EX-13 10 dex13.htm PORTIONS OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Portions of our Annual Report to Shareholders

EXHIBIT 13

Five-Year Financial Summary

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share and unit count data)

 

           As Adjusted  
As of and for the Fiscal Years Ended January 31,    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Operating Results (1)

          

Net sales

   $ 418,952      $ 405,132      $ 401,087      $ 373,821      $ 344,759   

Net sales increase

     3.4     1.0     7.3     8.4     11.6

Comparable sales in the United States (2)

     -0.6     -0.8     3.5     1.6     2.0

Walmart U.S.

     -1.5     -0.7     3.2     1.0     1.9

Sam’s Club

     3.9     -1.4     4.9     4.9     2.5

Gross profit margin

     24.7     24.9     24.2     24.0     23.4

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales

     19.3     19.7     19.3     19.0     18.5

Operating income

   $ 25,542      $ 24,002      $ 22,767      $ 21,916      $ 20,552   

Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart

     15,355        14,449        13,235        12,841        12,224   

Net income per share of common stock:

          

Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart

   $ 4.18      $ 3.73      $ 3.35      $ 3.15      $ 2.93   

Dividends declared per common share

     1.21        1.09        0.95        0.88        0.67   

Financial Position

          

Inventories

   $ 36,318      $ 32,713      $ 34,013      $ 34,690      $ 33,235   

Property, equipment and capital lease assets, net

     107,878        102,307        95,653        96,867        88,287   

Total assets

     180,663        170,407        163,096        163,200        151,274   

Long-term debt, including obligations under capital leases

     43,842        36,401        34,549        33,402        30,735   

Total Walmart shareholders’ equity

     68,542        70,468        64,969        64,311        61,298   

Unit Counts

          

Walmart U.S. Segment

     3,804        3,755        3,703        3,595        3,488   

Walmart International Segment

     4,557        4,099        3,595        3,093        2,733   

Sam’s Club Segment

     609        605        611        600        588   
                                        

Total units

     8,970        8,459        7,909        7,288        6,809   
                                        

 

(1) Effective May 1, 2010, the Company implemented a new financial system for its operations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Concurrent with this implementation and the increased system capabilities, the Company changed the level at which we apply the retail method of accounting for inventory in these operations. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” Note 2. “Accounting Change.”

In addition, we reclassified certain revenue and expense items within our Consolidated Statements of Income for financial reporting purposes. The reclassifications did not impact consolidated operating income or consolidated net income attributable to Walmart. The changes were effective February 1, 2009 and have been reflected for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

(2) Comparable store and club sales include fuel. Fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 comparable sales include all stores and clubs that have been open for at least the previous 12 months. Additionally, for those fiscal years, stores and clubs that are relocated, expanded or converted are excluded from comparable sales for the first 12 months following the relocation, expansion or conversion. Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 comparable sales include sales from stores and clubs open for the previous 12 months, including remodels, relocations and expansions. Fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 comparable store and club sales do not reflect reclassifications effective February 1, 2009, as noted above.

 

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Table of contents

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     3   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     22   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     23   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

     24   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     25   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     26   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     50   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     51   

Management’s Report to our Shareholders

     52   

Fiscal 2011 Unit Count

     54   

Board of Directors

     56   

Corporate and Stock Information

     57   

 

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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart,” the “Company” or “we”) operates retail stores in various formats around the world and is committed to saving people money so they can live better. We earn the trust of our customers every day by providing a broad assortment of quality merchandise and services at every day low prices (“EDLP”), while fostering a culture that rewards and embraces mutual respect, integrity and diversity. EDLP is our pricing philosophy under which we price items at a low price every day so our customers trust that our prices will not change under frequent promotional activity. Our focus for Sam’s Club is to provide exceptional value on brand name and private label merchandise at “members only” prices for both business and personal use. Internationally, we operate with similar philosophies. Our fiscal year ends on January 31 for our U.S. and Canada operations and on December 31 for all other operations. We discuss how the results of our various operations are consolidated for financial reporting purposes in Note 1 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

We intend for this discussion to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from year to year, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements. We also discuss certain performance metrics that management uses to assess our performance. The discussion also provides information about the financial results of the various segments of our business to provide a better understanding of how those segments and their results affect the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as a whole. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements as of January 31, 2011, and the fiscal year then ended and accompanying notes.

Currently, our operations consist of three reportable business segments: (1) the Walmart U.S. segment; (2) the Walmart International segment; and (3) the Sam’s Club segment. The Walmart U.S. segment includes the Company’s mass merchant concept in the United States and Puerto Rico operating under the “Walmart” or “Wal-Mart” brand, as well as walmart.com. The Walmart International segment consists of the Company’s operations outside of the United States and Puerto Rico. The Sam’s Club segment includes the warehouse membership clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as samsclub.com.

Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we discuss segment operating income and comparable store and club sales. The Company measures the results of its segments using, among other measures, each segment’s operating income, including certain corporate overhead allocations. From time to time, we revise the measurement of each segment’s operating income, including any corporate overhead allocations, as dictated by the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. When we do so, the prior period amounts for segment operating income are reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. The amounts representing “Other” in the leverage discussion of the Company Performance Metrics are unallocated corporate overhead items.

Comparable store and club sales is a metric which indicates the performance of our existing U.S. stores and clubs by measuring the change in sales for such stores and clubs for a particular period from the corresponding period in the prior year. Walmart’s definition of comparable store sales includes sales from stores and clubs open for the previous 12 months, including remodels, relocations and expansions. Changes in format continue to be excluded from comparable store and club sales when the conversion is accompanied by a relocation or expansion that results in a change in square feet of more than five percent. Since the impact of this revision is inconsequential, the Company will not restate comparable store and club sales results for previously reported years. Comparable store and club sales are also referred to as “same-store” sales by others within the retail industry. The method of calculating comparable store and club sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our calculation of comparable store and club sales is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

In discussions of our consolidated results and the operating results of our Walmart International segment, we sometimes refer to the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. When we refer to changes in currency exchange rates or currency exchange rate fluctuations, we are referring to the differences between the currency exchange rates we use to convert the Walmart International segment’s operating results from local currencies into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The impacts of currency exchange rate fluctuations are typically calculated as the difference between current period activity translated using the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior year period’s currency exchange rates, respectively. We use this method for all countries where the functional currency is not denominated in the U.S. dollar.

 

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In connection with the Company’s new financial system implementation, we changed the level at which we apply the retail method of accounting for inventory. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” Note 2. “Accounting Change.”

In addition, we reclassified certain revenue and expense items within our Consolidated Statements of Income for financial reporting purposes. The reclassifications did not impact consolidated operating income or consolidated net income attributable to Walmart. All prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

The Retail Industry

We operate in the highly competitive retail industry in all of the countries we serve. We face strong sales competition from other discount, department, drug, variety and specialty stores, warehouse clubs, and supermarkets, many of which are national, regional or international chains, as well as internet-based retailers and catalog businesses. We compete with a number of companies for prime retail site locations, as well as in attracting and retaining quality employees (whom we call “associates”). We, along with other retail companies, are influenced by a number of factors including, but not limited to: general economic conditions, cost of goods, consumer disposable income, consumer debt levels and buying patterns, consumer credit availability, interest rates, customer preferences, unemployment, labor costs, inflation, deflation, currency exchange fluctuations, fuel and energy prices, weather patterns, climate change, catastrophic events, competitive pressures and insurance costs. Further information on certain risks to our Company can be located in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.

Company Performance Metrics

The Company’s performance metrics emphasize three priorities for improving shareholder value: Growth, Leverage and Returns. The Company’s priority of growth focuses on sales through comparable store and club sales and unit square feet growth; the priority of leverage encompasses the Company’s objective to increase its operating income at a faster rate than the growth in net sales by growing its operating, selling, general and administrative expenses (“operating expenses”) at a slower rate than the growth of its net sales; and the priority of returns focuses on how efficiently the Company employs its assets as reflected in its return on investment (“ROI”) and how effectively the Company manages working capital as reflected in its free cash flow.

Growth

Net Sales

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
(Dollar amounts in millions)    Net Sales      Percent
of Total
    Percent
Change
    Net Sales      Percent
of Total
    Percent
Change
    Net Sales      Percent
of Total
 

Walmart U.S.

   $ 260,261         62.1     0.1   $ 259,919         64.2     1.1   $ 256,970         64.0

Walmart International

     109,232         26.1     12.1     97,407         24.0     1.3     96,141         24.0

Sam’s Club

     49,459         11.8     3.5     47,806         11.8     -0.4     47,976         12.0
                                                       

Net Sales

   $ 418,952         100.0     3.4   $ 405,132         100.0     1.0   $ 401,087         100.0
                                                       

Our consolidated net sales increased by 3.4% and 1.0% in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. Net sales in fiscal 2011 increased primarily due to our continued expansion activities as we added 3.4% of additional retail square feet during fiscal 2011. In addition, foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted our fiscal 2011 sales growth by approximately $4.5 billion, offset by a 0.6% decline in total U.S. comparable store and club sales. Net sales in fiscal 2010 increased due to increased customer traffic, continued global expansion activities and the acquisition of our Chilean subsidiary, Distribución y Servicio S.A. de C.V. (“D&S”) in January 2009, offset primarily by a $9.8 billion unfavorable currency exchange rate impact in our Walmart International segment and adversely affected by price deflation in certain merchandise categories in our Walmart U.S. segment. Volatility in currency exchange rates may continue to impact the Company’s net sales in the future.

Calendar Comparable Store and Club Sales

Comparable store and club sales is a measure which indicates the performance of our existing U.S. stores and clubs by measuring the growth in sales for such stores and clubs for a particular period over the corresponding period in the prior year.

 

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Comparable store and club sales, including fuel impact, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     With Fuel     Fuel Impact  
     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009  

Walmart U.S.

     -1.5     -0.7     3.2     0.0     0.0     0.0

Sam’s Club

     3.9     -1.4     4.9     2.0     -2.1     1.2
                                                

Total U.S.

