Highlights
and Strategic Initiatives
Dollars in billions, except as noted. Dollar and percentage changes may not recalculate due to rounding.


Walmart U.S.FY’25Q1FY’24Q1Change
Net sales$108.7$103.9$4.84.6%
Comp sales (ex. fuel)2
3.8%7.4%NPNP
Transactions3.8%2.9%NPNP
Average Ticketflat4.4%NPNP
eCommerce contribution to comp~280 bps~270 bpsNPNP
Operating income$5.3$5.0$0.37.0%
Adjusted operating income1
$5.5$5.0$0.59.6%

Walmart U.S.
Sales reflected strength in transaction counts and unit volumes; like-for-like inflation slightly positive
Value-convenience proposition is resonating; share gains primarily driven by upper-income households
Growth in eCommerce of 22%, led by store-fulfilled pickup & delivery and marketplace
Walmart Connect advertising sales grew 26%; strong growth in advertiser counts, including marketplace sellers
Gross profit rate increased 46 bps; membership income increased; operating expense deleveraged 48 bps
Inventory declined 4.2% with sustained strong sales and higher in-stock levels


Walmart InternationalFY’25Q1FY’24Q1Change
Net sales$29.8$26.6$3.212.1%
Net sales cc1
$29.4$26.6$2.810.7%
Operating income$1.5$1.2$0.431.7%
Operating income cc1
$1.5$1.2$0.327.2%

Walmart International
Growth in net sales cc1 of 10.7% led by Walmex, China and Flipkart
eCommerce sales up 19%, led by store fulfilled pickup & delivery and marketplace. Penetration up across markets
Advertising business3 grew 27%, led by Flipkart and Walmex
Strength in food and consumables as well as improved growth in general merchandise
Gross profit rate increased 32bps due to improved eCommerce margins and growth in higher-margin services
Operating income cc1 up 27.2% with strength across markets and benefiting from lower losses in eCommerce

1 See additional information at the end of this release regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
2 Comp sales for the 13-week period ended April 26th, 2024 compared to the 13-week period ended April 28th, 2023, and excludes fuel. See Supplemental Financial Information for additional information.
3 Our global advertising business is recorded in either net sales or as a reduction to cost of sales, depending on the nature of the advertising arrangement.
NP - Not provided
cc - constant currency




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Sam’s Club U.S.FY’25Q1FY’24Q1Change
Net sales$21.4$20.5$0.94.6%
Net sales (ex. fuel)$18.7$17.8$0.95.3%
Comp sales (ex. fuel)1
4.4%7.0%NPNP
Transactions5.4%2.9%NPNP
Average Ticket-1.0%4.0%NPNP
eCommerce contribution to comp~180 bps~160 bpsNPNP
Operating income$0.6$0.5$0.234.3%

Sam’s Club U.S.
Solid comp sales, led by food and consumables as well as increases in transactions and unit volumes
Gained dollar and unit market share in grocery
Growth in eCommerce sales of 18% led by club-fulfilled curbside and delivery
Strong growth in membership income, up 13.3%, with record total membership and Plus penetration at quarter end
Gross profit rate increased 58 bps; operating expense deleverage 17 bps
Inventory declined 4.9% with sustained strong sales and higher in-stock levels

1 Comp sales for the 13-week period ended April 26th, 2024 compared to the 13-week period ended April 28th, 2023, and excludes fuel. See Supplemental Financial Information for additional information.
NP - Not provided

