2016 U.S.-Booked Air Volume: $69 million
Walmart's 2016 U.S.-booked air volume rose 5 percent from
$66 million in 2015, according to a BTN estimate. Revenue for fiscal year 2017,
which ended in January 2017, increased 0.8 percent to $485.9 billion. Operating
income declined 6 percent, primarily from an increase in operating expenses,
including increased wages as part of Walmart's $2.7 billion plan to invest in
its employees, a $249 million charge related to discontinued real estate
projects, and its investment in digital retail and IT, according to its annual
report. Walmart acquired e-commerce shop Jet.com in fiscal year 2017 for $3
billion in cash, a portion of which will be paid over time, and $300 million in
Walmart shares, which also will be paid over time. The acquisition did not
impact net sales or operating income significantly, according to the annual
report. Walmart also agreed to trade its Yihaodian e-commerce company to JD.com
for 5 percent of JD.com outstanding shares. Walmart subsequently purchased
another 5 percent. It claimed 2.3 million employees globally as of Jan. 31, up
from 2.2 million the previous year.