     -0.6     -0.8     3.5     0.4     -0.3     0.2

Comparable store and club sales in the U.S., including fuel, decreased 0.6% and 0.8% in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, and increased 3.5% in fiscal 2009. Total U.S. comparable store and club sales decreased during fiscal 2011 primarily due to a decline in customer traffic. Although customer traffic increased in fiscal 2010, comparable store sales in the United States were lower than those in fiscal 2009 due to deflation in certain merchandise categories and lower fuel prices. As we continue to add new stores in the United States, we do so with an understanding that additional stores may take sales away from existing units. We estimate the negative impact on comparable store sales as a result of opening new stores was approximately 0.8% in fiscal 2011, 0.6% in fiscal 2010 and 1.1% in fiscal 2009.

Leverage

Operating Income

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
(Dollar amounts in millions)    Operating
Income
    Percent
of Total
    Percent
Change
    Operating
Income
    Percent
of Total
    Percent
Change
    Operating
Income
    Percent
of Total
 

Walmart U.S.

   $ 19,914        78.0     3.1   $ 19,313        80.5     5.5   $ 18,310        80.4

Walmart International

     5,606        21.9     14.4     4,901        20.4     1.4     4,832        21.2

Sam’s Club

     1,711        6.7     12.9     1,515        6.3     -8.1     1,649        7.2

Other

     (1,689     -6.6     -2.2     (1,727     -7.2     -14.7     (2,024     -8.8
                                                    

Total operating income

   $ 25,542        100.0     6.4   $ 24,002        100.0     5.4   $ 22,767        100.0
                                                    

We believe comparing the growth of our operating expenses to the growth of our net sales and comparing the growth of our operating income to the growth of our net sales are meaningful measures as they indicate how effectively we manage costs and leverage operating expenses. Our objective is to grow operating expenses at a slower rate than net sales and to grow operating income at a faster rate than net sales.

Operating Expenses

For fiscal 2011, we met our objective of growing operating expenses at a slower rate than net sales. Our operating expenses increased 1.7% in fiscal 2011 when compared to fiscal 2010, while net sales increased 3.4% during fiscal 2011 when compared to fiscal 2010. Operating expenses grew at a slower rate than net sales due to improved labor productivity and organizational changes made at the end of fiscal 2010 designed to strengthen and streamline our operations, as well as a reduction regarding certain incentive plan expenses. In fiscal 2010, we did not meet our objective of growing operating expenses at a slower rate than net sales. Our fiscal 2010 operating expenses increased 2.7% when compared to fiscal 2009, while net sales increased 1.0% over the same period. Operating expenses grew at a faster rate than net sales due to higher health benefit costs, restructuring charges and higher advertising expenses.

Operating Income

We met our objective of growing operating income at a faster rate than net sales in each of the last two fiscal years. In fiscal 2011, our operating income increased by 6.4% when compared to fiscal 2010, while net sales increased by 3.4% over the same period in fiscal 2010. Our operating income increased by 5.4% in fiscal 2010 when compared to fiscal 2009, while net sales increased by 1.0% over the prior year. Our Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments met this objective in fiscal 2010. Our Sam’s Club segment fell short of this objective primarily due to a $174 million pre-tax charge relating to a restructure of its operations, including the closure of 10 clubs.

 

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Returns

Return on Investment

Management believes that return on investment is a meaningful metric to share with investors because it helps investors assess how effectively Walmart is employing its assets. Trends in ROI can fluctuate over time as management balances long-term potential strategic initiatives with any possible short-term impacts. ROI was relatively stable at 19.2 percent and 19.3 percent for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

We define ROI as adjusted operating income (operating income plus interest income, depreciation and amortization, and rent expense) for the fiscal year divided by average invested capital during that period. We consider average invested capital to be the average of our beginning and ending total assets of continuing operations plus accumulated depreciation and amortization less accounts payable and accrued liabilities for that period, plus a rent factor equal to the rent for the fiscal year multiplied by a factor of eight.

ROI is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. We consider return on assets (“ROA”) to be the financial measure computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) that is the most directly comparable financial measure to ROI as we calculate that financial measure. ROI differs from ROA (which is income from continuing operations for the fiscal year divided by average total assets of continuing operations for the period) because ROI: adjusts operating income to exclude certain expense items and adds interest income; adjusts total assets from continuing operations for the impact of accumulated depreciation and amortization, accounts payable and accrued liabilities; and incorporates a factor of rent to arrive at total invested capital.

Although ROI is a standard financial metric, numerous methods exist for calculating a company’s ROI. As a result, the method used by management to calculate ROI may differ from the methods other companies use to calculate their ROI. We urge you to understand the methods used by another company to calculate its ROI before comparing our ROI to that of such other company.

The calculation of ROI, along with a reconciliation to the calculation of ROA, the most comparable GAAP financial measurement, is as follows:

 

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     For the Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
 
(Dollar amounts in millions)    2011     2010
As Adjusted(3)
 
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT     

Numerator

    

Operating income

   $ 25,542      $ 24,002   

+ Interest income

     201        181   

+ Depreciation and amortization

     7,641        7,157   

+ Rent

     1,972        1,808   
                

= Adjusted operating income

   $ 35,356      $ 33,148   
                

Denominator

    

Average total assets of continuing operations(1)

   $ 175,400      $ 166,584   

+ Average accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)

     43,911        38,359   

- Average accounts payable(1)

     32,004        29,650   

- Average accrued liabilities(1)

     18,718        18,423   

+ Rent * 8

     15,776        14,464   
                

= Average invested capital

   $ 184,365      $ 171,334   
                

Return on investment (ROI)

     19.2     19.3
                
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON ASSETS     

Numerator

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 15,959      $ 14,962   
                

Denominator

    

Average total assets of continuing operations(1)

   $ 175,400      $ 166,584   
                

Return on assets (ROA)

     9.1     9.0
                

 

     As of January 31,  
Certain Balance Sheet Data    2011      2010
As  Adjusted(3)
     2009
As  Adjusted(3)
 

Total assets of continuing operations(2)

   $ 180,532       $ 170,267       $ 162,901   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     46,611         41,210         35,508   

Accounts payable

     33,557         30,451         28,849   

Accrued liabilities

     18,701         18,734         18,112   

 

(1) The average is based on the addition of the account balance at the end of the current period to the account balance at the end of the prior period and dividing by 2.
(2) Based on continuing operations only and therefore excludes the impact of discontinued operations. Total assets as of January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 in the table above exclude assets of discontinued operations that are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $131 million, $140 million and $195 million, respectively.
(3) Effective May 1, 2010, the Company implemented a new financial system for its operations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Concurrent with this implementation and the increased system capabilities, the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method of accounting for inventory in these operations from 13 divisions to 49 departments. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” Note 2. “Accounting Change.”

Free Cash Flow

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities in a period minus payments for property and equipment made in that period. We generated positive free cash flow of $10.9 billion, $14.1 billion and $11.6 billion for the years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decline in free cash flow during fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010 is principally due to our increased investment in inventory, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. The increase in free cash flow in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009 resulted primarily from improved operating results and relatively low inventory levels at January 31, 2010.

Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes, however, that free cash flow, which measures our ability to generate cash from our business operations, is an important financial measure for use in evaluating the Company’s financial performance. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, income from continuing operations as a measure of our performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity.

 

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Additionally, our definition of free cash flow is limited, in that it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other contractual obligations or payments made for business acquisitions. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a measure that provides supplemental information to our entire statement of cash flows.

Although other companies report their free cash flow, numerous methods may exist for calculating a company’s free cash flow. As a result, the method used by our management to calculate free cash flow may differ from the methods other companies use to calculate their free cash flow. We urge you to understand the methods used by another company to calculate its free cash flow before comparing our free cash flow to that of such other company.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash provided by operating activities, a GAAP measure, which we believe to be the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to free cash flow, as well as information regarding net cash used in investing activities and net cash used in financing activities.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 23,643      $ 26,249      $ 23,147   

Payments for property and equipment

     (12,699     (12,184     (11,499
                        

Free cash flow

   $ 10,944      $ 14,065      $ 11,648   
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (12,193   $ (11,620   $ (10,742
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (12,028   $ (14,191   $ (9,918
                        

 

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Results of Operations

The following discussion of our Results of Operations is based on our continuing operations and excludes any results or discussion of our discontinued operations.

Certain items that impacted our income from continuing operations during the fiscal years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in millions):

 

     2011      2010     2009  

Credit for certain net tax benefits(1)

   $ 434       $ 372      $ —     

Restructuring charges(2)

     —           (260     —     

Settlement of wage and hour class action lawsuits(3)

     —           —          (382

 

(1) In fiscal 2011, we recorded $434 million in net tax benefits that resulted primarily from the repatriation of certain non-U.S. earnings that increased U.S. foreign tax credits and favorable adjustments to transfer pricing agreements.

In fiscal 2010, we recorded $372 million in net tax benefits primarily from the repatriation of certain non-U.S. earnings that increased U.S. foreign tax credits.

(2) In fiscal 2010, we announced several organizational changes, including the closure of 10 Sam’s Clubs, designed to strengthen and streamline our operations. As a result, we recorded $260 million in pre-tax restructuring charges.
(3) In fiscal 2009, we settled 63 wage and hour class action lawsuits. As a result of the settlement, we recorded a pre-tax charge of approximately $382 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
 
     2011     2010     2009  

Net sales(1)

   $ 418,952      $ 405,132      $ 401,087   

Percentage change from comparable period

     3.4     1.0     7.3

Total U.S. calendar comparable store and club sales

     -0.6     -0.8     3.5

Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales

     24.7     24.9     24.2

Operating income(1)

   $ 25,542      $ 24,002      $ 22,767   

Operating income as a percentage of net sales

     6.1     5.9     5.7

Income from continuing operations(1)

   $ 15,959      $ 14,962      $ 13,734   

Unit counts

     8,970        8,459        7,909   

Retail square feet(2)

     984,949        952,237        918,044   

 

(1) Dollar amounts in millions
(2) Amounts in thousands

Our consolidated net sales increased by 3.4% and 1.0% in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Net sales in fiscal 2011 primarily increased due to our continued expansion activities as we added 3.4% of additional retail square feet during the year. In addition, $4.5 billion of the increase in net sales during fiscal 2011 resulted from currency exchange rate fluctuations, offset by a 0.6% decline in U.S. comparable store and club sales. Net sales in fiscal 2010 increased due to the growth in customer traffic, continued global expansion activities and the acquisition of D&S in January 2009, offset primarily by a $9.8 billion unfavorable currency exchange rate impact in our Walmart International segment and price deflation in certain merchandise categories in our Walmart U.S. segment. Volatility in currency exchange rates may continue to impact the Company’s net sales in the future.

