Walmart’s first-quarter revenue and profit jumped as the company reported increased online sales and a strong performance in food, beverage and general merchandise. Walmart’s solid results in the U. The results come as Walmart is engaged in a fierce contest with Amazon and other rivals for customers amid a digital transformation. Walmart this week announced a free next-day delivery offering in select markets after Amazon recently announced it’s planning free next-day shipping to Prime members. The company’s U. Same-store sales at U. Walmart locations increased 3. That edged expectations of 3. It was Walmart’s best first-quarter same-store sales performance in nine years. Free next-day delivery: Walmart takes shot at Amazon in shipping wars. Amazon fires first shot: Amazon looking to shift to one-day Prime shipping. The retailer’s international presence slumped in the first quarter, with net sales falling 4.