should i sell my walmart stock

[nhibui2]

I worked at Walmart when I was 18-19 years old and bought stock there.  When I left the value of the stock was about 2400 dollars.  I am now 34 and checked a few days ago the value of my stocks is now about 4100.  The dividends were automatically reinvested to buy more stock.  Should I sell the stock now and invest it some where else that could give me a better results or just leave it there. 

[GreenGuava]

No one can predict what WalMart itself is going to do, stock-wise.    If you had $4100 to spare right now, would you buy WalMart stock with it?  If not, I'd suggest selling it - most of it will be a long-term capital gain - and put that money to a more productive investment (repay toxic debt, fund an IRA, etc).

[Jamesqf]

The only reason I could see to keep the individual stock is if you were fond of the company and wanted to share in whatever success or failure they have.

Or if your current income level is such that you would take a tax hit if you sold now.  I have some stock in a utility company I used to work for.  I keep thinking about selling, but I would have to pay tax on it, and meanwhile the dividends just about cover my monthly power bill.

[Nords]

Should I sell the stock now and invest it some where else that could give me a better results or just leave it there.

I think you're asking the questions in the wrong order.

What's your asset allocation, and how does Wal-Mart stock fit into it?  Once you figure out your overall portfolio design, then you'll whether Wal-Mart shares should be a part of it.

[alanwbaker]

I worked at Walmart when I was 18-19 years old and bought stock there.  When I left the value of the stock was about 2400 dollars.  I am now 34 and checked a few days ago the value of my stocks is now about 4100.  The dividends were automatically reinvested to buy more stock.  Should I sell the stock now and invest it some where else that could give me a better results or just leave it there.

Nords has the right idea about investing--figure out your asset allocation first. 

There is one really good way to use appreciated stock like this--charitable donations.  When you donate appreciated stock the nonprofit sells it and gets the market value and you get a tax deduction at the market value instead of paying capital gains on the appreciation.