Laurion Capital Management LP Makes New Investment in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)

Laurion Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 229,200 shares of the retailer's stock, valued at approximately $20,708,000. Walmart accounts for about 0.4% of Laurion Capital Management LP's portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. World Investment Advisors increased its position in shares of Walmart by 7.6% during the fourth quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 271,515 shares of the retailer's stock worth $24,532,000 after acquiring an additional 19,233 shares in the last quarter. Candriam S.C.A. grew its holdings in Walmart by 209.7% during the fourth quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 885,008 shares of the retailer's stock worth $79,960,000 after buying an additional 599,257 shares in the last quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Walmart by 4.8% during the fourth quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC now owns 203,150 shares of the retailer's stock worth $18,355,000 after buying an additional 9,292 shares in the last quarter. Cushing Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in Walmart during the fourth quarter worth $1,124,000. Finally, Campbell Wealth Management bought a new stake in Walmart during the fourth quarter worth $359,000. 26.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Walmart Price Performance

Shares of WMT traded up $0.81 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $96.69. 25,486,815 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 17,911,993. The company's 50-day moving average price is $90.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $92.16. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $59.47 and a 52-week high of $105.30. The company has a market cap of $773.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40.

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

Walmart Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.235 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 9th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.95%. Walmart's dividend payout ratio is 39.00%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have weighed in on WMT. Erste Group Bank cut shares of Walmart from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Roth Mkm reaffirmed 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. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and set a $102.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. StockNews.com raised Walmart from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on Walmart from $93.00 to $91.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $103.94.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Daniel J. Bartlett sold 1,600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.99, for a total value of $166,384.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 423,597 shares of the company's stock, valued at $44,049,852.03. This represents a 0.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.37, for a total value of $214,214.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 632,718 shares in the company, valued at $61,607,751.66. This trade represents a 0.35% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 133,857 shares of company stock valued at $12,444,743. 45.58% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

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.