Our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales (our “gross profit margin”), was 24.7%, 24.9% and 24.2% in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our Walmart U.S. segment and Walmart International segment net sales yield higher gross profit margins than our Sam’s Club segment, which operates on lower margins as a membership club warehouse. In fiscal 2011, gross profit margin was relatively flat compared to fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010, gross profit margin increased primarily due to enhanced merchandising strategies in our Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club segments.

 

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Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 19.3%, 19.7% and 19.3% for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In fiscal 2011, operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to improved labor productivity and organizational changes implemented at the end of fiscal 2010 designed to strengthen and streamline our operations, as well as a reduction in certain incentive plan expenses. In fiscal 2010, operating expenses increased primarily due to higher health benefit costs, a pre-tax charge of $260 million relating to the restructuring of U.S. operations, and higher advertising expenses.

Operating income was $25.5 billion, $24.0 billion and $22.8 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Operating income in fiscal 2011 was aided by $231 million due to the effects of currency exchange fluctuations. Operating income in fiscal 2010 was reduced by $540 million due to the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Volatility in currency exchange rates may continue to impact the Company’s operating income in the future.

Our effective income tax rate was 32.2%, 32.4% and 34.2% for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 provision for taxes include certain tax benefits that caused the effective tax rates for each of those two years to be less than the effective tax rate in fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2011 and 2010, we recorded certain tax benefits totaling $434 million and $372 million, respectively, primarily from the repatriation of certain non-U.S. earnings that increased our U.S. foreign tax credits. We expect the fiscal 2012 annual effective tax rate to be approximately 33.5% to 34.5%. Significant factors that may impact the annual effective tax rate include changes in our assessment of certain tax contingencies, settlement of tax contingencies and the mix of earnings among our U.S. and international operations.

As a result of the factors discussed above, we reported $16.0 billion, $15.0 billion and $13.7 billion of income from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Walmart U.S. Segment

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
 
     2011     2010     2009  

Net sales(1)

   $ 260,261      $ 259,919      $ 256,970   

Percentage change from comparable period

     0.1     1.1     7.6

Calendar comparable store sales

     -1.5     -0.7     3.2

Operating income(1)

   $ 19,914      $ 19,313      $ 18,310   

Operating income as a percentage of net sales

     7.7     7.4     7.1

Unit counts

     3,804        3,755        3,703   

Retail square feet(2)

     617,067        605,852        592,256   

 

(1) Dollar amounts in millions
(2) Amounts in thousands

Walmart U.S. net sales were relatively flat for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 as growth in retail square feet was offset by a decline in comparable store sales of 1.5 percent as a result of slower customer traffic. The net sales growth in fiscal 2010 resulted from an increase in customer traffic and strength in our grocery and health and wellness categories, as well as our continued expansion activities.

Gross profit margin was relatively flat for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010, gross profit margin increased 0.7 percentage points compared to the prior year due to enhanced merchandising strategies and lower inventory shrinkage.

Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 0.3 percentage points in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 due to expense leveraging principally related to improved labor productivity and a reduction in incentive plan expenses. Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, increased by 0.4 percentage points in fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year due to a smaller increase in net sales as compared to the prior year, higher health benefit costs, higher advertising expenses and a pre-tax charge of $73 million relating to the restructuring of Walmart U.S. operations.

As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income was $19.9 billion, $19.3 billion and $18.3 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

10


Walmart International Segment

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
 
     2011     2010     2009  

Net sales(1)

   $ 109,232      $ 97,407      $ 96,141   

Percentage change from comparable period

     12.1     1.3     6.2

Operating income(1)

   $ 5,606      $ 4,901      $ 4,832   

Operating income as a percentage of net sales

     5.1     5.0     5.0

Unit counts

     4,557        4,099        3,595   

Retail square feet(2)

     286,680        265,846        244,802   

 

(1) Dollar amounts in millions
(2) Amounts in thousands

Net sales for the Walmart International segment increased 12.1% and 1.3% in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates provided a favorable impact of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2011. The remaining fiscal 2011 increase in net sales is primarily due to our markets growing constant currency sales over last year, as overall retail square feet increased 7.8% during the year. Brazil, China and Mexico contributed some of the highest sales increases to Walmart International’s net sales growth in fiscal 2011. The fiscal 2010 increase in the Walmart International segment’s net sales primarily resulted from our expansion activities and the inclusion of the results of D&S, acquired in January 2009, offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in currency exchange rates of $9.8 billion. For additional information regarding our acquisitions, refer to Note 15 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” Volatility in currency exchange rates may continue to impact the Walmart International segment’s net sales in the future.

Gross profit margin was relatively flat in fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010, the Walmart International segment’s gross profit margin increased 0.2 percentage points compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by currency exchange rate fluctuations and the inclusion of D&S, which was acquired in January 2009.

Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased 0.3 percentage points in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 due to effective expense management in Japan and the United Kingdom. Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, increased 0.3 percentage points in fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of the inclusion of D&S, which was acquired in January 2009.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations increased operating income by $231 million in fiscal 2011 and reduced operating income by $540 million in fiscal 2010. Volatility in currency exchange rates may continue to impact the Walmart International segment’s operating results in the future.

As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income was $5.6 billion, $4.9 billion and $4.8 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

11


Sam’s Club Segment

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
 
     2011     2010     2009  

Net sales(1)

   $ 49,459      $ 47,806      $ 47,976   

Percentage change from comparable period

     3.5     -0.4     8.2

Calendar comparable club sales(2)

     3.9     -1.4     4.9

Operating income(1)

   $ 1,711      $ 1,515      $ 1,649   

Operating income as a percentage of net sales

     3.5     3.2     3.4

Unit counts

     609        605        611   

Retail square feet(3)

     81,202        80,539        80,986   

 

(1) Dollar amounts in millions
(2) Includes fuel sales, which impacted our comparable club sales by 2.0%, (2.1%) and 1.2%, respectively, in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009.
(3) Amounts in thousands

Net sales for the Sam’s Club segment increased 3.5% and decreased 0.4% for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fiscal 2011 growth in net sales is primarily due to the increase in average ticket and member traffic. Average ticket increased at a faster rate than net sales. In addition, fuel sales, driven by higher fuel prices and gallons sold, positively impacted comparable club sales by 2.0 percentage points in fiscal 2011. The fiscal 2010 decrease in net sales primarily resulted from the decline in comparable club sales due to the negative impact of 2.1 percentage points from lower fuel prices when compared to the previous fiscal year, partially offset by sales increases in fresh food, consumables and certain health and wellness categories. Volatility in fuel prices may continue to impact the net sales and operating income of the Sam’s Club segment in the future.

Gross profit margin was relatively flat for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Gross profit margin increased 0.6 percentage points during fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year due to continued strength in sales of consumables, fresh food and other food-related categories.

Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased approximately 0.5 percentage points in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 and increased 0.8 percentage points in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 primarily due to the $174 million pre-tax charge related to the restructuring of Sam’s Club operations, including the closure of 10 clubs, incurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

Membership and other income, as a percentage of net sales, decreased slightly in fiscal 2011 when compared to fiscal 2010 and decreased slightly for fiscal 2010 when compared to fiscal 2009. The decrease in both years was driven by decreases in other income.

As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income was $1.7 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

12


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows provided by operating activities have historically supplied us with a significant source of liquidity. We use these cash flows, supplemented with long-term debt and short-term borrowings, to fund our operations and global expansion activities. Generally, some or all of the remaining free cash flow, if any, funds all or part of the dividends on our common stock and share repurchases.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 23,643      $ 26,249      $ 23,147   

Payments for property and equipment

     (12,699     (12,184     (11,499
                        

Free cash flow

   $ 10,944      $ 14,065      $ 11,648   
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (12,193   $ (11,620   $ (10,742
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (12,028   $ (14,191   $ (9,918
                        

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities was $23.6 billion, $26.2 billion and $23.1 billion for fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The fiscal 2011 decrease in cash flow from operating activities was primarily the result of our increased investments in inventories, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. The fiscal 2010 increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to an increase in income from continuing operations and relatively low inventory levels at January 31, 2010.

Cash Equivalents and Working Capital

Cash and cash equivalents were $7.4 billion and $7.9 billion at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our working capital deficits were $6.6 billion and $7.5 billion at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We generally operate with a working capital deficit due to our efficient use of cash in funding operations and in providing returns to our shareholders in the form of stock repurchases and the payment of dividends.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities generally consist of payments for property and equipment, which were $12.7 billion, $12.2 billion and $11.5 billion during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These capital expenditures primarily relate to new store growth, as well as remodeling costs for existing stores. We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 to range between $12.5 billion and $13.5 billion, excluding any business acquisitions.

Global Expansion Activities

We expect to finance our fiscal 2012 global expansion plans primarily through cash flows from operations and future debt financings. The following table represents our estimated range for growth in retail square feet by segment for fiscal 2012. This table does not include growth in retail square feet from pending or future acquisitions.

 

     Fiscal Year 2012
Projected Growth in
Retail Square Feet
 
(In thousands)                     

Walmart U.S. Segment

     10,000         to         11,000   

Sam’s Club Segment

     400         to         600   
        

Total U.S.

