did walmart stock split today — full guide

Walmart 2024 stock split

did walmart stock split today — short answer: Yes, shares of Walmart Inc. began trading on a post-split basis at the market open on Monday, Feb 26, 2024. This article explains the background, the company announcement, the mechanics of the 3-for-1 forward split announced Jan 30, 2024, the exact timeline, how shareholders were affected, and the broader market and indexing implications.

Background

As of Jan 30, 2024, according to Walmart’s corporate press release, the company’s board approved a 3-for-1 forward stock split. The split followed years of share-price appreciation that left Walmart’s per-share price materially higher than many retail investors and associates preferred for participation through the company’s Associate Stock Purchase Plan (ASPP).

Stock splits are cosmetic corporate actions that increase the number of outstanding shares while reducing the per-share price proportionally. They do not change the company’s market capitalization or an investor’s proportional ownership. Companies often use splits to make shares more accessible to smaller investors and to improve trading liquidity.

Announcement

On Jan 30, 2024, Walmart’s board of directors announced a 3-for-1 forward stock split in a corporate press release. The company cited a goal of improving accessibility to Walmart shares for associates participating in the Associate Stock Purchase Plan and for retail investors generally.

As reported by Reuters on Jan 30, 2024, and summarized by Nasdaq and Yahoo Finance the same day, the board approved the split and provided a timeline that included a record date and the first post-split trading day. Fast Company and Motley Fool offered explanatory coverage of the announcement and the company’s stated rationale.

Split mechanics and terms

The split ratio announced was 3-for-1. For each share held at the record date, a shareholder received two additional shares, resulting in three shares for each pre-split share. In practical terms, the per-share price was adjusted to roughly one-third of the pre-split price when trading opened on the first post-split trading day.

Walmart stated that the number of outstanding shares would increase from roughly 2.7 billion to about 8.1 billion as a result of the split (these figures are approximations derived from the company’s press materials and filings reported on Jan 30, 2024). The company’s market capitalization remained unchanged immediately as a direct result of the split.

What shareholders received

Shareholders of record as of the record date received two additional shares for each share they owned. Cash adjustments were to be made by the company for any fractional shares that resulted; brokerages often handle fractional-share mechanics on behalf of individual investors.

Key dates and timeline

For readers asking “did walmart stock split today,” the timeline is the central reference. According to Walmart’s press release (Jan 30, 2024) and corroborated by Reuters and Nasdaq coverage:

• Announcement date: Jan 30, 2024 — Walmart’s board approved the 3-for-1 split and published the terms.
• Record date: Close of business, Feb 22, 2024 — shareholders on record this date were eligible to receive the additional shares.
• Payable/issuance date: After market close on Feb 23, 2024 — additional shares were to be recorded and prepared for distribution; brokers adjusted accounts in the following days.
• First trading day on a post-split basis: Market open, Feb 26, 2024 — Walmart common shares began trading reflecting the 3-for-1 split.

Therefore, if you asked “did walmart stock split today” on Feb 26, 2024, the correct answer was yes — trading had switched to the post-split share count at the open of U.S. markets on that date.

Rationale and company statements

Walmart’s leadership framed the split as an accessibility measure. The company specifically mentioned the Associate Stock Purchase Plan as a key motivator: lowering the per-share price was intended to make it easier for associates to buy Walmart stock through payroll-deduction plans and to expand access to individual retail investors.

In the Jan 30, 2024 press release, executives emphasized that the split was not intended to alter the company’s dividend policy, capital allocation strategy, or long-term business fundamentals. Media coverage from Fast Company and Yahoo Finance highlighted these same reasons and noted the common corporate practice of splitting shares to broaden the shareholder base.

Market reaction and immediate trading impact

News coverage from Reuters and Nasdaq following the announcement captured typical market responses: an initial positive reception from retail-oriented commentary, modest price moves around the announcement, and a likely short-term increase in trading volume as investors repositioned around the split timeline.

On announcement day (Jan 30, 2024), outlets reported that investor sentiment interpreted the split as a shareholder-friendly measure and a sign that the company was mindful of employee ownership. Analysts quoted in Motley Fool and TradingView/InvestorPlace noted the split’s likely neutral effect on long-term value but possible improved liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads for the equity.

