Walmart Inc. is an American retail corporation Sam Walton founded on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas.
The company runs 10,500 stores in 19 countries, employs 2.1 million people, and posts $648 billion in annual revenue.
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart trades on NASDAQ as WMT and tops Fortune 500.
About Walmart
Sector
Consumer Defensive
Industry
Discount Stores
CEO
John Furner
Website
walmart.com
Headquarters
Bentonville, AR
Founded
July 2, 1962
Status
Public (NASDAQ: WMT)
Walmart Founders
Sam Walton
Founder and Original Chairman
James "Bud" Walton
Co-Founder and Early Business Partner
Walmart History
1962
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, launching a discount retail model focused on everyday low prices.
1970
Walmart went public with its IPO on the over-the-counter market and built its first distribution center in Bentonville, Arkansas.
1991
The company expanded internationally by opening its first store outside the United States in Mexico City.
2002
Walmart topped the Fortune 500 list for the first time, ranking as the largest company in the U.S. by revenue.
2026
John Furner succeeded Doug McMillon as CEO, taking charge of 2.1 million associates and operations across 19 countries.
FAQs
Who owns Walmart?
Walmart is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ (WMT). The Walton family remains its largest shareholder, controlling roughly half of outstanding shares. Institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock hold the next-largest stakes.
Who made the Walmart logo?
The 2008 Walmart logo, including the yellow "spark" symbol, was designed by branding firm Lippincott. In January 2025, Walmart refreshed the identity again through Jones Knowles Ritchie and its in-house Walmart Creative Studio.
Is Walmart an American company?
Yes. Walmart Inc. was founded and is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It trades on NASDAQ alongside other major U.S. retailers like Costco and Target. The company operates stores in 19 countries but remains an American corporation.
When did Walmart come out?
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas. The company incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969 and went public in 1970. It changed its legal name to Walmart Inc. in 2018.
