Walmart Ad Business Expands, Lifting Gross Margin as Vibe Costs Rise
Walmart’s advertising business is scaling across the U.S., with gross profit rate rising 96 basis points to 25.4%. The improvement is tied to a favorable mix driven by global advertising linked to shopping behavior. Walmart expects about 20 basis-point headwind to fiscal 2027 operating income growth from Vibe acquisition and integration costs, even as global e-commerce sales grow 23%.