does walmart stock have dividends
Quick answer
does walmart stock have dividends? Yes. Walmart Inc. (ticker: WMT) pays quarterly cash dividends and has a multi‑decade record of annual dividend increases. As of Feb 20, 2025, Walmart’s Board announced an annual dividend of $0.94 per share (a quarterly instalment of $0.235), continuing a long streak of consecutive increases. This article explains the dividend policy, current rate and schedule, dividend history, key metrics, payment mechanics, tax considerations, and practical points for shareholders.
The following guide is aimed at investors and curious readers who want a clear, factual summary of Walmart’s dividend program—what it pays, when it pays, how safe the payments look from a metrics perspective, and where to check for the latest official details. No investment advice is given. For trading or custody of securities, consider regulated platforms such as Bitget for market access and Bitget Wallet for custody needs.
Overview
does walmart stock have dividends? This section expands on the simple answer.
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What it means: Walmart’s common shares (WMT) have historically paid cash dividends to shareholders. The Board of Directors declares dividend amounts, frequency and payment dates. Dividends are one element of Walmart’s capital‑return strategy alongside share repurchases.
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Frequency and policy: Walmart pays dividends on a quarterly basis. The Board reviews and sets the dividend, typically announcing any change with annual results or at the company’s discretion.
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Record of increases: Walmart has increased its annual dividend for many consecutive years. As reported on Feb 20, 2025, the company marked its 52nd consecutive year of annual dividend increases—demonstrating a long commitment to returning cash to shareholders.
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Why dividends matter: Cash dividends provide direct income to shareholders and signal management’s confidence in cash flow generation. For many long‑term investors, a reliable dividend is a core consideration when evaluating large, stable companies like Walmart.
Current dividend rate and schedule
Annual and per‑share amount
As of Feb 20, 2025, according to Walmart’s corporate announcement, the Board approved an annual dividend of $0.94 per share. That annual total is paid in quarterly instalments of $0.235 per share.
- Annual dividend (fiscal 2026 announcement): $0.94 per share
- Quarterly instalment: $0.235 per share
These figures reflect the dividend policy announced by Walmart on Feb 20, 2025 and supersede prior annual totals.
Payment frequency and typical calendar
Walmart pays dividends quarterly. While exact record, ex‑dividend and payable dates can vary from year to year, the company generally follows a four‑quarter cadence aligned with fiscal quarters.
- Typical pattern: Quarterly dividends are often set with an announcement in February (or with annual results) and paid in the first quarter; further payments follow in later quarters.
- Announcement practice: The Board usually declares the annual total and the Board’s intent to pay four equal quarterly payments for the coming year.
As of Feb 20, 2025, Walmart’s press release confirmed the increased annual dividend and the quarterly instalment size. For exact upcoming ex‑dividend, record and payable dates, consult Walmart’s investor relations dividend notices or your brokerage’s dividend calendar before making trade or tax decisions.
Dividend history
Long‑term growth and consecutive increases
Walmart has a long history of paying and increasing dividends. The company’s dividend program dates back decades, and management has increased the annual dividend for more than 50 consecutive years. The Feb 20, 2025 press release noted the company reached its 52nd consecutive year of annual dividend increases, confirming a sustained pattern of returning cash to shareholders across business cycles.
This long streak places Walmart among companies with extended histories of dividend growth, reflecting steady cash generation and a conservative payout approach.
Historical payment examples (recent years)
A short summary of recent dividend actions and trends (illustrative and based on company releases and dividend‑data services):
- Fiscal 2024 (announcement Feb 20, 2024): Walmart raised its annual dividend to $0.83 per share (prior year’s rate lower), continuing the multi‑decade increase streak.
- Fiscal 2025 (interim movements): Walmart maintained quarterly payments consistent with the declared annual rate for that fiscal year.
- Fiscal 2026 (announcement Feb 20, 2025): Walmart increased its annual dividend to $0.94 per share (quarterly $0.235), a meaningful year‑over‑year increase.
These examples illustrate both the company’s practice of incremental annual increases and the pattern of distributing dividends quarterly.
Key dividend metrics
This section summarizes commonly used metrics investors and analysts consult when assessing dividend income from a stock.
Dividend yield
- What it is: Dividend yield equals the annual dividend per share divided by the current share price, expressed as a percentage.
- How it behaves: The yield moves with Walmart’s share price: if the stock price rises and the dividend is unchanged, yield falls; if the stock price falls, yield rises.