     10,400         to         11,600   

Walmart International Segment

     23,000         to         24,000   
        

Grand Total

     33,400         to         35,600   
        

 

13


The following table represents an allocation of our capital expenditures for property and equipment:

 

     Allocation of Capital Expenditures
Fiscal Years Ending January 31,
 

Capital Expenditures

   2012     2011     2010  
     Projected     Actual  

New stores, including expansions and relocations

     33     24     29

Remodels

     11     26     17

Information systems, distribution and other

     23     19     23
                        

Total United States

     67     69     69

Walmart International

     33     31     31
                        

Total Capital Expenditures

     100     100     100
                        

Pending Business Acquisitions

As discussed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company currently anticipates completing the following business combinations during fiscal 2012:

 

   

Netto: On May 27, 2010, the Company announced an agreement with Dansk Supermarked A/S, whereby ASDA, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom (“UK”), will purchase Netto Foodstores Limited. Netto operates 193 units, each averaging 8,000 square feet. On March 9, 2011, the UK Office of Fair Trading confirmed its clearance of ASDA’s proposed purchase of Netto, subject to the requirement that ASDA divests 47 Netto units. The original estimated purchase price was approximately £778 million ($1.2 billion), subject to finalizing any divestitures; and

 

   

Massmart: On November 29, 2010, the Company announced an offer to purchase 51% of Massmart for approximately ZAR 17 billion ($2.3 billion). Massmart operates 288 units under several wholesale and retail banners in South Africa and 13 other sub-Saharan African countries. The transaction is subject to final regulatory approval.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Short-Term Borrowings

Net short-term borrowings increased by $503 million in fiscal 2011, and decreased by $1.0 billion and $3.7 billion in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. From time to time, we utilize the liquidity under our short-term borrowing programs to fund our operations, dividend payments, share repurchases, capital expenditures, and for other cash requirements and corporate purposes on an as-needed basis.

Long-Term Debt

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt were $11.4 billion, $5.5 billion, and $6.6 billion for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt were used to pay down or refinance existing debt, and for other general corporate purposes.

Dividends

On March 3, 2011, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the annual dividend for fiscal 2012 to $1.46 per share, an increase of approximately 21% over the dividends paid in fiscal 2011. Dividends per share were $1.21 and $1.09 in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012, the annual dividend will be paid in four quarterly installments according to the following record and payable dates:

 

Record Date

  

Payable Date

March 11, 2011    April 4, 2011
May 13, 2011    June 6, 2011
August 12, 2011    September 6, 2011
December 9, 2011    January 3, 2012

 

14


We paid dividends of $4.4 billion, $4.2 billion and $3.7 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect to pay aggregate dividends of approximately $5.1 billion in fiscal 2012.

Company Share Repurchase Program

On June 3, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a new $15.0 billion share repurchase program, which was announced on June 4, 2010. The program has no expiration date or other restriction limiting the period over which we can make our share repurchases and will expire only when and if we have repurchased $15.0 billion of our shares under the program or we earlier terminate or replace the program. Any repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to an unissued status. We spent approximately $14.8 billion, $7.3 billion and $3.5 billion for share repurchases during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We consider several factors in determining when to execute the share repurchases, including, among other things, our current cash needs, our capacity for leverage, our cost of borrowings and the market price of our common stock. At January 31, 2011, we had approximately $4.8 billion of remaining authorization to spend for share repurchases under the existing program.

Capital Resources

Management believes cash flows from continuing operations and proceeds from the issuance of short-term borrowings will be sufficient to finance seasonal buildups in merchandise inventories and meet other cash requirements. If our operating cash flows are not sufficient to pay dividends and to fund our capital expenditures, we anticipate funding any shortfall in these expenditures with a combination of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. We plan to refinance existing long-term debt obligations as they mature and may desire to obtain additional long-term financing for other corporate purposes.

Our access to the commercial paper and long-term debt markets have historically provided us with substantial sources of liquidity. We anticipate no difficulty in obtaining financing from those markets in the future in view of our favorable experiences in the debt markets in the recent past. Our ability to continue to access the commercial paper and long-term debt markets on favorable interest rate and other terms will depend, to a significant degree, on the ratings assigned by the credit rating agencies to our indebtedness continuing to be at or above the level of our current ratings. At January 31, 2011, the ratings assigned to our commercial paper and rated series of our outstanding long-term debt were as follows:

 

Rating agency

   Commercial paper   Long-term debt

Standard & Poor’s

   A-1+   AA

Moody’s Investors Service

   P-1   Aa2

Fitch Ratings

   F1+   AA

DBRS Limited

   R-1(middle)   AA

In the event that the ratings of our commercial paper or any rated series of our outstanding long-term debt issues were lowered or withdrawn for any reason or if the ratings assigned to any new issue of the Company’s long-term debt securities were lower than those noted above, our ability to access the debt markets would be adversely affected. In addition, in such a case, our cost of funds for new issues of commercial paper and long-term debt (i.e., the rate of interest on any such indebtedness) would be higher than our cost of funds had the ratings of those new issues been at or above the level of the ratings noted above. The rating agency ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our commercial paper or debt securities. Each rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization and should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Moreover, each credit rating is specific to the security to which it applies.

To monitor our credit ratings and our capacity for long-term financing, we consider various qualitative and quantitative factors. We monitor the ratio of our debt to our total capitalization as support for our long-term financing decisions. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, the ratio of our debt-to-total capitalization was 42.1% and 37.0%, respectively. For the purpose of this calculation, debt is defined as the sum of short-term borrowings, long-term debt due within one year, obligations under capital leases due within one year, long-term debt and long-term obligations under capital leases. Total capitalization is defined as debt plus total Walmart shareholders’ equity. Our ratio of debt to our total capitalization increased in fiscal 2011 resulting from an increase in long-term debt coupled with a decline in shareholders’ equity primarily due to our increase in share repurchases.

 

15


Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our obligations and commitments to make contractual future payments, such as debt and lease agreements, and certain contingent commitments:

 

            Payments Due During Fiscal Years Ending January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    Total      2012      2013-2014      2015-2016      Thereafter  

Recorded Contractual Obligations:

              

Long-term debt

   $ 45,080       $ 4,655       $ 6,857       $ 7,494       $ 26,074   

Short-term borrowings

     1,031         1,031         —           —           —     

Capital lease obligations

     5,916         609         1,119         958         3,230   

Unrecorded Contractual Obligations:

              

Non-cancelable operating leases

     14,123         1,406         2,607         2,325         7,785   

Estimated interest on long-term debt

     31,799         1,890         3,503         3,040         23,366   

Trade letters of credit

     2,620         2,620         —           —           —     

Purchase obligations

     4,141         3,200         692         205         44   
                                            

Total commercial commitments

   $ 104,710       $ 15,411       $ 14,778       $ 14,022       $ 60,499   
                                            

Additionally, the Company has approximately $11.5 billion in undrawn lines of credit and standby letters of credit which, if drawn upon, would be included in the liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Estimated interest payments are based on our principal amounts and expected maturities of all debt outstanding at January 31, 2011 and management’s forecasted market rates for our variable rate debt.

Purchase obligations include legally binding contracts such as firm commitments for inventory and utility purchases, as well as commitments to make capital expenditures, software acquisition/license commitments and legally binding service contracts. Purchase orders for the purchase of inventory and other services are not included in the table above. Purchase orders represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Our purchase orders are based on our current inventory needs and are fulfilled by our suppliers within short time periods. We also enter into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty.

The expected timing for payment of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid with respect to some unrecorded contractual commitments may be different depending on the timing of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.

In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, $795 million of unrecognized tax benefits are considered uncertain tax positions and have been recorded as liabilities. The timing of the payment associated with these liabilities is uncertain. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion on unrecognized tax benefits.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

In addition to the unrecorded contractual obligations discussed and presented above, the Company has made certain guarantees as discussed below for which the timing of payment, if any, is unknown.

In connection with certain debt financing, the Company could be liable for early termination payments if certain unlikely events were to occur. At January 31, 2011, the aggregate termination payment would have been $84 million. The arrangement pursuant to which this payment could be made will expire in fiscal 2019.

The Company has future lease commitments for land and buildings for approximately 424 future locations. These lease commitments have lease terms ranging from 4 to 30 years and provide for certain minimum rentals. If executed, payments under operating leases would increase by $109 million for fiscal 2012, based on current cost estimates.

 

16


Market Risk

In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to certain market risks, including changes in interest rates and changes in currency exchange rates.

The analysis presented below for each of our market risk sensitive instruments is based on a hypothetical scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent our view of future market changes. The effect of a change in a particular assumption is calculated without adjusting any other assumption. In reality, however, a change in one factor could cause a change in another, which may magnify or negate other sensitivities.

Interest Rate Risk

The table below provides information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For debt obligations, the table represents the principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table represents the contractual cash flows and weighted-average interest rates by the contractual maturity date. The notional amounts are used to calculate contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contracts. The weighted-average variable rates are based upon prevailing market rates at January 31, 2011.

 

     Expected Maturity Date  
     FY12     FY13     FY14     FY15     FY16     Thereafter     Total  
(Dollar amounts in millions)       

Liabilities

              

Short-term borrowings:

              

Variable

   $ 1,031        —          —          —          —          —        $ 1,031   

Average interest rate

     0.2     —          —          —          —          —          0.2

Long-term debt:

              

Fixed rate

   $ 3,095      $ 1,744      $ 4,295      $ 2,601      $ 4,273      $ 26,074      $ 42,082   

Average interest rate

     3.5     4.8     3.9     2.5     2.3     5.3     4.6

Variable rate

   $ 1,560      $ —        $ 818      $ 231      $ 389        —        $ 2,998   

Average interest rate

     2.5     —          2.0     1.5     0.9     —          2.0

Interest rate derivatives

              

Interest rate swaps:

              

Variable to fixed

   $ —        $ —        $ (18   $ (3   $ 3      $ —        $ (18

Average pay rate

     —          —          2.0     1.5     0.9     —          1.6

Average receive rate

     —          —          0.9     1.1     1.0     —          1.0

Fixed to variable

   $ —        $ 10      $ 205      $ 52      $ —        $ —        $ 267   

Average pay rate

     —          3.3     1.2     1.4     —          —          1.7

Average receive rate

     —          4.6     5.0     3.1     —          —          4.5

As of January 31, 2011, our variable rate borrowings, including the effect of our interest rate swaps, represented 15% of our total short-term and long-term debt. Based on January 31, 2011 debt levels, a 100 basis point change in prevailing market rates would cause our annual interest costs to change by approximately $59 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

We hold currency swaps to hedge the currency exchange component of our net investments in the United Kingdom. In fiscal 2010, we entered into currency swaps to hedge the currency exchange rate fluctuation exposure associated with the forecasted payments of principal and interest of non-U.S. denominated debt. The aggregate fair value of these swaps at January 31, 2011 and 2010 represented a gain of $471 million and $475 million, respectively. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the currency exchange rates underlying these swaps from the market rate would have resulted in a loss or gain in the value of the swaps of $74 million and $58 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates underlying these swaps from the market rates in effect at January 31, 2011 would have resulted in a loss or gain in value of the swaps of $7 million on the value of the swaps.

