Walmart's CEO Is Retiring. He's Leaving a Powerhouse Company—and Stock—Behind

Core Insights - Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is retiring after over a decade, with John Furner set to succeed him [2][9] - Under McMillon's leadership, Walmart transformed from a traditional retailer to a leading e-commerce player, with stock prices increasing over 300% since he took office [3][4] Leadership Transition - McMillon will retire at the end of January but will remain as an advisor for a year to Furner, who has been with Walmart for several years [2][9] - Furner has extensive experience, having led Walmart's U.S. operations and various teams within the company [6][9] Company Performance - Walmart's stock has risen more than 300% since McMillon became CEO on February 1, 2014, compared to a 280% increase in the S&P 500 during the same period [3] - The company has modernized its supply chain and developed a successful delivery business, appealing to affluent consumers [3][10] Economic Context - The leadership change comes as Walmart faces economic challenges, including tariffs, inflation concerns, and a slowing job market [5][10] - Despite these challenges, Walmart has gained market share among higher-income households, although lower-income families are showing signs of financial caution [10] Future Outlook - McMillon is expected to provide updates on the company's outlook during an upcoming earnings conference call [6] - Furner emphasized the importance of innovation and AI in guiding Walmart's future direction [7]