- Typical recent range: Over recent years, Walmart’s dividend yield has typically been in the low single digits (commonly around 0.7%–1.2%, subject to market price changes). Exact yield at any time depends on the market price on that date.
Note: Use the prevailing market price to calculate the up‑to‑date yield. Dividend‑data sites and brokerage platforms publish live yield estimates.
Payout ratio and dividend growth
- Payout ratio concept: The payout ratio measures what portion of earnings (or free cash flow) is returned to shareholders as dividends. Lower payout ratios can indicate room for future increases or a conservative approach; higher ratios may signal vulnerability if earnings decline.
- Walmart’s recent payout stance: Walmart’s reported payout ratios have generally been moderate—often in the ~30% range on an earnings basis—indicating the company pays out a portion of earnings while retaining cash for reinvestment and buybacks.
- Dividend growth: Recent year‑over‑year increases (for example, the 2024 and 2025 increases) demonstrate a commitment to growing the headline annual dividend over time.
Shareholder returns beyond dividends
Dividends are one component of shareholder return. Walmart has historically used share repurchases alongside dividends to return capital. Analysts sometimes track shareholder yield (dividends plus buybacks) to capture total cash returned. Over time, buybacks can be a significant complement to dividends in boosting per‑share metrics.
Dividend safety and coverage
Assessing how “safe” a dividend is typically involves several metrics and qualitative factors:
- Payout ratio: A moderate payout ratio (for example, ~30% on an earnings basis) provides cushion for dividend continuation during earnings volatility.
- Cash flow: Strong, predictable operating cash flow supports dividend payments. Walmart’s large retail footprint and scale generate substantial cash flow.
- Balance sheet: A healthy balance sheet with manageable leverage helps ensure the company can maintain dividends through tougher periods.
- Business durability: Walmart’s diversified revenue mix (stores, e‑commerce, membership programs, groceries, and other services) historically supports stability.
Major dividend‑data providers and Walmart’s investor materials emphasize Walmart’s conservative payout policy and long record of increases, which many investors see as supporting dividend sustainability. However, all dividends are subject to Board approval and can be changed.
Important dates and how dividends are distributed
Ex‑dividend date, record date, payable date — definitions
- Ex‑dividend date: The date on or after which shares trade without the right to the most recently declared dividend. Investors who buy on or after the ex‑dividend date do not receive that upcoming dividend.
- Record date: The date the company uses to determine which shareholders are eligible to receive the dividend; shareholders on the company’s register on the record date receive the payment.
- Payable date (payment date): The date on which the company actually pays the dividend to eligible shareholders.
Practical point: Because of T+ settlement conventions, the ex‑dividend date is typically set one business day before the record date in U.S. markets. Brokers often show ex‑dividend dates and estimate payment timing in their dividend calendars.
How to receive dividends (brokerage mechanics and DRIPs)
- Brokerage accounts: Most shareholders receive dividend cash via their brokerage accounts on or shortly after the payable date. Brokers credit cash to the account’s cash balance.
- Direct registration and company transfer agents: Shareholders who hold shares directly through a transfer agent receive payments by check or direct deposit depending on their settings.
- Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs): Some brokers and companies offer DRIPs that automatically reinvest dividends into additional shares. Check whether your broker or Walmart offers DRIP enrollment options and the terms involved.
To receive a dividend, you must hold the stock before the ex‑dividend date. If you purchase on or after the ex‑dividend date, you will not receive the upcoming dividend; the seller will.
Tax considerations
- General U.S. tax treatment: Cash dividends paid by U.S. corporations can be either qualified dividends or ordinary (non‑qualified) dividends for U.S. tax purposes. Qualified dividends are taxed at preferential long‑term capital gains rates when certain holding‑period and issuer conditions are met; non‑qualified dividends are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
- Holding period rule: To have dividends treated as qualified, a shareholder must meet a minimum holding period around the ex‑dividend date (generally more than 60 days during the 121‑day period that begins 60 days before the ex‑dividend date for common stock, though specific rules apply).
- Foreign investors: Non‑U.S. shareholders should consider withholding tax rules and any tax treaty benefits. Brokers and companies may withhold taxes at source for foreign investors unless documentation is provided.
Tax rules are complex and personal. Consult a tax professional for guidance on how dividends from Walmart will affect your individual tax situation.
Comparison with peers and investor considerations
When comparing Walmart’s dividend to other large retailers and dividend payers, consider:
- Yield vs. stability: Walmart typically offers a lower dividend yield than higher‑yielding retailers or REITs, but compensates with high stability and a long record of increases.
