Walmart Inc. operates in the Services sector, within the Grocery Retail industry, and was founded in 1962 in the United States by Sam M. Walton.
The company was established with the mission of offering everyday low prices, making products more accessible to consumers across various regions. Today, Walmart is led by CEO Doug McMillon and operates under the regulation of trade and consumer protection agencies in the countries where it operates.
Recognized as one of the largest retailers in the world, Walmart has a network of over 11,400 physical stores, in addition to robust e-commerce platforms that serve millions of customers weekly. Its operations are divided into three main business segments:
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Walmart U.S.: Covers all 50 states, operating physical stores and online platforms offering a wide variety of products.
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Walmart International: Manages operations in dozens of countries, expanding the company’s global footprint.
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Sam’s Club: A membership-only warehouse club focused on bulk sales for businesses and individual members who pay an annual fee.
Serving more than 200 million customers per week, Walmart offers a broad range of products including groceries, apparel, electronics, appliances, and home goods.
Walmart has operations across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, positioning itself as one of the most influential global retail chains. Its operational structure is supported by an extensive logistics and distribution network, enabling efficient restocking of its stores and fulfillment centers.
The company also invests heavily in retail digitalization, continuously improving its online platforms and integrating new technologies to enhance the customer experience.
With approximately 2.2 million employees worldwide, Walmart is one of the largest private-sector employers globally. Its ongoing expansion and ability to adapt to evolving consumer trends reinforce its leadership in the global retail market.
Walmart Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker WMT.
History and Founding of Walmart Inc.
Walmart’s story began in 1945, when Sam M. Walton opened a Ben Franklin variety store franchise in Newport, Arkansas. After experiencing early success, Walton aimed to scale his concept and, in 1962, opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas.
By 1967, Walmart had grown to 24 stores, generating $12.7 million in sales. In 1970, the company went public, using funds raised through its IPO to accelerate expansion across the U.S. — reaching 276 stores and 21,000 employees by the early 1980s.
During the 1980s, Walmart launched new store formats and diversified operations. In 1983, it opened the first Sam’s Club, targeting wholesale buyers. By 1988, it launched the first Walmart Supercenter, combining a full grocery store with a general merchandise store under one roof.
Walmart's international expansion began in 1991, and the company entered numerous markets through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures.
Starting in the 2000s, Walmart heavily invested in e-commerce, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and becoming a key player in the digital retail landscape.
It has since introduced pickup and same-day delivery services, enhancing convenience and competitiveness in the omnichannel retail space.
Additional Information
The Company WALMART INC. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 837.95 Billions, having an equity of $ 102.51 Billions.
With a total of 2.200.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Services and categorized in industry of Retail (Grocery).
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 703.06 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 22.91 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 36.58, a P/BV ratio of 8.17 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of WMT was at 0.87%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker WMT.