Summary
Walmart Inc. announced a significant strategic divestiture, entering into a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in its Japanese retail business, Seiyu, to KKR & Co. Inc. and Rakuten, Inc. This transaction values Seiyu at an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion. While Walmart will retain a 15% ownership stake, the sale represents a strategic shift in its international operations. Investors should note that Walmart anticipates recognizing a non-cash loss of approximately $2 billion, after tax, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 due to this sale. However, the company does not expect a significant impact on its earnings per share following the transaction's completion, which is slated for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, pending regulatory approvals. The non-cash loss estimate is subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations and purchase price adjustments.
Key Highlights
- 1Walmart is selling a majority stake in its Japanese retail business, Seiyu, to KKR & Co. Inc. and Rakuten, Inc.
- 2The deal values Seiyu at an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion (¥172.5 billion).
- 3Walmart will retain a 15% ownership interest in Seiyu post-transaction.
- 4A non-cash loss of approximately $2 billion (after tax) is expected in Q4 FY2021.
- 5The transaction is expected to close in Q1 FY2022, subject to regulatory approvals.
- 6Walmart does not anticipate a significant impact on its earnings per share following the sale.