Walmart recently announced a 3-for-1 stock split which will take effect later this month. The split is part of the company’s efforts to keep its share price affordable for retail investors and employees.
Details of the Stock Split
On January 30th, Walmart announced its board of directors had approved a 3-for-1 split of the company’s common stock. This means that shareholders will receive two additional shares for every share they currently own. For example, if you owned 100 shares of Walmart, you would receive 200 additional shares, for a total of 300 shares after the split.
The stock split will take effect on February 23rd after the market closes. Shareholders holding Walmart common stock at the close of business on February 22nd will receive the additional shares. Walmart’s stock will begin trading at the split-adjusted price on February 26th.
The Reason Behind Walmart Split it in Stock
The decision to split the stock was made in part so that employees could take advantage of long-standing stock purchase benefits. Walmart has had an Associate Stock Purchase Plan for almost 30 years, which allows eligible associates to buy stock conveniently through payroll deductions and provides a 15% company match on the first $1,800 of their annual purchases. The company expects that the stock split will increase the number of shares of Walmart’s outstanding common stock to about 8.1 billion after the split. Walmart’s stock splits were once fairly frequent, and the company has enacted 2-for-1 splits 11 times since it went public in 1970 at $16.50 per share. The stock split is aimed at helping associates take advantage of long-standing stock purchase benefits
CEO Doug McMillon noted founder Sam Walton believed keeping share prices affordable so all associates could purchase whole shares, rather than fractions, was important. The stock split will open up share ownership to more employees.
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What is the Current Price of Walmart stock:
The current price of Walmart (WMT) stock is $165.59. This price reflects a +0.33% change compared to its last close. After the stock split, which will take effect after markets close on February 23, the price of Walmart shares will be divided by three, and investors will hold three times the number of shares, each worth a third of the price.
Before & After Comparison of Share Split:
Walmart stock before split: Walmart has had 9 total stock splits since going public. Most recently a 3-for-1 split was announced on January 30th, 2024. Shareholders as of February 22nd will receive 2 additional shares per 1 owned. This aims to increase outstanding shares from 2.7 billion to 8.1 billion.
Walmart stock after split: The 3-for-1 split will significantly increase Walmart’s total shares outstanding from around 2.7 billion to 8.1 billion. Each shareholder will receive 2 extra shares for every 1 they currently hold. Investors will have 3 times the number of shares, each valued at 1/3 the pre-split price.
Impact on Investors
For existing Walmart investors, the 3-for-1 split will multiply their total number of shares by three. However, the market value of their investment will remain the same as before the split.
For example, if an investor held 300 Walmart shares priced at $100 per share before the split they would have 300 x $100 = $30,000 in Walmart stock. After the 3-for-1 split that investor would hold 300 x 3 = 900 shares priced at around $100/3 = $33 per share. Their total investment value would still equal 900 x $33 = $30,000.
While per-share price drops due to splits don’t directly impact investors, lower-price shares tend to increase demand. This can provide gradual stock price appreciation over time.
Walmart’s Stock Split History
Walmart has split its stock numerous times in the past to maintain reasonable share prices. Previously, the company enacted 2-for-1 splits in 1975, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2021. Overall this marked the company’s 11th stock split since going public in 1970.
The recent 3-for-1 split will increase Walmart’s outstanding common shares from around 2.7 billion to 8.1 billion. It’s part of the company’s ongoing evaluation around optimal trading levels for its stock.
Ultimately, stock splits aim to encourage wider share ownership among retail investors. This Walmart split also intends to strengthen employee share ownership through its longstanding associate stock purchase program.
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It is Good to buy Walmart Stock?
Walmart recently announced a 3-for-1 stock split to take effect on February 23, 2024. This split aims to encourage employee stock ownership through company purchase plans. The decision to buy Walmart shares depends on personal financial goals and market analysis. While the stock split itself doesn’t change Walmart’s fundamentals, lower share prices could increase demand. Investors should consider the company’s long-term potential and consult a financial advisor before deciding. Ultimately there is no definitive yes or no on buying – it’s an individual investment choice.
Conclusion
Walmart’s recent announcement of a 3-for-1 stock split reflects the company’s commitment to facilitating wider ownership of its shares among both employees and retail investors. By increasing the number of outstanding shares from around 2.7 billion to 8.1 billion, Walmart aims to make its stock more accessible to its workforce, aligning with its longstanding Associate Stock Purchase Plan. This move echoes the philosophy of founder Sam Walton, who emphasized affordable share prices to enable all associates to own whole shares.