Includes enhanced online Annual Report and Global Responsibility Report
BENTONVILLE, Ark. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 16, 2012-- In preparation for its upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today issued its 2012 Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Global Responsibility Report. This year's materials include expanded reports available online and through Walmart's new Investor Relations application on the iPad®, iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices. The comprehensive package provides shareholders with more efficient ways to learn about Walmart's achievements in the last fiscal year, priorities for this year and progress toward the company's long-term goals.
“There is no doubt Walmart is the best-positioned global retailer,” said Walmart President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Duke in his letter to shareholders, noting net sales last year increased by 5.9 percent to $443.9 billion . “We believe that we have all the pieces in place to build on our success and deliver value for our customers and shareholders again this year. We continue to strengthen our next generation Walmart efforts, investing in people, technology, innovation and infrastructure. It is rooted in our culture to stay out in front of change.
“Though we are never satisfied, I am pleased with our progress over the year. Looking ahead, we have a clear understanding of what we need to do at Walmart to drive long-term shareholder value and deliver on our mission,” said Duke, who listed the five strategies that are key to Walmart's future:
- Developing the company's people;
- Driving the productivity loop that enables Walmart to operate for less, so the company can sell for less and increase sales;
- Winning in Global eCommerce;
- Reinvigorating Walmart's customer-focused culture; and
- Leading on social and environmental issues.
The reports also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Sam Walton's first Walmart store, in Rogers, Ark.
“From the day the doors opened in Rogers , on July 2, 1962 , Walmart's culture has been built on a common purpose: saving people money so they can live better. That one store changed the way that retail works, and that continues to this day,” said Duke. “There is no limit to the difference Walmart associates can make for our shareholders, customers and the world around us.”
Both the Annual Report and Global Responsibility Report are available online. The Annual Report offers nearly 30 minutes of video messages from company leaders discussing Walmart's key priorities.
The 2012 Global Responsibility Report, the company's fifth update on its sustainability progress, includes expanded details on Walmart's ethical sourcing work and tools to track the company's progress on global responsibility initiatives. The reports can be found at http://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 1, 2012 , 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 http://www.walmartstores.com/annualmeeting. These proxy materials offer shareholders the opportunity to provide feedback on Walmart's corporate governance practices by casting their proxy vote in a timely manner. Shareholders unable to attend the 2012 Annual Shareholders' Meeting in person may view a live webcast at http://www.walmartstores.com/shareholdersmeeting.
Shareholders that download Walmart's Investor Relations application will have convenient access through their mobile devices to the company's most recent financial news, quarterly results, Annual Shareholders' Meeting materials, proxy voting and investor presentations.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at 10,130 retail units under 69 different banners in 27 countries. With fiscal year 2012 sales of $444 billion , Walmart employs about 2.2 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 http://www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Media Relations Contact
Greg Rossiter, 800-331-0085 (U.S. and Canada)
479-273-4314 (All other countries)
or
Investor Relations Contact
Kary Brunner, 479-277-8782