In addition to currency swaps, we have designated debt of approximately £3.0 billion as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, as a hedge of our net investment in the United Kingdom. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in value of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound would have resulted in a gain or loss, respectively, in the value of the debt of $480 million. In addition, we have designated debt of approximately ¥437.0 billion as of January 31, 2011 and 2010 as a hedge of our net investment in Japan. At January 31, 2011, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen would have resulted in a gain or loss in the value of the debt of $533 million. At January 31, 2010, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen would have resulted in a gain or loss in the value of the debt of $485 million.

 

17


Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

Management strives to report the financial results of the Company in a clear and understandable manner, although in some cases accounting and disclosure rules are complex and require us to use technical terminology. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These principles require us to make certain estimates and apply judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations as reflected in our financial statements. These judgments and estimates are based on past events and expectations of future outcomes. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

Management continually reviews the Company’s accounting policies, how they are applied and how they are reported and disclosed in our financial statements. Following is a summary of our more significant accounting policies and how they are applied in preparation of the financial statements.

Inventories

The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market as determined primarily by the retail method of accounting, using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for substantially all of the Walmart U.S. segment’s merchandise inventories. The retail method of accounting results in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market since permanent markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory. The Sam’s Club segment’s merchandise is valued based on the weighted-average cost using the LIFO method. Inventories for the Walmart International operations are primarily valued by the retail method of accounting and are stated using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, our inventories valued at LIFO approximated those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO.

Under the retail method, inventory is stated at cost, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each merchandise grouping’s retail value. The FIFO cost-to-retail ratio is based on the initial margin of beginning inventory plus the fiscal year purchase activity. The cost-to-retail ratio for measuring any LIFO reserves is based on the initial margin of the fiscal year purchase activity less the impact of any markdowns. The retail method requires management to make certain judgments and estimates that may significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as the amount of gross profit recognized. Judgments made include recording markdowns used to sell through inventory and shrinkage. When management determines the salability of inventory has diminished, markdowns for clearance activity and the related cost impact are recorded at the time the price change decision is made. Factors considered in the determination of markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences and age of merchandise, as well as seasonal and fashion trends. Changes in weather patterns and customer preferences related to fashion trends could cause material changes in the amount and timing of markdowns from year to year.

When necessary, the Company records a LIFO provision for a quarter for the estimated annual effect of inflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end. Our LIFO provision is calculated based on inventory levels, markup rates and internally generated retail price indices. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, our inventories valued at LIFO approximated those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO.

The Company provides for estimated inventory losses (“shrinkage”) between physical inventory counts on the basis of a percentage of sales. The provision is adjusted annually based on historical results to reflect the estimated trend of the actual physical inventory count results.

As discussed in Note 2, effective May 1, 2010, the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method for valuing its inventory for its operations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented.

Impairment of Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets other than goodwill and assets with indefinite lives for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Management’s judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market conditions and operational performance, such as operating income and cash flows. The evaluation for long-lived assets is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which is generally at the individual store level or, in certain circumstances, at the market group level. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and changes in demographics. Thus, our accounting estimates may change from period to period. These factors could cause management to conclude that impairment indicators exist and require impairment tests be performed, which could result in management determining the value of long-lived assets is impaired, resulting in a write-down of the long-lived assets.

 

18


Goodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of a certain asset may be impaired. This evaluation requires management to make judgments relating to future cash flows, growth rates, and economic and market conditions. These evaluations are based on determining the fair value of a reporting unit or asset using a valuation method such as discounted cash flow or a relative, market-based approach. Historically, the Company has generated sufficient returns to recover the cost of goodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets. Because of the nature of the factors used in these tests, if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted.

Income Taxes

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in our financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from taxing authorities. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the financial statements as appropriate. We account for uncertain tax positions by determining the minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. This determination requires the use of judgment in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items.

Self-Insurance

We use a combination of third-party insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including, but not limited to, workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, property and the Company’s obligation for employee-related health care benefits. Liabilities associated with any claims are estimated by considering historical claims experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. In calculating our liability, we analyze our historical trends, including loss development, and apply appropriate loss development factors to the incurred costs associated with the claims made against our self-insured program. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be significantly affected if future occurrences or loss development differ from these assumptions. For example, for our workers’ compensation and general liability accrual, a 1% increase or decrease to the assumptions for claims costs or loss development factors would increase or decrease our self-insurance accrual by $27 million.

 

19


Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains statements that Walmart believes are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Those statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that Act. Those forward-looking statements include statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: under the captions “Company Performance Metrics—GrowthNet Sales” and “Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations” with respect to the volatility of currency exchange rates possibly continuing to affect Walmart’s net sales in the future; under the caption “Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations” with respect to the volatility of currency exchange rates possibly continuing to affect Walmart’s operating income in the future and with respect to Walmart’s fiscal 2012 annual effective tax rate and the factors that may impact that annual effective tax rate; under the caption “Results of Operations—Walmart International Segment” with respect to the volatility of currency exchange rates possibly continuing to affect our Walmart International segment’s net sales and operating results in the future; under the caption “Results of Operations—Sam’s Club Segment” with respect to the volatility of fuel prices possibly continuing to affect our Sam’s Club segment’s net sales and operating income in the future; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Investing Activities” with respect to Walmart’s expected capital expenditures in fiscal 2012; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesGlobal Expansion Activities” with respect to Walmart’s expectation that it will finance its fiscal 2012 global expansion plans primarily through cash flows from operations and future debt financings, with respect to Walmart’s expected capital expenditures in fiscal 2012, with respect to the estimated/projected growth in retail square feet in total and by operating segment in fiscal 2012 and with respect to the allocation of capital expenditures for property and equipment in fiscal 2012; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesPending Business Acquisitions”, as well as in Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to Walmart’s expected consummation of certain acquisitions in fiscal 2012; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Financing ActivitiesDividends,” as well as in Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and elsewhere under the caption “Dividends payable per share”, regarding the payment of dividends in fiscal 2011 with respect to Walmart’s expected payment of dividends on certain dates in fiscal 2012 and the expected total amount of dividends to be paid in fiscal 2012; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources” with respect to Walmart’s ability to finance seasonal build-ups in inventories and to meet other cash requirements with cash flows from operations and short-term borrowings, Walmart’s ability to fund certain cash flow shortfalls by short-term borrowings and long-term debt, Walmart’s plan to refinance long-term debt as it matures, Walmart’s anticipated funding of any shortfall in cash to pay dividends and make capital expenditures through short-term borrowings and long-term debt, Walmart’s plan to refinance existing long-term debt as it matures and may obtain additional long-term financing for other corporate purposes, Walmart’s ability to obtain financing from the commercial paper and long-term debt markets, the factors that influence Walmart’s ability to access those markets on favorable terms and the factors that could adversely affect Walmart’s ability to access those markets on favorable terms; under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Off Balance Sheet Arrangements” with respect to the amount of increases in payments under operating leases if certain leases are executed; and under the caption “Market Risk” regarding future cash flows regarding certain instruments. These forward-looking statements also include statements in: Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the weighted-average periods over which certain compensation cost is expected to be recognized; Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the possible reduction of U.S. tax liability on accumulated but undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, the realization of certain deferred tax assets, possible reduction of unrecognized tax benefits, the reasons for such reductions and the magnitude of their impact on our results of operations and financial condition, and the possibility that the resolution of certain non-U.S. federal income tax matters could result in a material liability for us; Note 12 regarding an adverse decision in, or settlement of, certain litigation to which Walmart is a party possibly resulting in liability adverse to Walmart; and Note 14 regarding a charge as to a benefit plan being recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 . In addition, these statements include a statement in the material in this Annual Report entitled “Our Financial Priorities” relating to Walmart’s expectation as to the growth of its net sales and the methods of that growth. The letter of our President and Chief Executive Officer appearing in this Annual Report includes forward-looking statements that relate to: management’s expectation that sales momentum for Walmart’s Sam’s Club segment will continue in fiscal 2012, Walmart’s Global Customer Insight Group helping drive growth and Walmart continuing to leverage its resources, lower costs and increasing its speed to market. Forward-looking statements appear in this Annual Report under the heading “Walmart—Leveraging our foundation to reach more American families” and relate to management’s expectations regarding implementation of a four-point plan to improve comparable stores sales, opening our Walmart U.S. segment’s first convenience format stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and the size of, and merchandise to be sold in, those stores, and that top line sales growth will further enhance the Walmart U.S. segment’s ability to drive expense leverage. In addition, a forward-looking statement appears in this Annual Report under the heading “Walmart International—Driving aggressive global growth and increased leverage” regarding management’s expectation for growth in the Walmart International segment in fiscal 2012, both through growth in square footage in current markets and through investments in certain formats in emerging markets. Moreover, a forward-looking statement appears under the heading “Sam’s Club—Delivering growth through Savings Made Simple” and relates to management’s expectations for our Sam’s Club segment that new merchandise items will be added and that initiatives are on the way to help the Sam’s segment better leverage its expenses in fiscal 2012. The forward-looking statements described above are identified by the use in such statements of one or more of the words or phrases “anticipate,” “could be,” “could reduce,” “estimated,” “expansion,” “expect,” “grow,” “is expected,” “is implementing,” “may be reduced,” “may continue,” “may impact,” “may result,” “on the way,” “projected,” “will be,” “will be paid,” “will be recorded,” “will continue,” “will depend,” “ will further enhance,” “will expand,” “will help drive,” “will open,” “ would be,” and “would increase,” and other similar words or phrases. Similarly, descriptions of our objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth, future revenues, future cash flows, future capital expenditures, future performance, future initiatives and the anticipation and expectations of Walmart and its management as to future occurrences and trends.

