Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, became the world's largest company by revenue and a major market-cap leader.
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962. The business emphasized low prices, efficient distribution, and expansion into small and medium-sized American communities. Its scale grew through supercenters, discount stores, membership warehouses, and online commerce.
Walmart operates in many countries and owns the Sam's Club warehouse-club business. Its huge revenue reflects the value of merchandise sold across a vast retail network, while its market capitalization reflects investors' valuation of the publicly traded company.
Revenue and market capitalization should not be treated as interchangeable rankings. A retailer can lead the world in sales while another company has a higher stock-market value because investors expect stronger margins, faster growth, or greater future cash generation.