Walmart (WMT) — the world’s largest department store chain — reported fourth-quarter 2019 financial results on Tuesday, February 19, before the opening bell.
Total revenue for the period inched 1.9% up to $138.8 billion, despite net sales at Walmart International slipping 2.3% to $32.3 billion. Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.41. Shares of the retail chain soared in pre-market trade as earnings beat estimates, backed by US eCommerce sales jumping 42% in the quarter.
Operating income grew 35.8% to $6.07 billion, while net income (consolidated and attributable to Walmart) jumped 69.5% to $3.69 billion. Net attributable earnings rose 74% to $1.27 per diluted share.
Total comparable sales (excluding fuel) in the US for 13 weeks ended Jan 25, 2019, was 4.0% vs. last year’s 2.6%. Total US comp sales with fuel for the same period was 4.1%.
LOOKING TO FISCAL 2020
Walmart expects consolidated FY20 net sales to grow at least 3% in constant currency, on a positive impact of the Flipkart India acquisition — offset by the deconsolidation of Walmart Brazil and the planned tobacco sales reduction at Sam’s Club.
Excluding fuel, Walmart US comp sales for the coming year is expected to grow 2.5% to 3%. Net sales for Walmart US eCommerce is estimated to jump about 35%.
Walmart US grocery aims to have about 3,100 grocery pickup locations and 1,600 delivery locations by fiscal year-end.