Walmart (WMT) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• Current annual dividend $1.00 per share (quarterly $0.25) → dividend yield ≈ 0.75%.
• Payout ratio around 17% of GAAP earnings per share, indicating ample room for growth.
• Four‑year dividend‑growth streak; Walmart has increased the payout for 12 consecutive quarters.
• Free cash flow of $15.1 billion (FY 2024) provides solid coverage for dividend payments.
• Yield is modest versus peers, but the dividend’s sustainability and growth potential make it attractive for income‑plus‑growth investors.

Dividend Overview

Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, which sums to an annual dividend of $1.00. As of the latest stock price of roughly $131, the dividend yield sits near 0.75%. The company follows a consistent quarterly payment schedule and markets the dividend as a modest‑yield, dividend‑growth stock. Over the past three years Walmart has raised the payout each quarter, reinforcing its reputation as a “Dividend King” with more than a decade of uninterrupted increases.

Dividend History and Growth

Since initiating dividends in 1995, Walmart has paid 94 distributions over 24 years. The quarterly amount rose from $0.09 in 2003 to $0.25 in 2026—a 175% increase. The most recent dividend history shows 12 straight quarters of either maintaining or raising the payout, with the latest increase to $0.25 per share announced for the January 2027 payment. This consistent upward trajectory underscores Walmart’s long‑term commitment to returning cash to shareholders.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

Walmart’s FY 2024 GAAP earnings per share were $5.74, while the adjusted EPS (excluding investment gains/losses) was $6.65. With an annual dividend of $1.00, the payout ratio is roughly 17% of GAAP EPS (about 15% of adjusted EPS). This low ratio is supported by strong cash generation: operating cash flow $35.7 billion and free cash flow $15.1 billion, both well above the $4 billion required to fund the dividend. Debt stands at $46.9 billion, but the company’s cash‑to‑debt ratio (~21%) and solid operating margins provide a comfortable cushion, indicating the dividend is highly sustainable.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

Within the Consumer Defensive sector, Walmart’s 0.75% yield trails higher‑yielding peers such as Costco Wholesale (≈ 0.90%) and Dollar General (≈ 2.5%). However, Walmart’s payout ratio is far lower than many of those peers, offering greater flexibility for future increases. Its dividend‑growth streak and scale of free cash flow place it in the “stable‑growth” tier rather than the “high‑yield” tier, appealing to investors who favor reliability and potential upside.

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Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

Walmart may suit investors looking for a reliable, low‑volatility dividend that complements a diversified portfolio. Income‑oriented investors who prioritize safety will appreciate the modest payout ratio and strong cash flow, while dividend‑growth enthusiasts can benefit from the 12‑quarter increase streak and the company’s ability to raise payouts over time. Conservative long‑term investors may also value Walmart’s defensive business model, scale, and resilient cash generation. The stock is less ideal for high‑yield seekers expecting double‑digit yields, but it offers a balanced blend of income and capital‑preservation potential.

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