Shares in U.S. retail giant Walmart (WMT) seem to have remained unscathed despite news over the weekend that it had banned an emotional support alligator from a store in Pennsylvania.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
Shopping Cart
Walmart stock was fairly flat today as investors chewed over the revelation that Jinseioshi, an alligator belonging to pastor Wesley Silva was no longer allowed to prowl the aisles of his favorite store in his favorite dress.
Yes, his favorite dress.
Silva, who is 60, said the alligator had enjoyed joint shopping trips with him for “years.” The 5-foot, 32- pound reptilian was pushed around in a shopping cart and was safely attached to a harness.
Not safely enough according to fellow alligator-free shoppers.
Scales and Tails
“I looked and I saw this alligator dressed up, standing in there, and his mouth was sticking out of the buggy. I didn’t believe it,” an anonymous woman said. She added that she wasn’t likely to return to the specific Walmart. “I don’t want to shop with alligators,” she said.
It seems that she won’t have to worry.
A spokesperson for Walmart, said: “We truly value the bond people share with their animals – including those with scales and tails. They bring comfort, joy and companionship in so many ways, and we love them all. For everyone’s safety and comfort, though, only ADA-recognized service animals can shop with us at Walmart.”
A funny story. One that some writers could really get their teeth into.
But, from a business perspective, there could be a more serious angle. The incident, which made national news, could potentially impact the reputation of the Walmart chain. Is there any point stressing your family-friendly virtues when that doesn’t extend to cute, cuddly pets? Even the green, rather bitey kind?
It is why ability to sell, including the reputation of a business is a key risk for investors when considering buying a stock – see above.
Is WMT a Good Stock to Buy Now?
On TipRanks, WMT has a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy ratings. Its highest price target is $127. WMT stock’s consensus price target is $114.07, implying a 9.99% upside.
