In a historic shift in the retail landscape, Amazon has surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue for the first time ever in the U.S. This marks a significant turning point in the battle for dominance in the retail industry.
Walmart, the long-reigning retail giant, reported $180.55 billion in revenue for the quarter ending January 31, 2025. While this figure represents a 4% increase from the previous year, it fell short of Amazon's impressive $187.79 billion in revenue for the quarter ending December 31, 2024.
This is the first time Amazon has outperformed Walmart in quarterly revenue. Walmart has held the top spot for the past 12 years, consistently generating the highest revenue among U.S. retailers. However, Amazon's relentless growth in e-commerce and its diversified revenue streams have propelled it to the forefront of the industry.
While Walmart still leads in annual revenue, with $680.99 billion in 2024 compared to Amazon's $647.96 billion, the gap is expected to narrow this year. Analysts predict Walmart's annual revenue to reach $708.7 billion, while Amazon's is projected to hit $700.8 billion.
Despite Walmart's continued dominance in annual revenue, Amazon's market capitalization dwarfs that of its rival. As of February 21, 2025, Amazon's market cap stands at a staggering $2.36 trillion, more than three times Walmart's $784.7 billion.
This historic shift in quarterly revenue underscores the changing dynamics of the retail industry. Amazon's success in e-commerce, cloud computing, and subscription services has allowed it to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As consumer behavior continues to evolve, Amazon is well-positioned to maintain its position as a leading retail force.
This milestone is not only a testament to Amazon's innovative business model but also a reflection of the broader transformation of the retail landscape. As e-commerce continues to grow, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart will need to adapt and innovate to remain competitive. The battle between these two retail giants is far from over, and the coming years will likely bring even more dramatic shifts in the industry.
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