Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC Purchases New Stake in Walmart Inc. $WMT

Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 12,000 shares of the retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $1,247,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Merkkuri Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Walmart during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Montgomery Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Walmart during the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Sankala Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Motiv8 Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Copos Capital S.a r.l. purchased a new position in Walmart in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. DA Davidson restated a “buy” rating and issued a $132.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a research note on Thursday, September 10th. Tigress Financial reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $155.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Monday, August 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a “buy” rating and set a $130.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, August 21st. Oppenheimer reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of Walmart in a research note on Tuesday, August 25th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group restated an “outperform” rating and set a $130.00 price objective (down from $140.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, August 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-two have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $131.74.

Walmart Price Performance

Walmart stock traded up $2.40 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $110.56. 23,620,297 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 25,258,205. The stock has a market cap of $877.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.91, a PEG ratio of 4.09 and a beta of 0.58. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $108.42 and its 200-day moving average is $116.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Walmart Inc. has a 12 month low of $98.88 and a 12 month high of $135.15.

Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 20th. The retailer reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.07. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.83% and a net margin of 3.00%.The firm had revenue of $187.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $186.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.68 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Walmart has set its Q3 2027 guidance at 0.620-0.640 EPS and its FY 2027 guidance at 2.800-2.870 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 2.87 EPS for the current year.

Key Headlines Impacting Walmart

Here are the key news stories impacting Walmart this week:

• Positive Sentiment: New California fulfillment hub: Walmart is opening a California facility expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs. The investment could improve regional distribution capacity and support faster delivery, although the direct financial impact was not disclosed. Walmart Stock Gains as New California Hub Creates 1,000 Jobs
• Positive Sentiment: Faster pickup and improved in-store technology: Walmart’s new Express Pickup service promises eligible Walmart+ orders in as little as one hour, while “Shop to Light” helps customers locate products. The features could increase Walmart+ engagement, improve convenience during the holiday season and strengthen competition with Amazon and other e-commerce retailers. Walmart’s One-Hour Express Pickup Push
• Positive Sentiment: Retail-media expansion: Walmart Connect is extending its shopper-data advertising platform across connected TV, streaming audio and other third-party channels through partnerships with Warner Bros. Discovery, Spotify and Yahoo. Broader advertising reach and measurable commerce data could help Walmart grow higher-margin revenue beyond its stores. Walmart’s Shopper Data and Advertising Business
• Neutral Sentiment: AI-agent partnership: Walmart is participating in a proposed protocol from Meta and Sierra that would allow consumers’ AI agents to interact with businesses. The initiative could eventually streamline shopping and customer service, but its commercial benefits and timing remain uncertain. Meta and Sierra Launch AI-Agent Protocol
• Negative Sentiment: Valuation risk: Walmart trades at roughly 39 times earnings, well above the broader S&P 500 multiple, despite latest-quarter revenue growth of 5.9%. Investors may require stronger profit growth from advertising, e-commerce, memberships and other higher-margin businesses to justify the premium. Where Could Walmart’s Next Growth Come From?

Insider Buying and Selling at Walmart

In related news, CEO John R. Furner sold 13,125 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.66, for a total value of $1,399,912.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 647,912 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $69,106,293.92. This trade represents a 1.99% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, EVP Daniel Danker sold 50,644 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.35, for a total value of $5,335,345.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 201,672 shares in the company, valued at $21,246,145.20. The trade was a 20.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders have sold 81,219 shares of company stock worth $8,604,429 over the last three months. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Walmart Company Profile

Walmart Inc (NASDAQ: WMT) is a multinational retailer that operates supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets, warehouse clubs and e-commerce platforms. Its merchandise includes groceries, apparel, electronics, home goods, health and wellness products, household essentials and general merchandise. Walmart also provides services such as grocery pickup and delivery, pharmacy services, financial products and digital advertising.

The company serves customers through its Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club segments.