If you watch investment shows, often times the host interviews the CEO of a company. Some CEOs the host really likes and believes they are really good for the job. It is not a reason to buy the stock, because CEOs eventually change.

In an article by Anne D’Innocenzio of the Associated Press, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is going to retire in 2026, although he has offered to spend a year advising his successor. Mr. McMillon has been CEO since 2014 and the new CEO will be John Furner.

Walmart has changed since 2014, it is still America’s largest retailer but is a tech-powered giant and under Mr. McMillon annual revenue grew from $485.7 billion to $681 billion a year. The company maintains that 90% of US households rely on Walmart for a range of products and more than 150 million customers shop on its website or in the stores every week. The company is the US’ largest private sector employer with 1.6 million workers.

One of the many things he did at Walmart was to invest heavily in employees by increasing wages, expanding parental leave and launching a program for employees seeking advancement and educational opportunities to earn certificates and degrees. (Walmart was known to keeping its wages low enough the employees qualified for government assisted health insurance)

From an investor point of view, Walmart has been laser-focused on maintaining low prices while embracing new technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics. Walmart also has the best logistics operation in the retail world.

At the store level and e-commerce, in August roughly 1/3 of deliveries from stores involved orders asking for goods to arrive in 3 hours or less and 20% made in half hour or less.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, after you have done your homework regarding the financials of the company, you will pay attention to the people who run the company including the President, CEO and who is on the Board, because you vote for the Board of Directors. If you like the people, as you follow the company you will have an idea of how the company actually works. Some CEOs you will like more than others, but it is important to note many have a 10-year lifespan so do not get too attached unless you are involved with philanthropy.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.