THE WHAT?   Walmart reported strong fourth-quarter results, attributing the success to inflation-conscious shoppers. The company announced a $2.3 billion acquisition of smart-TV maker Vizio and a 9% dividend increase, the largest in over a decade. Walmart’s shares hit a record high of $181.35 following the announcement.

THE DETAILS The retailer’s focus on groceries and competitive pricing has attracted a wider customer base, including higher-income households, contributing to surpassing $100 billion in global e-commerce sales for the first time in 2023. Walmart’s U.S. comparable sales rose by 4% in the quarter ending January 31, exceeding analyst expectations.

THE WHY? The company forecasts 3% to 4% sales growth for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025. The acquisition of Vizio is aimed at enhancing Walmart’s advertising business, Walmart Connect, which generates $3 billion in annual revenue. The deal is expected to be mildly dilutive to Walmart’s earnings in fiscal 20