 

20


The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report and that we make elsewhere are subject to certain factors, in the United States and internationally, could materially affect our financial performance, our results of operations, including our sales, earnings per share or comparable store sales or comparable club sales for any period, our effective tax rate, business operations, business strategy, plans, goals and objectives. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including changes in the economy of the United States or other countries, economic instability, changes in the monetary policies of the United States, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, other governments or central banks, the current economic crisis and disruptions in the financial markets, including as a result of sovereign debt crises, governmental budget deficits, unemployment levels, credit availability to consumers and businesses, levels of consumer disposable income, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and debt levels, inflation, deflation, the cost of the goods we sell, labor costs, transportation costs, the cost of diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas and electricity, the cost of healthcare benefits, accident costs, our casualty and other insurance costs, information security costs, the cost of construction materials, availability of acceptable building sites for new stores, clubs and other formats, competitive pressures, accident-related costs, weather patterns, catastrophic events, storm and other damage to our stores and distribution centers, weather-related closing of stores, availability and transport of goods from domestic and foreign suppliers, currency exchange fluctuations and volatility, trade restrictions, changes in tariff and freight rates, adoption of or changes in tax, labor and other laws and regulations that affect our business, costs of compliance with laws and regulations, the resolution of tax matters, the outcome of legal proceedings to which we are a party, interest rate fluctuations, and other capital market, economic and geo-political conditions and events, including civil unrest and terrorist attacks. Moreover, we typically earn a disproportionate part of our annual operating income in the fourth quarter as a result of the seasonal buying patterns. Those buying patterns are difficult to forecast with certainty. The foregoing list of factors that may affect our performance is not exclusive. Other factors and unanticipated events could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain risk factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity in other of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2011, with the SEC on March 30, 2011. The forward-looking statements described above are made based on knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate. However, because of the factors described and listed above, as well as other factors, or as a result of changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstance, actual results may materially differ from anticipated results described or implied in these forward-looking statements. We cannot assure the reader that the results or developments expected or anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for us or affect us, our business or our operations in the way we expect. You are urged to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

 

21


WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Amounts in millions except per share data)    Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010
As Adjusted
    2009
As Adjusted
 

Revenues:

      

Net sales

   $ 418,952      $ 405,132      $ 401,087   

Membership and other income

     2,897        2,953        3,167   
                        
     421,849        408,085        404,254   

Costs and expenses:

      

Cost of sales

     315,287        304,444        303,941   

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

     81,020        79,639        77,546   
                        

Operating income

     25,542        24,002        22,767   

Interest:

      

Debt

     1,928        1,787        1,896   

Capital leases

     277        278        288   

Interest income

     (201     (181     (284
                        

Interest, net

     2,004        1,884        1,900   
                        

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     23,538        22,118        20,867   

Provision for income taxes:

      

Current

     6,703        7,643        6,564   

Deferred

     876        (487     569   
                        
     7,579        7,156        7,133   
                        

Income from continuing operations

     15,959        14,962        13,734   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     1,034        (79     146   
                        

Consolidated net income

     16,993        14,883        13,880   

Less consolidated net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (604     (513     (499
                        

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

   $ 16,389      $ 14,370      $ 13,381   
                        

Basic net income per common share:

      

Basic income per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart

   $ 4.20      $ 3.74      $ 3.36   

Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations attributable to Walmart

     0.28        (0.02     0.04   
                        

Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart

   $ 4.48      $ 3.72      $ 3.40   
                        

Diluted net income per common share:

      

Diluted income per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart

   $ 4.18      $ 3.73      $ 3.35   

Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations attributable to Walmart

     0.29        (0.02     0.04   
                        

Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart

   $ 4.47      $ 3.71      $ 3.39   
                        

Weighted-average number of common shares:

      

Basic

     3,656        3,866        3,939   

Diluted

     3,670        3,877        3,951   

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 1.21      $ 1.09      $ 0.95   

See accompanying notes.

 

22


WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     As of January 31,  
(Amounts in millions except per share data)    2011     2010
As Adjusted
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,395      $ 7,907   

Receivables, net

     5,089        4,144   

Inventories

     36,318        32,713   

Prepaid expenses and other

     2,960        3,128   

Current assets of discontinued operations

     131        140   
                

Total current assets

     51,893        48,032   

Property and equipment:

    

Land

     24,386        22,591   

Buildings and improvements

     79,051        73,657   

Fixtures and equipment

     38,290        34,035   

Transportation equipment

     2,595        2,355   

Construction in process

     4,262        5,210   
                

Property and equipment

     148,584        137,848   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (43,486     (38,304
                

Property and equipment, net

     105,098        99,544   

Property under capital leases:

    

Property under capital leases

     5,905        5,669   

Less accumulated amortization

     (3,125     (2,906
                

Property under capital leases, net

     2,780        2,763   

Goodwill

     16,763        16,126   

Other assets and deferred charges

     4,129        3,942   
                

Total assets

   $ 180,663      $ 170,407   
                

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term borrowings

   $ 1,031      $ 523   

Accounts payable

     33,557        30,451   

Accrued liabilities

     18,701        18,734   

Accrued income taxes

     157        1,347   

Long-term debt due within one year

     4,655        4,050   

Obligations under capital leases due within one year

     336        346   

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

     47        92   
                

Total current liabilities

     58,484        55,543   

Long-term debt

     40,692        33,231   

Long-term obligations under capital leases

     3,150        3,170   

Deferred income taxes and other

     6,682        5,508   

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     408        307   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Equity:

    

Preferred stock ($0.10 par value; 100 shares authorized, none issued)

     —          —     

Common stock ($0.10 par value; 11,000 shares authorized, 3,516 and 3,786 issued and outstanding at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)

     352        378   

Capital in excess of par value

     3,577        3,803   

Retained earnings

     63,967        66,357   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     646        (70
                

Total Walmart shareholders’ equity

     68,542        70,468   

Noncontrolling interest

     2,705        2,180   
                

Total equity

     71,247        72,648   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 180,663      $ 170,407   
                

See accompanying notes.

 

23


WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)    Number of
Shares
    Common
Stock
    Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Walmart
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 

Balances – February 1, 2008 (As Adjusted)

     3,973      $ 397      $ 3,028      $ 57,022      $ 3,864      $ 64,311      $ 1,939      $ 66,250   

Consolidated net income

     —          —          —          13,381        —          13,381        499        13,880   

Other comprehensive income

     —          —          —            (6,552     (6,552     (371     (6,923

Cash dividends ($0.95 per share)

     —          —          —          (3,746     —          (3,746     —          (3,746

Purchase of Company stock

     (61     (6     (95     (3,315     —          (3,416     —          (3,416

Other

     13        2        987        2        —          991        (273     718   
                                                                

Balances – January 31, 2009 (As Adjusted)

     3,925        393        3,920        63,344        (2,688     64,969        1,794        66,763   

Consolidated net income (excludes redeemable noncontrolling interest)

     —          —          —          14,370        —          14,370        499        14,869   

Other comprehensive income

             2,618        2,618        64        2,682   

Cash dividends ($1.09 per share)

     —          —          —          (4,217     —          (4,217     —          (4,217

Purchase of Company stock

     (145     (15     (246     (7,136     —          (7,397     —          (7,397

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —          —          (288     —          —          (288     —          (288

Other

     6        —          417        (4     —          413        (177     236   
                                                                

Balances – January 31, 2010 (As Adjusted)

     3,786        378        3,803        66,357        (70     70,468        2,180        72,648   

Consolidated net income (excludes redeemable noncontrolling interest)

     —          —          —          16,389        —          16,389        584        16,973   

Other comprehensive income

     —          —          —            716        716        162        878   

Cash dividends ($1.21 per share)

     —          —          —          (4,437     —          (4,437     —          (4,437

Purchase of Company stock

     (280     (28     (487     (14,319     —          (14,834     —          (14,834

Other

     10        2        261        (23     —          240        (221     19   
                                                                

Balances – January 31, 2011

     3,516      $ 352      $ 3,577      $ 63,967      $ 646      $ 68,542      $ 2,705      $ 71,247   
                                                                

See accompanying notes.

WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Comprehensive Income

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010
As Adjusted
    2009
As Adjusted
 

Consolidated net income:

      

Consolidated net income(1)

   $ 16,993      $ 14,883      $ 13,880   

Other comprehensive income:

      

Currency translation(2)

     1,137        2,854        (6,860

Net change in fair values of derivatives

     (17     94        (17

Minimum pension liability

     (145     (220     (46
                        

Total comprehensive income

     17,968        17,611        6,957   

Less amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interest:

      

Consolidated net income(1)

     (604     (513     (499

Currency translation(2)

     (259     (110     371   
                        

Amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     (863     (623     (128
                        

Comprehensive income attributable to Walmart

   $ 17,105      $ 16,988      $ 6,829   
                        

 

(1)

Includes $20 million and $14 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, that is related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest.

(2)

Includes $97 million and $46 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, that is related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest.

See accompanying notes.