- Growth vs. income: Some investors accept lower current yield for the likelihood of continued dividend growth, while others prioritize immediate cash yield. Walmart is often viewed as a stable income + growth dividend stock rather than a high‑yield play.
- Financial health and scale: Walmart’s global scale and diversified business generally support stable cash flows compared with smaller, more cyclical retailers.
Investors should weigh dividend income, dividend growth prospects, price valuation, business fundamentals, and their personal income needs when evaluating Walmart relative to peers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: does walmart stock have dividends? A: Yes. Walmart pays quarterly cash dividends and has a long history of annual increases.
Q: How often does Walmart pay dividends? A: Quarterly—four times per year, in general.
Q: What is the current annual dividend for Walmart? A: As of Feb 20, 2025, Walmart announced an annual dividend of $0.94 per share (quarterly $0.235).
Q: Is Walmart’s dividend growing? A: Yes. Walmart announced consecutive annual dividend increases for many decades; the 2025 announcement continued that streak.
Q: How is the dividend paid to shareholders? A: Eligible shareholders on the record date receive cash via their broker or transfer agent on the payable date. Some brokers offer DRIPs to reinvest dividends automatically.
Q: Where can I verify Walmart’s dividend dates and amounts? A: Official dividend declarations and schedules are available from Walmart’s investor relations materials and company press releases. Brokerage dividend calendars also list ex‑dividend and payable dates.
Practical steps for investors and shareholders
- Check official sources: For precise upcoming ex‑dividend, record and payable dates, consult Walmart’s investor relations announcements or your broker’s dividend calendar.
- Know the ex‑dividend mechanics: Buy before the ex‑dividend date if you want the upcoming dividend; buying on/after the ex‑date means you will not receive that dividend.
- Track yield and payout metrics: Use reliable dividend‑data services and company filings to monitor yield, payout ratio and dividend coverage.
- Consider total shareholder return: Look at dividends together with buybacks and capital appreciation when evaluating long‑term returns.
- Use trusted platforms for trading and custody: For market access and custody services, consider regulated platforms such as Bitget and use Bitget Wallet for secure storage and account management where appropriate.
Dividend reporting, market data and liquidity (notes)
- Market capitalization and trading volumes change daily. For current market cap and average daily trading volume, consult market data providers or your brokerage platform.
- Dividend announcements are typically reflected quickly in share price and yield calculations; always use the latest market price when calculating yield.
As of Feb 20, 2025, Walmart’s dividend increase was publicly announced in a company press release; readers should use that announcement as the authoritative source for the declared amount and then consult market data services for yield and valuation metrics.
Sources and references (selected)
- Walmart Investor Relations — Dividends page (official stock/dividends information). Reported information updated by the company via investor relations materials.
- Walmart corporate press release, Feb 20, 2025 — announcement of annual dividend increase to $0.94 per share (Board declaration and commentary). Report date: Feb 20, 2025.
- Walmart corporate press release, Feb 20, 2024 — previous annual dividend announcement (annual dividend to $0.83 per share). Report date: Feb 20, 2024.
- Dividend data services (examples of providers that track dividend history and dates): StockAnalysis, Koyfin, Nasdaq dividend history pages, DividendMax, Dividend.com, iDividendStocks, DividendChannel. These services compile historical dividend payments, yields and ex‑dates from company filings and exchanges.
Note: Figures such as yield, payout ratio, market cap and trading volumes are time‑sensitive. For up‑to‑date quantitative metrics, consult the listed sources and your brokerage. The company’s investor relations page and latest press releases are the primary authoritative sources for declared dividends and official dates.
Final notes and next steps
does walmart stock have dividends? Yes. Walmart pays quarterly cash dividends and, as of Feb 20, 2025, announced an increase to an annual $0.94 per share (quarterly $0.235). The company’s long history of consecutive annual increases and a moderate payout profile make its dividend a core feature for many long‑term investors.
If you want timely market access, consider opening an account with a regulated platform such as Bitget and use Bitget Wallet for custody and transaction management. For tax guidance, consult a tax professional familiar with dividend taxation in your jurisdiction. For exact ex‑dividend, record and payable dates, verify the company’s latest investor relations notices before trading.
Want to stay updated? Monitor Walmart’s investor relations announcements and dividend pages for official declarations, and use reliable market data services or your brokerage for real‑time yield and price figures.
Explore market access and secure custody options through Bitget and Bitget Wallet. Stay informed with official company releases for dividend dates and amounts.


















