Beirne Wealth Consulting Services LLC purchased a new stake in Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT – Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 4,291 shares of the retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $443,000.
Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Walmart by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 435,652,710 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $44,898,368,000 after purchasing an additional 3,835,200 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 94,557,532 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $9,199,712,000 after purchasing an additional 263,718 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Walmart during the second quarter worth $5,367,770,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in Walmart by 3.6% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 31,973,329 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $3,126,775,000 after buying an additional 1,098,342 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi raised its stake in Walmart by 23.5% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 19,493,644 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $1,902,775,000 after buying an additional 3,710,506 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.76% of the company’s stock.
Insider Buying and Selling
In other Walmart news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 20,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.27, for a total transaction of $2,445,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 506,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $61,962,034.28. The trade was a 3.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Donna Morris sold 76,181 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.79, for a total value of $9,430,445.99. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 402,072 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $49,772,492.88. This trade represents a 15.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 227,566 shares of company stock worth $26,790,653 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.10% of the company’s stock.
Walmart Trading Up 0.2%
Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The retailer reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.02. Walmart had a net margin of 3.26% and a return on equity of 21.31%. The business had revenue of $179.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $175.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.58 EPS. Walmart’s revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Walmart has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.580-2.630 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Walmart Inc. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Analyst Ratings Changes
A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Mizuho increased their price target on Walmart from $125.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and set a $140.00 target price (up previously from $126.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. CICC Research assumed coverage on Walmart in a report on Friday, December 26th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $125.00 target price for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Walmart from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $119.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $129.00 price objective (up previously from $122.00) on shares of Walmart in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Thirty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Walmart presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $127.74.
View Our Latest Research Report on WMT
Key Headlines Impacting Walmart
Here are the key news stories impacting Walmart this week:
- Positive Sentiment: WMT has rallied ~20% so far in 2026 and recently hit an all‑time high, drawing attention from momentum and large‑cap investors. Walmart Stock Surges 20% in 2026
- Positive Sentiment: Major funds have added to WMT stakes (Maverick Capital and Soros Fund Management), signalling institutional conviction and providing buying support. Maverick Capital Boosts Walmart Stake Soros Fund Management Boosts Walmart Stake
- Positive Sentiment: Analysts note Walmart’s defensive positioning — value pricing, e‑commerce strength and disciplined inventory — which could sustain resilience if consumer spending remains uneven. Walmart Holds the Edge in an Uncertain Retail Environment
- Neutral Sentiment: Market consensus and previews are focused on the Feb. 19 earnings print (est. Q4 EPS ~$0.73; revenue ~$188.5B), with attention on same‑store sales, ad revenue and AI/e‑commerce traction; results and guidance will likely drive near‑term moves. Wall Street Brunch: Walmart Weighs In As Q4 GDP Hits
- Neutral Sentiment: Multiple previews and market calendars flag WMT as a headline event this week alongside macro data (inflation, PCE); expect volatility around macro prints and the earnings call. What to Expect in Markets This Week
- Negative Sentiment: Some coverage highlights structural shopper shifts and valuation concerns despite the rally — warnings that elevated multiples and changing customer behavior could pressure upside if growth softens. Walmart shopper shift is a brutal reality check for retail
- Negative Sentiment: Some market lists and commentators flag WMT as a potential sell or caution trade given stretched valuation after the run‑up, suggesting profit‑taking risk ahead of earnings. 1 Stock to Buy, 1 Stock to Sell This Week: Analog Devices, Walmart
Walmart Company Profile
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a broad portfolio of store formats and digital services. Its core business includes large-format supercenters, discount department stores, neighborhood grocery stores and a membership warehouse chain, Sam’s Club. The company’s merchandising mix covers groceries, household goods, apparel, electronics and pharmacy services, supplemented by private-label products and category-specific offerings. Walmart pairs its physical store network with online platforms and mobile applications to provide omnichannel shopping, fulfillment and delivery options for consumers and businesses.
The company was founded by Sam Walton, who opened the first store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962; it is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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