Top 5 Blue Chip Stocks with Growing Dividends

4. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 99

On June 23, The Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is paying $1.4 billion to acquire French advertising technology firm Vibe.co, according to people familiar with the matter. The investment is part of Walmart’s broader effort to expand its advertising business and compete more directly with Amazon for digital advertising revenue.

Vibe.co is a company that helps businesses advertise through connected televisions. The platform is particularly focused on small and medium-sized advertisers that often operate with smaller budgets and limited access to large ad-buying teams. The move builds on Walmart’s advertising strategy. Two years ago, the company acquired connected-TV manufacturer Vizio, largely to expand the number of platforms where it could sell advertising. Walmart said Vibe.co’s technology will help support that growth.

According to the company, the platform will make it easier for advertisers to launch connected-TV campaigns and better measure their impact on business performance. Walmart did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction in its announcement.

People familiar with the matter said the deal includes a $1.2 billion cash payment to Vibe.co, along with approximately $180 million that will be paid to the company’s top executives after the acquisition closes. Those payments are tied in part to their commitment to remain at Walmart for four years.

Vibe.co Chief Executive Arthur Querou, Chief Technology Officer Franck Tetzlaff, and other employees will join Walmart’s advertising division. Walmart said they will help maintain business momentum, support a smooth integration process, and continue serving Vibe.co’s advertisers.

The acquisition of Vibe.co is Walmart’s largest deal since it purchased Vizio for $2.3 billion in 2024.

Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is a technology-powered omnichannel retailer. The company operates retail and wholesale stores, clubs, e-commerce websites, and mobile applications across the United States, Africa, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, and Mexico.