BENTONVILLE, Ark., Apr 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today issued its 2011 Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Global Responsibility Report. The company is providing expanded and interactive versions of the reports in a comprehensive package of materials about Walmart's achievements last year, priorities for this year and progress toward its goals.
"At Walmart, we are proud that we work for a very special company that's based on Sam Walton's vision of saving people money so they can live better," said Mike Duke, Walmart president and chief executive officer, in his letter to shareholders. "Walmart delivered solid financial performance for fiscal year 2011."
Duke pointed to the company's net sales of more than $419 billion for the year and that Walmart returned a record $19.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
"These results demonstrate the strength of our underlying business and our dedication to delivering shareholder value," Duke continued in his letter. "I'm optimistic that Walmart will improve where we need to and continue to build momentum where we're already succeeding. Our talented leadership team is fully aligned on executing plans to support our financial priorities of growth, leverage and returns."
Business Segments
Duke also shared his thoughts on each of the company's business segments, noting the aggressive plans ahead for Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam's Club:
- "My top priority this year is to achieve positive comparable store sales. At the same time, there's a tremendous opportunity to grow in the United States through supercenters and new formats, such as Walmart Express(TM), in urban and rural markets."
- "Under Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart International, our international segment continued to be a growth engine last year - generating a 12 percent net sales increase and adding approximately 8 percent more selling space through 458 net new units. Walmart International leveraged expenses on a constant currency basis this past year, and we expect improving returns in the years ahead."
- "I am very pleased with Sam's Club's performance and the contributions they're making to shareholder value. Sam's top priority for this year is attracting new members through improved member experiences."
Global Responsibility Report
"We believe transparency and accountability are part of being a good and responsible company, and that they also make us a better company. Through the Global Responsibility Report, we are strengthening our commitment to transparency and holding ourselves accountable for what we do within our company and for our communities. We also know there are still many opportunities ahead for Walmart," said Duke in the report.
As further evidence, Walmart incorporated its fourth update on sustainability. This year's edition, the 2011 Global Responsibility Report, also incorporates new social and environmental dimensions, with data and metrics to track the company's progress.
Both reports are available in interactive editions with the annual report offering video messages from several company leaders including Rob Walton, Duke, Charles Holley, Leslie Dach, Bill Simon, McMillon, and Brian Cornell. The reports can be found at www.walmartstores.com.
The company also began distributing its proxy statement today with details of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011, at 7:00 a.m. (CDT) in Bud Walton Arena on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, Ark.
Walmart's proxy materials can be read online at www.walmartstores.com/annualmeeting. Shareholders that are unable to attend the 2011 Annual Shareholders Meeting in person may view a live webcast at www.walmartstores.com/shareholdersmeeting.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at 9,000 retail units under 60 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.
SOURCE: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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