 

24


WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(Amounts in millions)    Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010
As Adjusted
    2009
As Adjusted
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Consolidated net income

   $ 16,993      $ 14,883      $ 13,880   

Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (1,034     79        (146
                        

Income from continuing operations

     15,959        14,962        13,734   

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     7,641        7,157        6,739   

Deferred income taxes

     651        (504     581   

Other operating activities

     1,087        318        752   

Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

      

Accounts receivable

     (733     (297     (101

Inventories

     (3,086     2,213        (184

Accounts payable

     2,557        1,052        (410

Accrued liabilities

     (433     1,348        2,036   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     23,643        26,249        23,147   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Payments for property and equipment

     (12,699     (12,184     (11,499

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     489        1,002        714   

Proceeds from disposal of certain international operations, net

     —          —          838   

Investments and business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (202     —          (1,576

Other investing activities

     219        (438     781   
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,193     (11,620     (10,742

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net change in short-term borrowings

     503        (1,033     (3,745

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     11,396        5,546        6,566   

Payments of long-term debt

     (4,080     (6,033     (5,387

Dividends paid

     (4,437     (4,217     (3,746

Purchase of Company stock

     (14,776     (7,276     (3,521

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —          (436     —     

Payment of capital lease obligations

     (363     (346     (352

Other financing activities

     (271     (396     267   
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12,028     (14,191     (9,918

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     66        194        (781
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (512     632        1,706   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     7,907        7,275        5,569   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 7,395      $ 7,907      $ 7,275   
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Income tax paid

   $ 6,984      $ 7,389      $ 6,596   

Interest paid

     2,163        2,141        1,787   

Capital lease obligations incurred

     49        61        284   

See accompanying notes.

 

25


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart,” the “Company” or “we”) operates retail stores in various formats around the world, aggregated into three reportable segments: (1) the Walmart U.S. segment; (2) the Walmart International segment; and (3) the Sam’s Club segment. We are committed to saving people money so they can live better. We earn the trust of our customers every day by providing a broad assortment of quality merchandise and services at every day low prices (“EDLP”) while fostering a culture that rewards and embraces mutual respect, integrity and diversity. EDLP is our pricing philosophy under which we price items at a low price every day so our customers trust that our prices will not change under frequent promotional activity. Our fiscal year ends on January 31.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50% or less owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) are accounted for using the equity method. These investments are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua and the United Kingdom are consolidated using a December 31 fiscal year-end, generally due to statutory reporting requirements. There were no significant intervening events during January 2011 which materially affected the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s operations in the United States and Canada are consolidated using a January 31 fiscal year-end.

Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Those principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Management’s estimates and assumptions also affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card and EBT transactions that process in less than seven days are classified as cash and cash equivalents. The amounts due from banks for these transactions classified as cash totaled $1.2 billion and $2.6 billion at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, cash and cash equivalents includes restricted cash related to cash collateral holdings from various counterparties as required by certain derivative and trust agreements of $504 million and $469 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Receivables

Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from:

 

   

insurance companies resulting from our pharmacy sales;

 

   

banks for customer credit card, debit card and electronic bank transfers that take in excess of seven days to process;

 

   

suppliers for marketing or incentive programs;

 

   

consumer financing programs in certain international subsidiaries; and

 

   

real estate transactions.

We establish a reserve for uncollectible receivables based on historical trends in collection of past due amounts and write-off history. Our overall reserve for uncollectible receivables was $252 million and $298 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

26


Our Walmart International segment offers a limited amount of consumer credit products, principally through our subsidiaries in Chile, Canada and Mexico. At January 31, 2011, the balance of these receivables was $673 million, net of its reserve for doubtful accounts of $83 million, and is included in receivables, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Inventories

The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market as determined primarily by the retail method of accounting, using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for substantially all of the Walmart U.S. segment’s merchandise inventories. The retail method of accounting results in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market since permanent markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory. The Sam’s Club segment’s merchandise is valued based on the weighted-average cost using the LIFO method. Inventories for the Walmart International operations are primarily valued by the retail method of accounting and are stated using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, our inventories valued at LIFO approximate those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO.

As discussed in Note 2, effective May 1, 2010, the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method for valuing inventory for its operations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Gains or losses on disposition are recognized as earned or incurred. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Property and equipment are generally depreciated over the following estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis:

 

Buildings and improvements

     3–40 years   

Fixtures and equipment

     3–25 years   

Transportation equipment

     4–15 years   

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining expected lease term. If significant expenditures are made for leasehold improvements late in the expected term of a lease and renewal is reasonably assured, the useful life of the leasehold improvement is limited to the end of the renewal period or economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense, including amortization of property under capital leases, for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $7.6 billion, $7.2 billion and $6.7 billion, respectively.

Capitalized Interest

The interest costs associated with construction projects are capitalized and included as part of the cost of the project. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended on the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project is substantially complete. Interest costs capitalized on construction projects were $63 million, $85 million and $88 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are stated at cost. Management reviews long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which is at the individual store level or in certain circumstances a market group of stores. Undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset’s useful life based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, any potential impairment is measured based upon the fair value of the related asset or asset group as determined by an appropriate market appraisal or other valuation technique.

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations and is allocated to the appropriate segment when acquired. Other acquired intangible assets are stated at the fair value acquired as determined by a valuation technique commensurate with the intended use of the related asset. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized; rather, they are evaluated for impairment annually during our fourth fiscal quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of the asset may be impaired. Definite-lived intangible assets are considered long-lived assets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods that expected economic benefits will be provided.

 

27


Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by determining the fair value of the related reporting unit. Fair value is measured based on discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches. The analyses require significant management judgment to evaluate the capacity of an acquired business to perform within projections. The Company has not recorded impairment charges related to goodwill.

The following table reflects goodwill activity, by operating segment, for fiscal years 2011 and 2010:

 

(Amounts in millions)    Walmart U.S.      Walmart
International
     Sam’s Club      Total  

February 1, 2009

   $ 207       $ 14,740       $ 313       $ 15,260   

Currency translation and other

     —           866         —           866   
                                   

January 31, 2010

     207         15,606         313         16,126   

Currency translation and other

     —           605         —           605   

Acquisitions

     32         —           —           32   
                                   

January 31, 2011

   $ 239       $ 16,211       $ 313       $ 16,763   
                                   

During fiscal 2011, Walmart U.S. completed an immaterial business acquisition that resulted in the recognition of $32 million in goodwill.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are included in other assets and deferred charges on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are evaluated for impairment based on their fair values using valuation techniques which are updated annually based on the most recent variables and assumptions. There were no impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Self-Insurance Reserves

The Company uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including, but not limited to, workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, property and the Company’s obligation for employee-related health care benefits. Liabilities relating to these claims associated with these risks are estimated by considering historical claims experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors, and other actuarial assumptions. In estimating our liability for such claims, we periodically analyze our historical trends, including loss development, and apply appropriate loss development factors to the incurred costs associated with the claims. See Note 6.

 

28


Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes sales revenue net of sales taxes and estimated sales returns at the time it sells merchandise to the customer. Customer purchases of shopping cards are not recognized as revenue until the card is redeemed and the customer purchases merchandise by using the shopping card. The Company also recognizes revenue from service transactions at the time the service is performed. Generally, revenue from services is classified as a component of net sales on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Sam’s Club Membership Fee Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes Sam’s Club membership fee revenue both in the United States and internationally over the term of the membership, which is 12 months. The following table summarizes membership fee activity for each of the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Deferred membership fee revenue, beginning of year

   $ 532      $ 541      $ 551   

Cash received from members

     1,074        1,048        1,044   

Membership fee revenue recognized

     (1,064     (1,057     (1,054
                        

Deferred membership fee revenue, end of year

   $ 542      $ 532      $ 541   
                        

Sam’s Club membership fee revenue is included in membership and other income in the revenues section of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The deferred membership fee is included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes actual product cost, the cost of transportation to the Company’s warehouses, stores and clubs from suppliers, the cost of transportation from the Company’s warehouses to the stores and clubs and the cost of warehousing for our Sam’s Club segment and import distribution centers.

Payments from Suppliers

Walmart receives money from suppliers for various programs, primarily volume incentives, warehouse allowances and reimbursements for specific programs such as markdowns, margin protection and advertising. Substantially all payments from suppliers are accounted for as a reduction of inventory purchases and recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income when the related inventory is sold.

Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses include all operating costs of the Company, except those costs related to the transportation of products from the supplier to the warehouses, stores or clubs, the costs related to the transportation of products from the warehouses to the stores or clubs and the cost of warehousing for our Sam’s Club segment and import distribution centers. As a result, the majority of the cost of warehousing and occupancy for our Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments’ distribution facilities is included in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses. Because we do not include most of the cost of our Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments’ distribution facilities in cost of sales, our gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales (our “gross profit margin”) may not be comparable to those of other retailers that may include all costs related to their distribution facilities in cost of sales and in the calculation of gross profit.

 

29


Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $2.5 billion, $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Advertising costs consist primarily of print, television and digital advertisements. Advertising reimbursements received from suppliers are generally accounted for as a reduction of purchases and recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income when the related inventory is sold.

Leases

The Company estimates the expected term of a lease by assuming the exercise of renewal options where an economic penalty exists that would preclude the abandonment of the lease at the end of the initial non-cancelable term and the exercise of such renewal is at the sole discretion of the Company. This expected term is used in the determination of whether a store or club lease is a capital or operating lease and in the calculation of straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the useful life of leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term or the economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter. If significant expenditures are made for leasehold improvements late in the expected term of a lease and renewal is reasonably assured, the useful life of the leasehold improvement is limited to the end of the renewal period or economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter.

Rent abatements and escalations are considered in the calculation of minimum lease payments in the Company’s capital lease tests and in determining straight-line rent expense for operating leases.

