Walmart Owners Sell $400 Million Stake Amid New CEO Transition

John Furner, CEO of Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), and former CEO C. Douglas McMillon each sold company shares on March 19 and 26 under pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, generating combined proceeds of about $4 million (roughly KRW 5 billion). During the same period, the Walton Family Holdings Trust sold approximately 3.279 million shares in the open market, raising around $400 million (about KRW 500 billion), yet continues to hold more than 500 million shares, preserving its controlling interest. Filings show that both Furner and McMillon still retain millions of Walmart shares, maintaining significant ownership stakes.

In its February 19 release of fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, Walmart reported simultaneous growth in revenue and operating income, and announced a goal for fiscal 2027 operating-income growth roughly twice its revenue-growth rate, backed by large-scale investments in AI and automation. In April, the company further strengthened its governance and sustainability efforts by appointing former federal prosecutor Erin Nielly Cox as Vice President of Global Governance and Chief Legal Officer, and by expanding its participation in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol.

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart is the world’s largest retailer, selling everyday consumer goods and groceries globally through its discount stores, warehouse clubs, and e-commerce platform. The Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, remains the largest shareholder and exercises control. Since taking the helm in early 2026, CEO John Furner has been steering Walmart’s transformation from a traditional retailer into a technology-based platform company, spearheading initiatives such as the AI shopping assistant “Sparky” and expanded advertising and membership services.