Flipkart is expected to delay its long-awaited stock market debut as its parent company Walmart pushes the e-commerce firm to focus on profitability instead of rushing into an IPO.
According to reports, Walmart has advised Flipkart to hold off on listing plans until the company shows steady financial improvement. The goal is to first reach stronger earnings performance, including an internal target of breaking even at the EBITDA level by FY2027.
Flipkart had been widely expected to go public in the next couple of years, with earlier market expectations pointing to a possible IPO around 2026–27. However, that timeline now appears uncertain, with some reports suggesting the listing could be pushed as far as 2028.
The shift reflects a broader change in strategy. Instead of focusing on valuations and market entry, Flipkart is now being encouraged to strengthen its core business and improve margins. That includes cutting losses, improving efficiency, and growing higher-profit areas like advertising, fintech services, and logistics.
Walmart’s direction signals a more cautious approach, prioritising long-term stability over short-term listing goals. The idea is that Flipkart should enter the public markets only when its financial performance is strong enough to support sustained investor confidence.
Flipkart, one of India’s biggest e-commerce companies, has been preparing for an IPO for several years. The company has gone through multiple rounds of restructuring and investment to prepare for a potential listing.
However, changing market conditions and increased pressure on profitability across global tech companies have slowed down many IPO plans in the startup sector.
