From investor to board member to selling millions in shares
- Oprah Winfrey made $221 million selling Weight Watchers’ stock
- Oprah is leaving the board of WW International Inc.
- Shares of the company dropped by 18% after the announcement
- The stock has plunged by 96% since its highs in 2018
- Winfrey purchased 6.3 million WW shares in 2015
- She sold 7.2 million shares between 2018 and 2021
- Winfrey will donate her remaining shares and options to The National Museum of African American History and Culture
This week, Oprah Winfrey announced her departure from the board of WW International Inc., causing the company’s stock to drop by 18%. Since its peak in 2018, the stock has plummeted by 96%. Winfrey initially invested $43.2 million in Weight Watchers in 2015, instantly becoming an owner of 14.79% of the company. As the stock soared, she sold 7.2 million shares, generating personal proceeds of $286 million. In total, Winfrey made $221 million from her Weight Watchers deal. She will be donating her remaining shares and options to The National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Factuality Level: 3
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of Oprah Winfrey’s involvement with WW International Inc., including her investments and stock sales. However, the article lacks depth in analyzing the broader implications of her departure from the board and the impact on the company’s future. It also contains repetitive information about Winfrey’s stock transactions and does not provide a balanced view of the situation.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed analysis of Oprah Winfrey’s involvement with WW International Inc., including her investments, stock sales, and charitable donations. It stays on topic and supports its claims with data and examples. However, the article lacks broader context or implications beyond Winfrey’s personal financial dealings, making it somewhat irrelevant and repetitive.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The news article pertains to the stock market and the company WW International Inc. (formerly Weight Watchers). The announcement of Oprah Winfrey leaving the board of WW International Inc. caused a significant drop in the company’s stock price.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The news article discusses the financial impact of Oprah Winfrey leaving the board of WW International Inc. and the subsequent drop in the company’s stock price. However, there is no mention of an extreme event or any specific impact rating.
Public Companies: WW International Inc. (WW)
Key People: Oprah Winfrey (Former Weight Watchers shareholder and board member)
Reported publicly:
www.marketwatch.com 
