Tue Jan 28 20:40:00 IST 2025: ## Walmart Stock Up Slightly Amidst Positive Analyst Ratings
**Sioux Falls, SD** – Walmart (NYSE: WMT) shares saw a modest increase of 0.8% in midday trading on Monday, closing at $95.55 after reaching a high of $96.59. Trading volume was significantly lower than average, at 5,021,603 shares, representing a 66% decrease. This follows the company’s strong Q[quarter number] earnings report released on November 19th, where Walmart exceeded analysts’ expectations with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58, compared to the estimated $0.53. Revenue also surpassed projections at $169.59 billion.
The positive stock movement comes on the heels of several upgrades from prominent research firms. Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $106, Guggenheim and TD Cowen both increased their targets to $100, and KeyCorp lifted its target to $100, all assigning either “buy” or “overweight” ratings. While Stifel Nicolaus maintained a “hold” rating, raising its price target to $94, the overall analyst sentiment remains positive. MarketBeat currently lists Walmart with a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating and an average price target of $94.69.
Despite the positive outlook, recent insider trading activity saw EVP Daniel Bartlett and CEO Doug McMillon sell shares, representing a combined decrease in ownership of approximately 1.16%. While institutional investors have shown some interest, acquiring new stakes and increasing holdings in recent quarters, their collective ownership remains at 26.76%.
Walmart’s financial health, as indicated by its market cap ($782.38 billion), P/E ratio (39.97), and other key metrics, appears sound, though further analysis is encouraged. The company continues its operations across multiple segments globally, including retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. However, MarketBeat notes that other stocks are currently favored by top-rated analysts.
First Piper 