Walmart Inc. (WMT): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered how Walmart Inc. (WMT) became the retail giant it is today? From its humble beginnings in 1962 to a global presence with over 10,500 stores in 19 countries and a staggering revenue of $680.99 billion in 2025, the story of Walmart is one of innovation and strategic growth.

How did Sam Walton's vision of offering lower prices transform the retail landscape and impact economies worldwide? Join us as we delve into the history, ownership structure, mission, operational mechanics, and revenue streams that define Walmart, uncovering the key elements that have propelled it to the forefront of the industry.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) History

Walmart's Founding Timeline

Year established

Walmart was established in 1962.

Original location

The first Walmart store, originally named 'Wal-Mart Discount City,' opened in Rogers, Arkansas.

Founding team members

The founder of Walmart is Sam Walton.

Initial capital/funding

Sam Walton's initial investment was supported by a $95,000 loan (approximately $966,739 in 2024 dollars, adjusting for inflation) and his personal savings.

Walmart's Evolution Milestones

Walmart's Transformative Moments

• Going Public (1972): Listing on the New York Stock Exchange provided access to significant capital, fueling rapid expansion across the United States.
• Adoption of Technology: Investing early in supply chain technology and data analytics allowed for efficient inventory management and cost reduction.
• International Expansion: Entering markets like Mexico, Canada, and the UK diversified revenue streams and established a global footprint.
• E-commerce Initiatives: The launch of Walmart.com and subsequent acquisitions like Jet.com were crucial in competing in the digital marketplace.
• Focus on Sustainability: Initiatives to reduce waste, use renewable energy, and promote sustainable products have enhanced the company's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

These milestones and transformative moments illustrate how strategic decisions and adaptations have shaped Walmart into one of the world's largest retailers. For more insights into the company's guiding principles, visit Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Walmart Inc. (WMT).

Walmart Inc. (WMT) Ownership Structure

Walmart Inc. operates as a publicly-traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among shareholders, including individuals and institutions, who can trade shares on the open market.

Walmart's Current Status

Walmart is a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol WMT. This status allows anyone to purchase shares, contributing to its widely distributed ownership.

Walmart's Ownership Breakdown

As a publicly traded company, Walmart's shares are held by a mix of institutional and individual investors. Here's an approximate breakdown of the company's ownership structure:

Walmart's Leadership

Walmart's direction is guided by a team of experienced leaders. As of April 2025, key figures include:

• C. Douglas McMillon: President and Chief Executive Officer
• John David Rainey: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

These individuals, along with other executive leaders and the board of directors, play crucial roles in setting the strategic direction and overseeing the operations of Walmart. To gain a deeper understanding of Walmart's financial performance, you can explore: Breaking Down Walmart Inc. (WMT) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Walmart Inc. (WMT) Mission and Values

Walmart's mission is to save people money so they can live better, reflecting a commitment to affordability and accessibility. The company's values emphasize customer service, respect, integrity, and striving for excellence.

Walmart's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Walmart's mission statement is 'We save people money so they can live better.' This encapsulates the company's dedication to providing affordable products, enabling customers to improve their quality of life. The mission focuses on:

• Affordability: Ensuring a wide range of products are accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
• Customer Benefit: Improving customers' lives by helping them save money on essential and discretionary items.
• Accessibility: Making products and services available to communities, including those in underserved areas.

Vision statement

While Walmart doesn't have a single, explicitly stated vision statement, its actions and strategic goals reflect a vision to be the ultimate destination for shoppers, offering a seamless omnichannel experience. Key aspects of this vision include:

• Omnichannel Retail: Integrating online and in-store shopping experiences to provide convenience and choice.
• Innovation: Continuously adopting new technologies and practices to enhance efficiency and customer service.
• Sustainability: Committing to environmentally and socially responsible practices across its operations.

Company slogan/tagline

Walmart has used several slogans throughout its history, each reflecting its current strategic focus. Recent and past slogans include:

• 'Save Money. Live Better.': This long-standing slogan emphasizes the core value proposition of affordability and improved living standards.
• 'Every Day Low Prices': A foundational slogan highlighting the consistent affordability of products.