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Guidance

The following guidance reflects the Company’s expectations for the second quarter and fiscal year 2025 and is provided on a non-GAAP basis as the Company cannot predict certain elements that are included in reported GAAP results, such as the changes in fair value of the Company’s equity and other investments. Growth rates reflect an adjusted basis for prior year results. Additionally, the Company’s guidance assumes a generally stable consumer and continued pressure from its mix of products and formats globally. The Company’s fiscal year guidance is based on the following FY24 figures: Net sales: $642.6 billion, adjusted operating income1: $27.1 billion, and adjusted EPS1: $2.22.
A
Second Quarter
MetricQ2
Consolidated net sales (cc)Increase 3.5% to 4.5%
Consolidated operating income (cc)Increase 3.0% to 4.5%
Adjusted EPS$0.62 to $0.65
Fiscal Year 2025
MetricFY 2025 (updated)FY 2025 (original)
Consolidated net sales (cc)High-end or slightly above original guidanceIncrease 3.0% to 4.0%
Consolidated adj. operating income (cc)High-end or slightly above original guidanceIncrease 4.0% to 6.0%
Interest, netUnchanged from original guidanceIncrease approximately $100M to $200M
Effective tax rateUnchanged from original guidanceApproximately 25.0% to 26.0%
Non-controlling interestUnchanged from original guidanceRelatively flat
Adjusted EPSHigh-end or slightly above original guidance$2.23 to $2.37
Capital expendituresUnchanged from original guidanceApproximately 3.0% to 3.5% of net sales
1 For relevant reconciliations, see Q4 FY24 earnings release furnished on Form 8-K on February 20, 2024.
cc - constant currency
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About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

Investor Relations contact: Steph Wissink – ir@walmart.com
Media Relations contact: Molly Blakeman – (800) 331-0085
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Forward-Looking Statements
This release and related management commentary contains statements or may include or may incorporate by reference Walmart management’s guidance regarding adjusted earnings per share, consolidated net sales, consolidated operating income and consolidated adjusted operating income, consolidated operating expense, net interest expenses, non-controlling interest, capital expenditures, share repurchases, Walmart’s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, and comparable sales, among other items. Walmart believes such statements may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act") and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Act as well as protections afforded by other federal securities laws. Assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead express our estimates or expectations for our consolidated, or one of our segment's or business’, economic performance or results of operations for future periods or as of future dates or events or developments that may occur in the future or discuss our plans, objectives or goals. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of these forward-looking statements as a result of changes in circumstances, assumptions not being realized or other risks, uncertainties and factors including: capital markets and business conditions; trends and events around the world and in the markets in which we operate; currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in market interest rates and market levels of wages; changes in the size of various markets, including eCommerce markets; unemployment levels; inflation or deflation, generally and in particular product categories; consumer confidence, disposable income, credit availability, spending levels, shopping patterns, debt levels and demand for certain merchandise; the effectiveness of the implementation and operation of our strategies, plans, programs and initiatives; unexpected changes in our objectives and plans; the impact of acquisitions, investments, divestitures, and other strategic decisions; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; changes in the trading prices or fair value of certain equity investments we hold; initiatives of competitors, competitors' entry into and expansion in our markets, and competitive pressures; customer traffic and average transactions in our stores and clubs and on our eCommerce websites; the mix of merchandise we sell, the cost of goods we sell and the shrinkage we experience; our gross profit margins; the financial performance of Walmart and each of its segments, including the amounts of our cash flow during various periods; the amount of our net sales and operating expenses denominated in the U.S. dollar and various foreign currencies; commodity prices and the price of gasoline and diesel fuel; challenges with our supply chain, including disruptions and issues relating to inventory management; disruptions in seasonal buying patterns; the availability of goods from suppliers and the cost of goods acquired from suppliers; our ability to respond to changing trends in consumer shopping habits; consumer acceptance of and response to our stores, clubs, eCommerce platforms, programs, merchandise offerings and delivery methods; cyber security events affecting us and related costs and impact to the business; developments in, outcomes of, and costs incurred in legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are a party or are subject, and the liabilities, obligations and expenses, if any, that we may incur in connection therewith; casualty and accident related costs and insurance costs; the turnover in our workforce and labor costs, including healthcare and other benefit costs; our effective tax rate and the factors affecting our effective tax rate, including assessments of certain tax contingencies, valuation allowances, changes in law, administrative audit outcomes, impact of discrete items and the mix of earnings between the U.S. and Walmart's international operations; changes in existing tax, labor and other laws and regulations and changes in tax rates including the enactment of laws and the adoption and interpretation of administrative rules and regulations; the imposition of new taxes on imports, new tariffs and changes in existing tariff rates; the imposition of new trade restrictions and changes in existing trade restrictions; adoption or creation of new, and modification of existing, governmental policies, programs, initiatives and actions in the markets in which Walmart operates and elsewhere and actions with respect to such policies, programs and initiatives; changes in accounting estimates or judgments; the level of public assistance payments; natural disasters, changes in climate, geopolitical events, global health epidemics or pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and catastrophic events; and changes in generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC discusses other risks and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement in the release and related management commentary. We urge you to consider all of the risks, uncertainties and factors identified above or discussed in such reports carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements in this release. Walmart cannot assure you that the results reflected in or implied by any forward-looking statement will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results will have the forecasted or expected consequences and effects for or on our operations or financial performance. The forward-looking statements made today are as of the date of this release. Walmart undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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Walmart Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
April 30,
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)20242023Percent Change
Revenues:
Net sales$159,938 $151,004 5.9 %
Membership and other income1,570 1,297 21.0 %
Total revenues161,508 152,301 6.0 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales121,431 115,284 5.3 %
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses33,236 30,777 8.0 %
Operating income6,841 6,240 9.6 %
Interest:
Debt597 568 5.1 %
Finance lease obligations117 96 21.9 %
Interest income(114)(107)6.5 %
Interest, net600 557 7.7 %
Other (gains) and losses(794)2,995 NM
Income before income taxes7,035 2,688 161.7 %
Provision for income taxes1,728 792 118.2 %
Consolidated net income5,307 1,896 179.9 %
Consolidated net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(203)(223)(9.0)%
Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart$5,104 $1,673 205.1 %
Net income per common share:
Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart$0.63 $0.21 200.0 %
Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart$0.63 $0.21 200.0 %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic8,053 8,082 
Diluted8,084 8,112 
Dividends declared per common share$0.83 $0.76 
NM = Not Meaningful

