Walmart Posts Modest Q4 Growth Amid Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges

Walmart Inc. reported its fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, posting a modest increase in revenue and narrowing its net loss. The retailer’s sales rose 3.9% year-over-year to $148.02 billion, driven by stronger demand for grocery items and e-commerce sales. However, Walmart’s profit margins were compressed due to higher costs associated with its efforts to improve supply chain efficiency. The company reported a net loss of $1.33 billion, compared to a net loss of $3.11 billion in the same quarter last year. In contrast, online food delivery service DoorDash Inc. saw significant growth in its revenue, posting a 55% increase year-over-year to $2.49 billion. The company’s earnings per share was up 53%, driven by higher demand for its services during the holiday season. eBay Inc., another major e-commerce player, reported stronger-than-expected sales of $4.9 billion, up 15% from last year. The company attributed the growth to its expansion into new markets and a boost in demand for its online auction platform. Overall, the earnings reports from Walmart, DoorDash, and eBay provide insight into the performance of major e-commerce players in the fourth quarter, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by companies in the retail sector due to supply chain disruptions and competition from rival platforms.