BTIG Research reaffirmed their buy rating on shares of Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT – Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $140.00 price target on the retailer’s stock.
A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on WMT. Tigress Financial reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $155.00 price objective on shares of Walmart in a research note on Monday, August 31st. Mizuho set a $130.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Monday, July 27th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Walmart from $147.00 to $132.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 21st. Guggenheim set a $130.00 price target on Walmart and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, August 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Walmart from $140.00 to $120.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 21st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-two have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $131.88.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WMT
Walmart Stock Performance
Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 20th. The retailer reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.07. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.83% and a net margin of 3.00%.The business had revenue of $187.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $186.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.68 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Walmart has set its Q3 2027 guidance at 0.620-0.640 EPS and its FY 2027 guidance at 2.800-2.870 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Walmart will post 2.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Insider Activity at Walmart
In other Walmart news, EVP Christopher Nicholas sold 2,900 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.34, for a total transaction of $308,386.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 569,153 shares in the company, valued at $60,523,730.02. The trade was a 0.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, EVP Daniel Danker sold 50,644 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.35, for a total value of $5,335,345.40. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 201,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,246,145.20. This represents a 20.07% decrease in their position. 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. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 69,264 shares of company stock worth $7,401,242. Insiders own 0.09% of the company’s stock.
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Walmart
Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Entrust Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Walmart in the fourth quarter worth about $27,000. Merkkuri Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Walmart during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Montgomery Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Walmart during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Sankala Group LLC bought a new stake in Walmart during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Motiv8 Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Walmart in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors own 26.76% of the company’s stock.
Trending Headlines about Walmart
Here are the key news stories impacting Walmart this week:
- Positive Sentiment: DA Davidson reaffirmed its “buy” rating and set a $132 price target, implying meaningful upside from recent levels. BTIG Research likewise maintained a “buy” rating with a $140 target. These endorsements suggest analysts view the recent selloff as an attractive entry point. Analyst rating reports
- Positive Sentiment: Walmart is being highlighted as a potential defensive holding if persistent inflation causes the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again. Its essential-goods exposure and dividend history could make the stock more attractive relative to economically sensitive companies. 3 Dividend Kings to Buy if the Fed Starts Raising Rates
- Positive Sentiment: New initiatives could strengthen Walmart’s convenience and omnichannel proposition. The retailer is expanding tap-to-pay support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, contactless cards and wearables, while adding Papa John’s to its restaurant-delivery partner network. Walmart Expands Tap to Pay
- Neutral Sentiment: Walmart’s recent fashion and brand-marketing activity, including a New York Fashion Week event, may improve visibility but is unlikely to materially affect near-term earnings. Walmart New York Fashion Week event
- Neutral Sentiment: Reported September short-interest data shows zero shares and a zero-day days-to-cover ratio, but the figures appear incomplete or unreliable and provide no meaningful trading signal.
- Negative Sentiment: Analysts caution that Walmart’s roughly 14% six-month decline does not eliminate concerns about its premium valuation, rising costs and weaker earnings estimates. Higher interest rates could also pressure consumers and test the stock’s technical support. Should You Buy Walmart Stock After a 14% Decline in Six Months?
Walmart Company Profile
Walmart Inc is a multinational retail and technology company that operates supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets, e-commerce platforms and membership warehouse clubs. Its merchandise includes groceries, apparel, electronics, home goods, health and beauty products, general merchandise and other consumer products.
Founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and incorporated in 1969, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company serves customers through operations in the United States and international markets, including Mexico, Canada, China, India and several countries in Central America and Africa.
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