StockNews.com Upgrades Walmart (NYSE:WMT) to Buy

Walmart (NYSE:WMT - Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report released on Monday.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of Walmart from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Friday, February 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an "outperform" rating and issued a $102.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Walmart from $107.00 to $100.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 11th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an "outperform" rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a report on Monday. Finally, Guggenheim reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a report on Monday, February 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $103.94.

Walmart Stock Up 0.0%

Shares of NYSE WMT traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $96.75. 26,756,708 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 17,882,693. The company has a market cap of $774.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.15, a P/E/G ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.70. Walmart has a one year low of $59.44 and a one year high of $105.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stock's 50 day simple moving average is $90.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $92.14.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT - Get Free Report) last released 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 business had revenue of $180.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $178.83 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 2.85% and a return on equity of 21.87%. On average, analysts predict that Walmart will post 2.55 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Walmart news, EVP Daniel J. Bartlett sold 1,600 shares of the company's stock in a transaction 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 directly owns 423,597 shares of the company's stock, valued at $44,049,852.03. This represents a 0.38% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of the company's 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 632,718 shares in the company, valued at approximately $61,607,751.66. This represents a 0.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 133,857 shares of company stock valued at $12,444,743 in the last 90 days. 45.58% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WMT. FPC Investment Advisory Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Horizon Financial Services LLC grew its stake in Walmart by 1,007.7% during the fourth quarter. Horizon Financial Services LLC now owns 288 shares of the retailer's stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares during the period. Fiduciary Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Walmart in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Operose Advisors LLC grew its stake in Walmart by 319.7% in the first quarter. Operose Advisors LLC now owns 319 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares during the period. Finally, Decker Retirement Planning Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Walmart during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $32,000. 26.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Walmart Company 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.

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