For more insights into Walmart's financial performance, see Breaking Down Walmart Inc. (WMT) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) How It Works

Walmart Inc. operates as a multinational retail corporation, managing a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. It connects manufacturers and suppliers with consumers by offering a wide array of products and services at competitive prices.

Walmart's Product/Service Portfolio

Walmart's Operational Framework

Walmart's operational framework is built on efficiency and scale, enabling it to offer products at competitive prices. The company focuses on:

• Supply Chain Management: Walmart operates an extensive and sophisticated supply chain that minimizes costs and ensures product availability. This includes cross-docking, direct store delivery, and advanced logistics technologies.
• Technology Integration: Investment in technology enhances operations, from inventory management to customer service. This includes using data analytics to predict demand and optimize pricing.
• Global Sourcing: Walmart sources products globally to take advantage of lower production costs, passing savings on to consumers.
• Store Formats: The company operates various store formats, including supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets, and Sam's Club warehouses, each tailored to specific market needs.
• E-commerce Platform: Walmart has invested heavily in its e-commerce platform, offering online shopping, delivery, and pickup options to meet the evolving needs of customers.

Walmart's Strategic Advantages

Walmart's strategic advantages stem from its scale, brand recognition, and operational efficiencies:

• Scale and Purchasing Power: Walmart's massive scale allows it to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, resulting in lower costs and competitive pricing.
• Brand Reputation: The company has a strong brand reputation for value and convenience, attracting a broad customer base.
• Omnichannel Presence: Walmart's combination of physical stores and a growing e-commerce platform provides customers with multiple shopping channels, enhancing convenience and loyalty.
• Focus on Innovation: Walmart continually invests in technology and innovation to improve operations, enhance customer experience, and stay ahead of competitors.
• Global Footprint: With operations in numerous countries, Walmart benefits from diverse markets and revenue streams, reducing its reliance on any single region.

To gain more insights into Walmart's financial performance, consider reading Breaking Down Walmart Inc. (WMT) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) How It Makes Money

Walmart primarily generates revenue through retail sales in its stores and online, as well as through membership fees from its Sam's Club locations. It focuses on offering a wide variety of goods at low prices to attract a large customer base.

Walmart's Revenue Breakdown

Walmart's Business Economics

Walmart's business economics are built on several key principles:

• Low Prices: Walmart focuses on offering products at everyday low prices (EDLP) to attract price-sensitive customers.
• High Volume: The company relies on high sales volumes to offset low margins, making profitability dependent on moving large quantities of goods.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Walmart invests heavily in its supply chain to reduce costs and ensure products are available when and where customers need them.
• Negotiating Power: Its size and scale give Walmart significant negotiating power with suppliers, allowing it to secure favorable pricing and terms.
• Diverse Product Mix: Walmart offers a wide range of products, from groceries and apparel to electronics and home goods, increasing its appeal to a broad customer base.

More information about the company can be found here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Walmart Inc. (WMT).

Walmart's Financial Performance

Key aspects of Walmart's financial performance include:

• Revenue: In fiscal year 2024, Walmart's total revenue was $648.1 billion, a 6.0% increase from the previous year.
• Operating Income: The company's operating income for fiscal year 2024 was $27.0 billion, up by 22.4%.
• E-commerce Growth: Walmart has demonstrated strong e-commerce growth in recent years. In fiscal year 2024, e-commerce sales grew by 17% globally.
• Comparable Sales: For Walmart U.S., comparable sales increased by 5.6% for the full year 2024.
• Capital Expenditures: Walmart continues to invest in technology and infrastructure to support its growth. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2024 totaled $11.7 billion.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) Market Position & Future Outlook

As of April 2025, Walmart Inc. (WMT) maintains a strong market position, leveraging its vast retail network and e-commerce capabilities. The company's future outlook is shaped by strategic investments in technology, supply chain optimization, and an expanding omnichannel presence, positioning it to capture evolving consumer preferences.

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Walmart's industry position is characterized by:

• Market Leadership: Walmart is a leading retailer, holding a significant share of the market.
• Omnichannel Presence: The company has a strong omnichannel presence with a combination of physical stores and e-commerce platforms.
• Supply Chain Expertise: Walmart is known for its efficient supply chain management, which enables it to offer competitive prices.

For more insights into Walmart's investor profile, check out: Exploring Walmart Inc. (WMT) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?