Walmart Isn't the Biggest Company in the U.S. Anymore, but Here's the Surprising Catalyst That's Driving Growth | The Motley Fool

"Walmart already has distribution hubs in its 5,200 stores, and 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of one of its stores. In the 2026 fiscal fourth quarter (ended Jan. 31), 35% of store-fulfilled orders were delivered by Walmart within three hours."

"Walmart's total revenue increased 5.6% year over year in the fourth quarter, driven by a 24% increase in e-commerce sales. In the U.S., that was 27%, and although there was strength all around, sales from what it calls 'expedited store-fulfilled delivery channels' were up more than 50%."

"This is also helping profitability, since it includes advertising and membership fees, which are higher-margin features. Advertising sales increased 37% in the fourth quarter over last year, and membership fee income was up 15%."

Walmart has become the second-largest U.S. company by sales, behind Amazon, but maintains competitive advantages in e-commerce through its extensive physical store network. With 90% of the U.S. population living within 10 miles of a Walmart store, the company uses these locations as distribution hubs for rapid fulfillment. In the fourth quarter, total revenue grew 5.6% year-over-year, driven by 24% e-commerce growth and 27% growth in the U.S. market. Store-fulfilled expedited delivery channels surged over 50%, while advertising and membership revenues grew 37% and 15% respectively, contributing higher-margin income streams that enhance profitability.

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