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Walmart Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
April 30,January 31,April 30,
(Amounts in millions)202420242023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$9,405 $9,867 $10,575 
Receivables, net9,075 8,796 7,647 
Inventories55,382 54,892 56,932 
Prepaid expenses and other3,290 3,322 3,357 
Total current assets77,152 76,877 78,511 
Property and equipment, net111,498 110,810 102,335 
Operating lease right-of-use assets13,562 13,673 13,679 
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net6,285 5,855 5,124 
Goodwill27,999 28,113 28,306 
Other long-term assets17,558 17,071 17,098 
Total assets$254,054 $252,399 $245,053 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings$5,457 $878 $1,711 
Accounts payable56,071 56,812 54,268 
Dividends payable5,013 — 4,602 
Accrued liabilities24,092 28,759 27,527 
Accrued income taxes1,276 307 1,325 
Long-term debt due within one year1,865 3,447 3,975 
Operating lease obligations due within one year1,482 1,487 1,490 
Finance lease obligations due within one year844 725 607 
Total current liabilities96,100 92,415 95,505 
Long-term debt35,928 36,132 38,120 
Long-term operating lease obligations12,840 12,943 12,925 
Long-term finance lease obligations6,047 5,709 5,039 
Deferred income taxes and other14,849 14,629 13,999 
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest217 222 234 
Equity:
Common stock805 805 808 
Capital in excess of par value4,625 4,544 4,709 
Retained earnings87,230 89,814 78,035 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(11,367)(11,302)(11,147)
Total Walmart shareholders’ equity81,293 83,861 72,405 
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest6,780 6,488 6,826 
Total equity88,073 90,349 79,231 
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and equity$254,054 $252,399 $245,053 








