Walmart anticipates a slowdown in third-quarter sales growth exceeding 100 basis points due to a scheduling change for Flipkart’s annual Big Billion Days sale in India. The event, typically held in the third quarter, was moved to the fourth quarter this year.
The adjustment will reduce Q3 performance but should offset results in Q4 by a comparable amount. Walmart operates on a February-to-January fiscal calendar.
In its second-quarter earnings statement, the retailer confirmed the shift would affect quarterly revenue distribution. John David Rainey, Walmart’s chief financial officer, stated the timing change would “impact the cadence of Q3 and Q4 sales” growth. He revised the company’s Q3 sales growth forecast to a range of 3% to 3.75%.
Last year, the Big Billion Days sale occurred in Q3, providing a lift to Walmart’s international sales. This year, the event is set to begin on September 23, 2026—just days before the quarter closes on October 31—delaying most revenue into Q4.
Flipkart has not yet announced official dates on its website, though reports indicate the sale will run through October 2, with early access for Plus members starting September 22.
India continues to play a major role in Walmart’s international expansion. The segment, which includes operations in 18 countries, posted a 7.9% year-over-year sales increase, totaling $33.7 billion in the second quarter.
John Furner, Walmart’s president and CEO, attributed the growth to strong performances in China and India. He noted that e-commerce now represents 30% of international sales, with notable gains in China, India, and Canada.
The company’s advertising business also saw significant growth, rising 20% during the quarter. Flipkart Ads contributed substantially, helping drive global advertising revenue up 38%. Walmart’s U.S. advertising unit, Walmart Connect, also delivered solid results.
E-commerce growth in Walmart’s international markets climbed 19%, again led by China, India, and Canada.
This is not the first time Walmart has adjusted the timing of Flipkart’s flagship sale. In 2025, the event was held in November, which the company said at the time had “benefited sales growth” in its third quarter.
Walmart acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion. Since then, it has increased its ownership to over 80%. The Bengaluru-based platform remains one of India’s largest e-commerce sites, with the Big Billion Days sale attracting millions of shoppers annually.
The focus now shifts to how the timing change will unfold. While Q3 will experience a temporary dip, Walmart expects the deferred sales to appear in Q4, leaving the full-year impact unchanged.
