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🌟 Walmart's Stock Split: What Investors Need to Know

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Walmart, the retail giant known for its everyday low prices, is embarking on a significant change that has investors buzzing. On February 26, 2024, Walmart will undergo a 3-for-1 stock split, a move aimed at making its shares more accessible to a broader range of investors.

CEO Doug McMillon attributes this decision to the vision of Walmart's founder, Sam Walton, who believed in making the company's stock affordable for its associates. McMillon sees the stock split as an opportunity to encourage greater participation from Walmart employees in the company's future growth.

But what does this mean for investors, and how might Walmart's stock perform following the split? Let's take a closer look at Walmart's historical stock split performance to find some clues.

Historically, stock splits have been viewed as potential catalysts for driving share prices higher. The rationale behind this theory is that lower share prices resulting from a split may attract more retail investors, leading to increased demand for the stock and, consequently, higher prices.

In Walmart's case, the company has undergone nine 2-for-1 stock splits in its history. While some of these splits have been followed by significant share price increases, others have yielded more mixed results.

For example, Walmart's stock split on Dec. 17, 1980, marked a turning point for the company, with shares rebounding considerably post-split. Similarly, splits in July 1982 and October 1985 were followed by share price jumps.

However, the pattern is not always consistent. Some splits, such as those in 1990 and 1999, did not clearly correlate with sustained share price increases.

Looking ahead, Walmart's fundamental strengths remain a key consideration for investors. With projected revenue of $645 billion for fiscal 2024 and a solid track record of profitability, Walmart continues to be a dominant force in the retail industry.

That said, concerns about valuation persist, with Walmart's forward price-to-earnings multiple hovering around 23.8x. While the stock may not be considered cheap, its strong underlying business and growth prospects make it an attractive long-term investment.

In conclusion, while Walmart's stock split may generate short-term excitement, investors should focus on the company's fundamentals and long-term prospects. As always, exercising patience and conducting thorough research are essential when making investment decisions in the ever-evolving market landscape.