Implications for shareholders and investors

Shareholders experienced the following practical outcomes once the split became effective:

• Each shareholder’s number of Walmart shares increased threefold, consistent with the 3-for-1 ratio.
• The per-share market price adjusted to approximately one-third of the pre-split price; the total value of each investor’s holding remained essentially the same absent market movements.
• Dividend payments declared on a per-share basis were adjusted in line with the split. The company did not announce any change to its overall dividend policy; therefore, total dividend income for shareholders remained proportional to their ownership.
• Brokers and custodians processed the additional shares and any fractional-share cash-outs. Investors who participate in dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) or employee purchase plans should have seen plan-specific adjustments to share allocations.

It is important to note that while the split did not change proportional ownership, it could affect portfolio appearance (number of shares and per-share price) and any per-share metrics until the market settles post-split.

Accounting, tax and brokerage considerations

From an accounting perspective, stock splits are generally recorded as changes to the number of shares outstanding and the per-share par value; retained earnings and total shareholders’ equity are not affected. Shareholders’ cost basis per share is adjusted to reflect the increased share count — typically the original cost basis is divided by three for a 3-for-1 split.

Regarding taxes, as of the dates of the announcements and standard U.S. practice reported by Morningstar and Motley Fool, a typical forward stock split is not a taxable event for shareholders in most jurisdictions, including the U.S. Investors should consult tax advisors for personal tax ramifications and for any unique local rules.

Brokerage handling varies: some brokers display fractional shares as cash, others maintain fractional holdings in customer accounts, and some may aggregate fractional positions. For employees using the Associate Stock Purchase Plan, the company and plan administrator coordinated to ensure payroll deductions and share allocations were applied per plan terms.

Historical context

Walmart’s 2024 split was the company’s first stock split since April 20, 1999. Historically, Walmart conducted multiple stock splits following its IPO as the share price rose over decades. The 3-for-1 split in 2024 continued a long-standing trend where large, mature companies periodically split shares to maintain ranges of per-share prices that support broad retail and employee participation.

Financial media outlets and historical stock databases quoted in Motley Fool and Morningstar provide a record of Walmart’s splits during the 1980s and 1990s; the 2024 split stands out as notable because it occurred after a multi-decade interval and specifically highlighted employee access as a motivation.

Analysis and commentary

Analysts and media outlets that covered the split — including Reuters, Yahoo Finance, and TradingView/InvestorPlace — largely framed the action as a non-fundamental, shareholder-friendly move. Common analytical points included:

• Accessibility: Lowering the per-share price can make shares more attainable for smaller investors and associates participating in payroll plans.
• Liquidity: Increased share counts can improve market liquidity and potentially narrow bid-ask spreads.
• Signaling: While a split does not change fundamentals, management’s decision to split can be read as confidence in long-term performance and a desire to broaden retail participation.

Coverage by Fast Company and Motley Fool suggested that while the split could increase retail interest, investors should not expect the split alone to change Walmart’s business prospects or financial performance. Consistent with Morningstar and other independent analyses, splits often produce short-term attention but do not guarantee sustained price movement.

Effect on indices and institutional considerations

Because Walmart is a component of multiple indices, the split could have mechanical effects depending on index weighting methodology. For price-weighted indices, a split reduces the index impact of a high-priced stock; for market-cap-weighted indices, the company’s weight remains proportional to its market capitalization and thus is unaffected by the split itself.

Institutional investors and ETFs that track Walmart on a market-cap-weighted basis saw no change to their notional exposures from the split alone. Rebalancing for some funds that use share counts or price thresholds may have occurred around the record date or the first post-split trading day, but those are technical portfolio-management adjustments rather than fundamental changes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Did Walmart stock split today?

A: If "today" refers to Feb 26, 2024, then yes — Walmart shares began trading on a post-split 3-for-1 basis at the market open on that date. The company announced the split on Jan 30, 2024, established Feb 22, 2024 as the record date, and the first post-split trading occurred Feb 26, 2024.

Q: How many shares did I get in the Walmart split?

A: For each share you held at the close of business on the record date (Feb 22, 2024), you received two additional shares. So one pre-split share became three post-split shares. Fractional-share handling differed by broker or plan administrator.

Q: Did the Walmart split change my ownership percentage?

A: No. A 3-for-1 forward split multiplies your number of shares by three and divides the per-share price by roughly three. Your proportional ownership of Walmart remained the same, barring any other corporate actions.

Q: When did Walmart start trading on a post-split basis?

A: Walmart shares started trading on a post-split basis at the open of U.S. markets on Feb 26, 2024, per the company’s announcement and subsequent market notices.

Q: Will the split affect dividend payments?

