Walton Family Holdings Trust has sold approximately $535 million worth of Walmart (NYSE: WMT) shares through a series of transactions that were disclosed last week.
The trust completed the disposals on June 16, reducing its position through a combination of open market sales and a share transfer to a beneficiary without compensation.
According to the filing, the trust disposed of 3,860,251 shares at a weighted-average price of approximately $120.99 per share, representing the bulk of the transaction.
Additional sales included 539,737 shares at an average price of approximately $121.78 per share and a further 24,716 shares at approximately $122.42 per share.
The trust also transferred 886,000 shares to a beneficiary without receiving any financial compensation as part of the overall disclosure.
Despite the significant reduction, the Walton Family Holdings Trust retained more than 502 million shares, leaving it firmly in place as one of Walmart’s largest shareholders.
Separately, Nicholas Christopher James, Walmart’s Executive Vice President, sold 2,900 shares worth $342,752, adding to the wave of insider activity drawing investor scrutiny.
Walmart stock has slipped more than 12% from its May record high, pulling back after a strong rally carried the stock to all-time levels earlier this year.
Erste Group downgraded Walmart to Hold from Buy earlier this month, citing valuation concerns as the stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.3, a level the firm views as difficult to justify against future earnings expectations.
Despite the downgrade, 36 out of 42 analysts tracked by Koyfin still recommend a Strong Buy or Buy rating on the stock, while four analysts suggest a Hold.
Higher fuel prices linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict have added pressure to consumer spending trends, creating a more challenging backdrop for retail growth.
On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around Walmart remained in bearish territory, with message volume surging 245% in a 24-hour period as traders expressed frustration with the stock’s recent performance.
One user wrote, “$WMT and Tuesday..if markets are up.. this will be Deep Red….ZERO TRUST ir Credibility left in this PO*,” capturing the mood among a vocal segment of retail holders.
Another user argued, “This stock is not going to move until we have significant change in the economy. People can’t afford to shop and spend money with the current inflation and gas prices. Many places are cheaper to buy groceries, people may stop at WMT but it’s because they need a place to walk around. Not to buy goods.”
Despite the recent slide from record highs, Walmart stock has still gained over 5% on a year-to-date basis, reflecting broader resilience even as near-term sentiment weakens.
