Walmart shares are up 312% during outgoing CEO Doug McMillon's tenure. Here's how that compares to its rivals

Core Insights - Walmart's stock has more than quadrupled since Doug McMillon became CEO in February 2014, with positive stock returns in nine of the twelve years he led the company [1][2] - Walmart's stock performance has outpaced competitors like Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Kroger, and Albertsons, with only Amazon and Costco showing better returns during McMillon's tenure [2] - Incoming CEO John Furner faces the challenge of maintaining the company's strong performance, having been a key player in Walmart's success as head of its U.S. business [3] Financial Performance - Under McMillon's leadership, Walmart experienced significant growth, with annual revenue increasing from approximately $486 billion in 2015 to about $681 billion in the fiscal year ending earlier this year, marking a roughly 40% increase [5][6] - Walmart is projected to exceed $700 billion in annual revenues for the first time this year, although it is expected to lose its title as the largest retailer by annual revenue to Amazon [7] - The initial years of McMillon's tenure saw flat revenues, but growth accelerated post-2021 due to increased online shopping and inflation driving consumers to seek value [4][6] Strategic Developments - McMillon oversaw Walmart's transformation into a major e-commerce player, alongside wage increases for hourly workers and navigating challenges such as the global pandemic and inflation [4] - The shift in consumer behavior during the pandemic has significantly contributed to Walmart's revenue growth, as more shoppers turned to online purchasing [6] - Amazon's rise in quarterly sales has introduced new competitive dynamics, as it has a diverse business model that includes cloud computing and advertising, contrasting with Walmart's traditional retail focus [7]