A: The split changes dividends on a per-share basis (the per-share amount is typically adjusted to reflect the split), but it does not change the total dividend income for a shareholder who retains the same proportional ownership. Walmart did not announce a change to its overall dividend policy in conjunction with the split.

Q: Is a stock split taxable?

A: In most jurisdictions, including the U.S., a forward stock split is not a taxable event. Cost basis is adjusted to reflect the increased number of shares. Investors should consult a tax professional for personal tax advice.

Q: How will my broker handle fractional shares?

A: Handling of fractional shares varies by broker. Some will issue cash in lieu of fractional shares, others will hold fractional shares in the account, and employer plans may have their own rules for rounding or cash adjustments. Contact your broker or plan administrator for specifics.

See also

• Stock split (general)
• Associate Stock Purchase Plan (ASPP)
• Walmart Inc. corporate information
• Historical Walmart share performance

References

Key sources consulted and dates of reporting:

• Walmart corporate press release — "Walmart Announces 3-for-1 Stock Split" (reported Jan 30, 2024). As of Jan 30, 2024, the press release outlined the split terms, record date, and rationale.
• Reuters — "Walmart announces 3-for-1 stock split" (reported Jan 30, 2024). Reuters summarized the board decision and market reaction.
• Fast Company — explanatory article on the split and its dates (reported Jan 31, 2024).
• Morningstar — analysis of split mechanics and outstanding shares (reported Jan/Feb 2024).
• TradingView / InvestorPlace — investor-focused commentary and timing (Jan–Feb 2024 coverage).
• Yahoo Finance — investor-focused explanation and market implications (Jan 30–Feb 26, 2024 reporting).
• Nasdaq coverage — press-style reporting of the 3-for-1 split (Jan 30, 2024).
• Motley Fool — analyses on timing, historical effects, and investor perspective (Jan–Feb 2024).

Each of the references above provided corroborating details on the announcement date (Jan 30, 2024), the record date (Feb 22, 2024), and the first post-split trading date (Feb 26, 2024). Reuters and Walmart’s own press materials were primary references for the timeline and official company statements.

Further considerations and practical tips for shareholders

If you owned Walmart shares during the split window or were tracking the event, consider these practical steps:

• Check your brokerage account around the payable date and immediately after the first post-split trading day to confirm that your share count and cost basis have been adjusted correctly.
• If you participate in an employee purchasing plan, review plan communications for any changes to payroll deductions or share allocation timing tied to the split.
• Review dividend notices after the split to confirm per-share and total dividend expectations. Companies typically publish clarifying statements about dividend adjustments following splits.
• Contact your broker or plan administrator about fractional-share handling if you held positions that resulted in fractions.

Neutral perspective and what to watch next

While the split itself does not alter Walmart’s business fundamentals, it can lead to observable short-term market effects: slightly higher retail interest, increased trading volume, and some volatility as market participants adjust positions. Over the medium-to-long term, investors and analysts will focus on the company’s sales, margins, e-commerce progress, and macroeconomic impacts on consumer spending rather than the split mechanics.

For those monitoring index implications, note that market-cap-weighted indices are unaffected by the split in terms of relative weighting, while any funds or strategies sensitive to per-share price levels could make technical adjustments near the split date.

Brand note and useful next steps

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To keep up with corporate filings and press releases, monitor official company investor relations pages and major financial news outlets for verified announcements and dates.

Short checklist: If you owned Walmart shares during the split

• Confirm record eligibility (owned at close on Feb 22, 2024).
• Verify post-split share count after Feb 26, 2024 trading open.
• Check cost basis adjustments and tax reporting guidance from your broker.
• Review dividend statements for per-share adjustments.
• Contact plan administrator for ASPP-specific processing.

Final guidance and next reading

If your immediate question was simply did walmart stock split today, the succinct reply is yes for Feb 26, 2024, per Walmart’s Jan 30, 2024 announcement and the dates the company published. For more granular account-level questions — fractional shares, cost-basis reporting, or DRIP adjustments — check statements from your broker or your plan administrator and consult a tax advisor if needed.

Explore Bitget’s educational resources if you’d like approachable guides on corporate actions, equity basics, and asset management tools. For Web3 wallet use cases, consider Bitget Wallet as a starting point to manage crypto alongside educational content on asset custody and security.

Further exploration: review the listed references above (Walmart press release, Reuters, Nasdaq, Fast Company, Morningstar, Motley Fool, Yahoo Finance, TradingView/InvestorPlace) for original wording and data points.