Walmart looks to add 50,000 associates to its U.S. ranks
Blue-chip retailer Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) just announced plans to add 50,000 associates to its stores, clubs, campuses, and supply chain. Already the largest private employer in the U.S., Walmart is looking to grow in new business units, such as online grocery and advertising, and looking to hire personal shoppers, delivery drivers, data scientists, and more.
On the charts, Walmart stock earlier hit its highest level of 2022 -- at $146.94 -- though shares have cooled since, last seen down 0.02% at $145.71. The equity has had a volatile year as supply chain issues persist around the globe, and in late February fell to the $132 area to trade at its lowest level since March 2021. Today, WMT is sitting just shy of 1% above its year-to-date breakeven mark.
Despite Walmart stock's volatility on the charts, calls have remained relatively popular in the options pits. WMT's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 2.58 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) stands higher than 69% of readings from the past year, meaning calls have been picked up a slightly quicker-than-usual clip of late.
Further, analysts remain optimistic toward the equity. Of the 20 in coverage, 15 still rate WMT a "buy" or better. What's more, the security's 12-month consensus price target of $165.34 is a 13.4% premium to current levels.