Walmart has underlined the growing importance of Flipkart to its international business performance, citing strong momentum in advertising, improving profitability, and rapid expansion of its quick commerce operations through Flipkart Minutes during the first quarter of FY ’27.
Walmart International reported net sales of US $35.1 billion for the quarter ended 30th April, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, aided by favourable currency movements. On a constant currency basis, net sales rose 10.1% to US $32.8 billion.
The company said e-commerce sales within the international division grew 27% during the quarter, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services as well as marketplace operations. Its advertising business registered 32% growth, which Walmart attributed to “continued momentum at Flipkart”.
Operating income for Walmart International increased 23.9% year-on-year to US $1.6 billion. On a constant currency basis, operating income rose 10.2%. Walmart stated that the improvement was driven primarily by performances in China and Flipkart, supported by lower e-commerce losses and changes in business mix.
The retailer’s commentary on India focused heavily on speed-led e-commerce and quick commerce expansion. During the earnings call, Walmart President and Chief Executive Officer John Furner said that Flipkart now operates more than 800 micro-fulfilment centres for Flipkart Minutes and is delivering items in less than 13 minutes on average.
Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey stated that Flipkart was delivering orders in under 13 minutes across more than 30 cities in India.
The developments align with Walmart’s broader strategy of improving e-commerce economics through faster fulfilment, marketplace expansion, advertising growth, and membership offerings. Globally, Walmart’s e-commerce sales rose 26% during the quarter, while its advertising business expanded 37%.
Walmart’s renewed emphasis on Flipkart’s quick commerce operations comes weeks after reports indicated that Furner had expressed strong confidence in the segment during a Flipkart townhall in Bengaluru. Flipkart launched Flipkart Minutes in August 2024 and has since accelerated expansion efforts amid intensifying competition from Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Amazon’s quick commerce initiatives.
