Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) Receives Average Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from Brokerages

Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has been given a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” by the thirty-one research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twenty-eight have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $102.43.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Walmart from $98.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, February 14th. Citigroup reissued a “positive” rating on shares of Walmart in a research note on Thursday. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 20th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $105.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 17th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Walmart from $113.00 to $112.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday.

Insider Activity at Walmart

In related news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 29,124 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.44, for a total value of $2,663,098.56. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 3,814,805 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $348,825,769.20. This trade represents a 0.76 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Robert Edward Jr. Moritz purchased 5,446 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $91.81 per share, for a total transaction of $499,997.26. Following the transaction, the director now owns 7,805 shares in the company, valued at $716,577.05. This represents a 230.86 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 176,777 shares of company stock valued at $16,570,112. 45.58% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Walmart

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WMT. Putney Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth approximately $93,000. Vermillion Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth approximately $786,000. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its position in shares of Walmart by 4.0% during the 4th quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 75,100 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $6,785,000 after buying an additional 2,897 shares in the last quarter. Griffith & Werner Inc. bought a new position in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth approximately $285,000. Finally, Sunbeam Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,309,000. Institutional investors own 26.76% of the company’s stock.

Walmart Stock Down 2.6 %

Shares of NYSE:WMT opened at $94.70 on Monday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $95.63 and a 200-day moving average of $86.71. The company has a market capitalization of $760.77 billion, a PE ratio of 39.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.82. Walmart has a 52-week low of $57.77 and a 52-week high of $105.30.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 20th. The retailer reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $180.55 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $178.83 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 2.85% and a return on equity of 21.87%. On average, equities analysts predict that Walmart will post 2.55 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Walmart Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.235 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.99%. Walmart’s payout ratio is 34.44%.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications.