Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Reduces Stock Position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC cut its position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT - Free Report) by 2.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,332,398 shares of the retailer's stock after selling 56,311 shares during the quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC's holdings in Walmart were worth $204,761,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Walmart in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,737,355,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Walmart in the fourth quarter worth $2,306,627,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of Walmart by 9,896.9% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,939,728 shares of the retailer's stock worth $697,029,000 after buying an additional 7,860,306 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Walmart by 14.0% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 32,020,800 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $2,893,079,000 after acquiring an additional 3,927,173 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in Walmart by 8.9% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 43,641,936 shares of the retailer's stock worth $3,943,049,000 after acquiring an additional 3,550,037 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 26.76% of the company's stock.

Walmart Stock Down 0.2%

NYSE:WMT traded down $0.16 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $94.28. The company's stock had a trading volume of 14,854,729 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,932,198. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $66.41 and a 52-week high of $105.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $752.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.69. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $95.79 and a 200-day moving average of $94.09.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 15th. The retailer reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $165.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $164.53 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.87% and a net margin of 2.85%. The business's quarterly revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.60 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current year.

Walmart Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th were issued a $0.235 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.95%. Walmart's payout ratio is 40.17%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on WMT shares. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Walmart from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research report on Monday, June 9th. Roth Mkm reiterated a "buy" rating and set a $108.00 price target (up previously from $97.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, February 21st. DA Davidson reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $117.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Walmart from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Monday, May 12th. Finally, Guggenheim reissued a "buy" rating and issued a $100.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Monday, February 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Walmart presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $106.50.

Insider Buying and Selling at Walmart

In related news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.00, for a total transaction of $217,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 630,518 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $62,421,282. The trade was a 0.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Kathryn J. Mclay sold 4,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.95, for a total transaction of $343,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 888,309 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $76,350,158.55. The trade was a 0.45% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 137,534 shares of company stock worth $12,833,664. 45.58% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Walmart Profile

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.