Walmart's leadership discussed its strategy for steady sales growth and income expansion during the company's investor conference in Dallas on April 9, 2025. CEO Doug McMillon emphasized Walmart's resilience, citing the company’s ability to navigate past crises like the 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and inflation.
Walmart expects a sales increase of 3% to 4% for fiscal year 2025, with operating income growth ranging from 3.5% to 5.5%. The company remains flexible with pricing, possibly accepting lower margins on seasonal items if necessary. Walmart's focus on growing its digital businesses, including its profitable online business and Walmart+ subscriptions, will drive its growth over the next five years. Despite tariff uncertainties, McMillon expressed confidence, noting that the company has weathered many challenges and emerged stronger.
Key highlights:
"We’ve learned how to manage through turbulent periods... we’ll focus on keeping prices as low as we can and managing our inventory and expenses well." — Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO
"Our newer businesses have momentum, and we expect they will represent 50% of the top-line growth in five years." — John David Rainey, Walmart CFO