FinancialMediaGuide notes that Amazon has for the first time surpassed Walmart in annual revenue, becoming the largest retailer by revenue. On Thursday, Walmart reported a revenue of $713.2 billion for the last fiscal year, which is $3.7 billion less than Amazon’s result of $716.9 billion. This event was not unexpected, as Amazon had already surpassed Walmart in quarterly figures, but its significance has grown in the face of the rapid adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) that are changing the rules of retail.
Experts from FinancialMediaGuide highlight that Amazon’s victory was made possible by its ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies into its business. The company is actively expanding its business areas, including cloud computing, advertising, and services for third-party sellers. In 2025, these services accounted for 24% of Amazon’s total revenue, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) contributing 18%. Unlike Amazon, Walmart, despite significant revenue growth over the past 20 years, continues to focus on digital technologies. Specifically, in the fourth quarter, Walmart recorded a 27% increase in online sales in the U.S., emphasizing its ambition to be not just the largest retailer but also a prominent player in technology.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a crucial tool determining the competitiveness of retail market leaders. Walmart has formed partnerships with OpenAI and Google to integrate AI, improving product search and purchases using AI, and has developed its own virtual assistant, Sparky, which increases average order value by 35%. Meanwhile, Amazon is actively developing its own AI solutions, such as the chatbot Rufus, which already helps over 300 million users and generated an additional $12 billion in revenue. The company plans to spend up to $200 billion on IT infrastructure by 2026, confirming its long-term intentions in the AI field.
When comparing the approaches of both companies, it becomes clear that Amazon and Walmart are following different strategies for AI implementation. Walmart opts for partnerships with tech companies, while Amazon focuses on developing its own solutions. This difference in approaches highlights the strategic direction of both companies, which could play an important role in their long-term prospects. It is expected that in the coming years, AI and automation will determine competitive advantages in retail. Companies that can effectively implement these technologies will gain significant competitive edges.
At FinancialMediaGuide, we forecast that in the coming years, artificial intelligence and automation will be key factors determining the positions of players in the retail market. Companies that can effectively integrate these technologies into their operations will gain substantial competitive advantages. With its significant investments in IT and innovation, Amazon is likely to remain a market leader, but Walmart, with its strategic partnerships and focus on technology, will continue to fight for leadership. However, as experts emphasize, it’s important not just to invest in new technologies but also to skillfully integrate them into existing business processes to achieve maximum results.
Financial Media Guide believes that both companies are striving for improvement through artificial intelligence, but their paths may differ significantly. While Amazon is focused on creating its own AI solutions, Walmart is oriented towards collaboration with tech giants. In any case, artificial intelligence will continue to play a decisive role in the competitive battle and will further determine the leaders in the retail industry.