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Walmart Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
April 30,
(Amounts in millions)20242023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income$5,307 $1,896 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization3,128 2,845 
Investment (gains) and losses, net(639)3,062 
Deferred income taxes102 (725)
Other operating activities507 249 
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net(154)376 
Inventories(529)(154)
Accounts payable213 971 
Accrued liabilities(4,649)(4,447)
Accrued income taxes963 560 
Net cash provided by operating activities4,249 4,633 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipment(4,676)(4,429)
Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment72 47 
Proceeds from disposal of certain operations— 48 
Other investing activities195 (526)
Net cash used in investing activities(4,409)(4,860)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings4,585 1,343 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt— 4,967 
Repayments of long-term debt(1,574)(1,784)
Dividends paid(1,671)(1,538)
Purchase of Company stock(1,059)(686)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest— — 
Sale of subsidiary stock15 483 
Other financing activities(617)(845)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(321)1,940 
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash154 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(475)1,867 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year9,935 8,841 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$9,460 $10,708 









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Walmart Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information
(Unaudited)

Net sales and operating income
Net SalesOperating Income
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
April 30,April 30,
(dollars in millions)20242023Percent Change20242023Percent Change
Walmart U.S.$108,670 $103,901 4.6 %$5,332 $4,984 7.0 %
Walmart International29,833 26,604 12.1 %1,533 1,164 31.7 %
Sam’s Club21,435 20,499 4.6 %615 458 34.3 %
Corporate and support— — — (639)(366)74.6 %
Consolidated$159,938 $151,004 5.9 %$6,841 $6,240 9.6 %



U.S. comparable sales results
 With FuelWithout FuelFuel Impact
 13 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended
4/26/20244/28/20234/26/20244/28/20234/26/20244/28/2023
Walmart U.S.3.8 %7.2 %3.8 %7.4 %0.0 %-0.2 %
Sam’s Club3.5 %4.2 %4.4 %7.0 %-0.9 %-2.8 %
Total U.S.3.8 %6.7 %3.9 %7.3 %-0.1 %-0.6 %
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, and it is important to review in conjunction with the company’s financial results reported in accordance with GAAP. 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. Comparable sales excluding fuel is also an important, separate metric that indicates the performance of our existing stores and clubs without considering fuel, which is volatile and unpredictable. Other companies in our industry may calculate comparable sales differently, limiting the comparability of the metric.
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Walmart Inc.
Reconciliations of and Other Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

The following information provides reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures presented in the press release to which this reconciliation is attached to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The company has provided the non-GAAP financial information presented in the press release, which is not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as information supplemental and in addition to the financial measures presented in the press release that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented in the press release. The non-GAAP financial measures in the press release may differ from similar measures used by other companies.
Constant Currency
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. When we refer to constant currency operating results, this means operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to better understand Walmart’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The table below reflects the calculation of constant currency for total revenues, net sales and operating income for the three months ended April 30, 2024.
Three Months Ended April 30, 2024
Walmart InternationalConsolidated
(Dollars in millions)2024
Percent Change1
2024
Percent Change1
Total revenues:
As reported$30,217 12.1 %$161,508 6.0 %
Currency exchange rate fluctuations(386)N/A(386)N/A
Total revenues (cc)$29,831 10.7 %$161,122 5.8 %
Net sales:
As reported$29,833 12.1 %$159,938 5.9 %
Currency exchange rate fluctuations(385)N/A(385)N/A
Net sales (cc)$29,448 10.7 %$159,553 5.7 %
Operating income:
As reported$1,533 31.7 %$6,841 9.6 %
Currency exchange rate fluctuations(52)N/A(52)N/A
Operating income (cc)$1,481 27.2 %$6,789 8.8 %
1 Change versus prior year comparable period reported results.
N/A - Not applicable


