Walmart Inc. - WMT STOCK NEWS

Walmart is enhancing its Express delivery service by removing the $35 minimum order requirement, effective immediately. This change aims to facilitate faster access to essential items for customers. Express delivery, available in nearly 3,000 stores and covering almost 70% of the U.S. population, charges a fee of $10 in addition to existing delivery costs. The service, supported by a team of 170,000 trained personal shoppers, allows customers to quickly obtain items such as groceries and household goods without price markups.

Walmart is launching community events to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates, supported by the CDC. This initiative expands Walmart's existing vaccination efforts at over 1,400 pharmacies in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Events will be held at 43 locations across 18 states, targeting medically underserved areas. Key partners include local nonprofits, such as Casa del Inmigrante in Nevada. Walmart aims to enhance accessibility and equitable distribution of vaccines, focusing on communities in need. Eligible customers can book appointments online as vaccine supply permits.

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) has announced that CFO Brett Biggs will speak at the virtual Raymond James 42nd Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 2 at 11:40 a.m. EST and at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Virtual Conference on March 10 at 10 a.m. EST. Both sessions will be broadcast live via the company's website, where attendees can also access transcripts afterward. Walmart continues to lead in retail with $559 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2021, serving nearly 230 million customers weekly across 10,800 stores in 25 countries.

Walmart and Sam's Club are committing up to $1 million in cash and product donations to aid recovery efforts in Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, following severe storms and power outages. The funds will support Feeding Texas and local food banks that are struggling to meet the needs of those affected. Since FY2017, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated over $58 million for disaster relief. The company is actively tracking winter weather and has deployed emergency teams to assist associates and ensure product availability in stores.

The Board of Directors of Walmart has approved an annual cash dividend of $2.20 per share for fiscal year 2022, marking a 2% increase from the previous year's $2.16. This dividend will be paid in four quarterly installments of $0.55 each. Key record and payable dates include: March 19 (payable April 5), May 7 (payable June 1), August 13 (payable September 7), and December 10 (payable January 3, 2022). Walmart continues to emphasize its commitment to returning cash to shareholders, having increased its annual dividend for 48 consecutive years.

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) reported strong Q4 performance with U.S. comp sales up 8.6% and eCommerce sales soaring 69%. Despite a GAAP EPS loss of ($0.74) due to a $1.1 billion COVID-related expense and property tax relief repayment, adjusted EPS stood at $1.39. The company plans to invest nearly $14 billion in FY22 for supply chain enhancements and automation. Walmart's dividend was raised for the 48th consecutive year, alongside a new $20 billion share repurchase program, though net sales and EPS are expected to decline due to divestitures.

Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies will start administering COVID-19 vaccines on February 12, 2021, as part of the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Over 1,000 locations in 22 states are involved, focusing on underserved communities. Walmart is also assisting with vaccinations in 11 additional states and Puerto Rico. With 150 million customers weekly, the pharmacies aim to enhance vaccine access. Walmart will act as the sole pharmacy partner in certain states. Vaccine supply will vary, and appointments can be scheduled online. Walmart is committed to expanding vaccination accessibility.

The global infant nutrition market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7%, reaching $61.6 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by a rising population of working mothers seeking convenient nutrition options. Companies like Else Nutrition (TSXV:BABY), Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), Danone (OTCQX:DANOY), and Walmart (NYSE:WMT) are capitalizing on this trend. Notably, Else Nutrition has launched a plant-based formula and expanded its distribution in North America through major retailers.

Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies will participate in the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, administering COVID-19 vaccines starting next week in 22 states. Eligible customers can schedule appointments via Walmart's and Sam's Club's websites. Initial allocations are limited, affecting appointment availability. Walmart aims to enhance vaccine access, given its close proximity to 90% of the U.S. population. The company partners with state and federal governments, emphasizing its role in ending the pandemic and supporting local communities.