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Adjusted operating income
Adjusted operating income is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under the SEC’s rules because it excludes certain charges included in operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that adjusted operating income is a meaningful measure to share with investors because it best allows comparison of the performance with that of the comparable period. In addition, adjusted operating income affords investors a view of what management considers Walmart’s core earnings performance and the ability to make a more informed assessment of such core earnings performance as compared with that of the prior year.
When we refer to adjusted operating income in constant currency, this means adjusted operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to better understand Walmart’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The tables below reflect the calculation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating income in constant currency for the three months ended April 30, 2024.
Three Months Ended April 30,
Walmart U.S.Consolidated
(Dollars in millions)2024202320242023
Operating income:
Operating income, as reported$5,332 $4,984 $6,841 $6,240 
Business reorganization charges1
130 — 255 — 
Adjusted operating income$5,462 $4,984 $7,096 $6,240 
Percent change2
9.6 %NP13.7 %NP
Currency exchange rate fluctuationsN/AN/A(52)— 
Adjusted operating income, constant currencyN/AN/A$7,044 $6,240 
Percent change2
N/AN/A12.9 %NP
1 Business reorganization charges primarily relate to expenses incurred in connection with strategic decisions made in the Walmart U.S. segment, as well as incremental business reorganization expenses recorded in Corporate and support.
2Change versus prior year comparable period.
NP - Not provided


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Free cash flow
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. Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.2 billion for the three months ended April 30, 2024, which represents a decrease of $0.4 billion when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital assets and liabilities, including timing impacts, partially offset by an increase in cash provided by operating income. Free cash flow for the three months ended April 30, 2024 was negative $0.4 billion, which represents a decrease of $0.6 billion when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in free cash flow was due to the decrease in net cash provided by operating activities described above and an increase of $0.2 billion in capital expenditures to support our investment strategy.
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.
Additionally, 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 Condensed 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 Walmart’s 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 provided by (used in) financing activities.
Three Months Ended
 April 30,
(Dollars in millions)20242023
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,249 $4,633 
Payments for property and equipment (capital expenditures)(4,676)(4,429)
Free cash flow$(427)$204 
Net cash used in investing activities1
$(4,409)$(4,860)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(321)1,940 
1 "Net cash used in investing activities" includes payments for property and equipment, which is also included in our computation of free cash flow.


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Adjusted EPS
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to Walmart (Adjusted EPS) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under the SEC’s rules because it excludes certain amounts included in the diluted earnings per share attributable to Walmart calculated in accordance with GAAP (EPS), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that Adjusted EPS is a meaningful measure to share with investors because it best allows comparison of the performance with that of the comparable period. In addition, Adjusted EPS affords investors a view of what management considers Walmart’s core earnings performance and the ability to make a more informed assessment of such core earnings performance with that of the prior year.
We adjust for the unrealized and realized gains and losses on our equity and other investments each quarter because although the investments are strategic decisions for our retail operations, management’s measurement of each strategy is primarily focused on the operational results rather than the fair value of such investments. Additionally, management does not forecast changes in the fair value of its equity and other investments. Accordingly, management adjusts EPS each quarter for the unrealized and realized gains and losses related to those investments.
Tax impacts are calculated based on the nature of the item, including any realizable deductions, and statutory rates in effect for relevant jurisdictions. NCI impacts are based on the ownership percentages of our noncontrolling interests, where applicable.
We have calculated Adjusted EPS for the three months ended April 30, 2024 by adjusting EPS for the following:
1.unrealized and realized gains and losses on our equity and other investments; and
2.business reorganization charges, primarily related to expenses incurred in connection with strategic decisions made in the Walmart U.S. segment, as well as incremental business reorganization expenses recorded in Corporate and support.
Three Months Ended April 30, 20241
Diluted earnings per share:
Reported EPS$0.63

Adjustments:Pre-Tax Impact
Tax Impact2
NCI ImpactNet Impact
Unrealized and realized (gains) and losses on equity and other investments$(0.08)$0.03$—$(0.05)
Business reorganization charges0.03(0.01)0.02
Net adjustments$(0.03)
Adjusted EPS$0.60
1Individual components in the accompanying table may include immaterial rounding.
2The reported effective tax rate was 24.6% for the three months ended April 30, 2024. Adjusted for the above items, the effective tax rate was 24.3% for the three months ended April 30, 2024.

As previously disclosed in our first quarter ended April 30, 2023 press release, we have calculated Adjusted EPS for the three months ended April 30, 2023 by adjusting EPS for the following:
Three Months Ended April 30, 20231
Diluted earnings per share:
Reported EPS$0.21
Adjustments:Pre-Tax Impact
Tax Impact2
NCI ImpactNet Impact
Unrealized and realized (gains) and losses on equity and other investments$0.38$(0.10)$—$0.28
Adjusted EPS$0.49
1Individual components in the accompanying table may include immaterial rounding, including per-share amounts retroactively adjusted to reflect the February 23, 2024 stock split.
2The reported effective tax rate was 29.5% for the three months ended April 30, 2023. Adjusted for the above item, the effective tax rate was 26.5% for the three months ended April 30, 2023.


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Return on investment
We include return on assets ("ROA"), which is calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") as well as return on investment ("ROI") as measures to assess returns on assets. Management believes ROI is a meaningful measure 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. We consider ROA to be the financial measure computed in accordance with GAAP that is the most directly comparable financial measure to our calculation of ROI.
ROA was 7.9 percent and 4.5 percent for the trailing twelve months ended April 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in ROA was primarily due to an increase in consolidated net income during the trailing twelve month period, as a result of higher operating income and changes in the fair value of our equity and other investments. ROI was 15.0 percent and 12.7 percent for the trailing 12 months ended April 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in ROI was the result of an increase in operating income, primarily due to lapping opioid legal charges as well as business reorganization and restructuring charges incurred in the comparative trailing twelve months, as well as improvements in business performance, partially offset by an increase in average invested capital primarily due to higher purchases of property and equipment.
We define ROI as operating income plus interest income, depreciation and amortization, and rent expense for the trailing twelve months divided by average invested capital during that period. We consider average invested capital to be the average of our beginning and ending total assets, plus average accumulated depreciation and average amortization, less average accounts payable and average accrued liabilities for that period.
Our calculation of ROI is considered a non-GAAP financial measure because we calculate ROI using financial measures that exclude and include amounts that are included and excluded in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. For example, we exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization from our reported operating income in calculating the numerator of our calculation of ROI. As mentioned above, we consider ROA to be the financial measure computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles most directly comparable to our calculation of ROI. ROI differs from ROA (which is consolidated net income for the period divided by average total assets for the period) because ROI: adjusts operating income to exclude certain expense items and adds interest income; adjusts total assets for the impact of accumulated depreciation and amortization, accounts payable and accrued liabilities to arrive at total invested capital. Because of the adjustments mentioned above, we believe ROI more accurately measures how we are deploying our key assets and is more meaningful to investors than ROA. 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.

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The calculation of ROA and ROI, along with a reconciliation of ROI to the calculation of ROA is as follows:
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON ASSETS
Trailing Twelve Months
EndedApril 30,
(Dollars in millions)20242023
Numerator
Consolidated net income$19,681 $11,085 
Denominator
Average total assets1
249,554 245,598 
Return on assets (ROA)7.9 %4.5 %
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Numerator
Operating income$27,613 $21,350 
+ Interest income553 323 
+ Depreciation and amortization12,136 11,110 
+ Rent2,291 2,301 
ROI operating income$42,593 $35,084 
Denominator
Average total assets1
$249,554 $245,598 
'+ Average accumulated depreciation and amortization1
115,841 108,730 
'- Average accounts payable1
55,170 53,597 
'- Average accrued liabilities1
25,810 24,294 
Average invested capital$284,415 $276,437 
Return on investment (ROI)15.0 %12.7 %
April 30,
Certain Balance Sheet Data202420232022
Total assets$254,054 $245,053 $246,142 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization118,518 113,164 104,295 
Accounts payable56,071 54,268 52,926 
Accrued liabilities24,092 27,527 21,061 
1 The average is based on the addition of the account balance at the end of the current period to the account balance at the end of the prior period and dividing by 2.
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