Pre-Opening Costs

The costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, related to new store openings, store remodels, expansions and relocations are expensed as incurred and included in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Pre-opening costs totaled $320 million, $227 million and $289 million for the years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of all international subsidiaries are translated from the respective local currency to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The income statements of international subsidiaries are translated from the respective local currencies to the U.S. dollar using average exchange rates for the period covered by the income statements. Related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Reclassifications

In connection with the Company’s finance transformation project, we reviewed and adjusted the classification of certain revenue and expense items within our Consolidated Statements of Income for financial reporting purposes. The reclassifications did not impact operating income or consolidated net income attributable to Walmart. The changes were effective February 1, 2010 and have been reflected in all periods presented.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A new accounting standard, effective for and adopted by the Company on February 1, 2010, changes the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and requires companies to assess more frequently whether they must consolidate VIEs. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Accounting Change

Effective May 1, 2010, the Company implemented a new financial system for its operations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Concurrent with this implementation and the increased system capabilities, the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method of accounting for inventory in these operations from 13 divisions to 49 departments. The Company believes the change is preferable because applying the retail method of accounting for inventory at the departmental level better segregates merchandise with similar cost-to-retail ratios and turnover, as well as providing a more accurate cost of goods sold and ending inventory value at the lower of cost or market for each reporting period. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented.

 

30


The retrospective application of the accounting change impacted the following financial statement line items:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
January 31, 2010
     Fiscal Year Ended
January 31, 2009
 
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)    As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted      As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Consolidated Statements of Income:

               

Cost of sales (1)

   $ 304,657       $ (213   $ 304,444       $ 304,056       $ (115   $ 303,941   

Operating income

     23,950         52        24,002         22,798         (31     22,767   

Provision for income taxes

     7,139         17        7,156         7,145         (12     7,133   

Income from continuing operations

     14,927         35        14,962         13,753         (19     13,734   

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

     14,335         35        14,370         13,400         (19     13,381   

Basic net income per share attributable to Walmart

     3.71         0.01        3.72         3.40         —          3.40   

Diluted net income per share attributable to Walmart

     3.70         0.01        3.71         3.39         —          3.39   

 

(1)

The cost of sales adjustments includes $(52) million and $31 million pertaining to the accounting change for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Certain reclassifications that had no effect on operating income or on the consolidated net income attributable to Walmart represent the remainder of the amounts included in the cost of sales adjustment columns above.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2010  
(Amounts in millions)    As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Consolidated Balance Sheets:

       

Inventories

   $ 33,160       $ (447   $ 32,713   

Prepaid expenses and other

     2,980         148        3,128   

Accrued income taxes

     1,365         (18     1,347   

Retained earnings

     66,638         (281     66,357   

Note 3. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart is based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart is based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of share-based awards. The dilutive effect of share-based awards was 14 million, 11 million and 12 million shares in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company had approximately 4 million, 5 million and 6 million stock options outstanding at January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which were not included in the diluted net income per common share calculation because their effect would be antidilutive.

For purposes of determining consolidated net income per common share attributable to Walmart, income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart and the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 15,959      $ 14,962      $ 13,734   

Less consolidated net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (604     (513     (499
                        

Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart

     15,355        14,449        13,235   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     1,034        (79     146   
                        

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

   $ 16,389      $ 14,370      $ 13,381   
                        

 

31


Note 4. Share-Based Compensation

As of January 31, 2011, the Company has awarded share-based compensation to executives and other associates of the Company through various share-based compensation plans. The compensation cost recognized for all plans was $371 million, $335 million and $302 million for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Virtually all of our share-based compensation costs are classified as operating, selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The total income tax benefit recognized for all share-based compensation plans was $141 million, $126 million and $112 million for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The following table summarizes our share-based compensation expense by award type:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010      2009  

Restricted stock and performance share awards

   $ 162       $ 140       $ 134   

Restricted stock rights

     157         111         74   

Stock options

     52         84         94   
                          

Share-based compensation expense

   $ 371       $ 335       $ 302   
                          

The Company’s shareholder-approved Stock Incentive Plan of 2010 (the “Plan”), which amended and restated the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, effective June 4, 2010, was established to grant stock options, restricted (non-vested) stock, performance shares and other equity compensation awards to its associates and nonemployee directors for which 210 million shares of common stock issued or to be issued under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company believes that such awards serve to align the interests of its associates with those of its shareholders.

Under the Plan and prior plans, substantially all stock option awards have been granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. Options granted generally vest over five years and have a contractual term of 10 years.

The Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary, ASDA, also offers two other stock option plans to its colleagues. The first plan, the ASDA Colleague Share Ownership Plan 1999 (the “CSOP”), grants options to certain colleagues. The initial CSOP grants have both a three-year and a six-year vesting with subsequent grants vesting over six years. The CSOP shares have an exercise period of two months immediately following the vesting date. The second plan, the ASDA Sharesave Plan 2000 (the “Sharesave Plan”), grants options to certain colleagues at 80% of the average market value of the three days preceding the date of grant. Sharesave options become exercisable after three years and generally expire six months after becoming exercisable. A combined 49 million shares of common stock were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for issuance upon the exercise of stock options granted under the CSOP and the Sharesave Plan.

Restricted Stock and Performance Share Awards

Under the Plan, the Company grants various types of awards of restricted stock to certain associates. These grants include awards for shares that vest based on the passage of time, performance criteria, or both. Vesting periods vary. Restricted stock awards granted before January 1, 2008 may be settled in stock, or deferred as stock or cash, based upon the associate’s election. Consequently, these awards are classified as liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, unless the associate has elected for the award to be settled or deferred in stock. Restricted stock awards issued in fiscal 2009 and thereafter generally are settled or deferred in stock.

Performance share awards under the Plan vest based on the passage of time and achievement of performance criteria. Based on the extent to which the targets are achieved, vested shares may range from 0% to 150% of the original award amount. Because the performance shares issued before January 1, 2008 may be settled in stock or cash, the performance shares are included in accrued liabilities and deferred income taxes and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, unless the associate has elected for the award to be settled or deferred in stock. Beginning in fiscal 2009, performance shares issued are settled or deferred in stock; therefore, they are accounted for as equity in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of performance share awards accounted for as equity is determined on the date of grant using the stock price discounted for the expected dividend yield through the vesting period and is recognized ratably over the vesting period.

The fair value of the restricted stock and performance share liabilities is remeasured each reporting period. The total liability for restricted stock and performance share awards at January 31, 2011 and 2010 was $12 million and $63 million, respectively.

 

32


A summary of the Company’s restricted stock and performance share award activity for fiscal 2011 presented below represents the maximum number of shares that could be earned or vested under the Plan (in thousands, except per share prices):

 

Restricted Stock and Performance Share Awards    Shares     Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 

Restricted Stock and Performance Share Awards at February 1, 2010

     14,324      $ 50.18   

Granted

     4,842        55.52   

Vested

     (3,533     48.90   

Forfeited

     (2,016     50.88   
                

Restricted Stock and Performance Share Awards at January 31, 2011

     13,617      $ 52.33   
                

As of January 31, 2011, there was $331 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock and performance share awards granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, was $142 million, $110 million and $55 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Rights

In fiscal 2007, the Company began issuing restricted stock rights to most associates in lieu of stock option awards. Restricted stock rights are associate rights to Company stock after a specified service period. Grants issued before fiscal 2009 typically vest over five years with 40% vesting three years from grant date and the remaining 60% vesting five years from grant date. Beginning in fiscal 2009, the vesting schedule was adjusted for new grants to 50% vesting three years from grant date and the remaining 50% vesting five years from grant date. The fair value of each restricted stock right is determined on the date of grant using the stock price discounted for the expected dividend yield through the vesting period and is recognized ratably over the vesting period. Expected dividend yield over the vesting period is based on the expected dividend yield rate over the life of the grant. The weighted-average discount for the dividend yield used to determine the fair value of restricted stock rights granted in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was 9.1%, 8.5% and 6.8%, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock rights activity for fiscal 2011 presented below represents the maximum number of shares that could be earned or vested under the Plan (in thousands, except per share prices):

 

Restricted Stock Rights    Shares     Weighted-
Average

Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 

Restricted Stock Rights at February 1, 2010

     14,024      $ 46.50   

Granted

     5,520        50.04   

Vested

     (1,177     42.72   

Forfeited

     (1,529     47.38   
                

Restricted Stock Rights at January 31, 2011

     16,838      $ 47.71   
                

As of January 31, 2011, there was $397 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock rights granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. The fair value of the restricted stock rights vested in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, was $50 million, $49 million, and $0 million, respectively.

Stock Options

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model that uses various assumptions for inputs, which are noted in the following table. Generally, the Company uses expected volatilities and risk-free interest rates that correlate with the expected term of the option when estimating an option’s fair value. To determine the expected life of the option, the Company bases its estimates on historical exercise and expiration activity of grants with similar vesting periods. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our stock. The expected risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of the grant. The expected dividend yield over the vesting period is based on the expected dividend yield rate over the life of the grant. The following table represents the weighted-average assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair values of the Company’s stock options at the grant dates:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  

Dividend yield

     2.3     2.1     1.9

Volatility

     17.1     18.7     16.7

Risk-free interest rate

     1.8     1.4     2.0

Expected life in years

     3.1        3.1        3.4   

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

   $ 12.53      $ 10.41      $ 9.97   

 

33


Stock options granted during fiscal 2011 were primarily issued under the Sharesave Plan. A summary of the stock option award activity for fiscal 2011 is presented below (in thousands, except years and per share prices):

 

Stock Options    Shares     Weighted-
Average

Exercise
Price

Per Share
     Weighted-
Average

Remaining
Life in Years
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at February 1, 2010

     41,959      $ 49.32         

Granted

     1,921        43.79         

Exercised

     (7,868     47.66         

Forfeited or expired

     (2,626     49.85         
                      

Outstanding at January 31, 2011

     33,386        49.35         4.2       $ 228,076   
                                  

Exercisable at January 31, 2011

     23,793      $ 51.31         3.2       $ 117,319   
                                  

As of January 31, 2011, there was $42 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. The following table includes additional information related to stock options:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010      2009  

Fair value of stock options vested

   $ 54       $ 79       $ 107   

Intrinsic value of stock options excercised

     51         39         173   

Proceeds from stock option exercised

     205         111         585   

Note 5. Restructuring Charges

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company announced several organizational changes, including the closure of 10 Sam’s Clubs, designed to strengthen and streamline our operations. As a result, the Company recorded $260 million in pre-tax restructuring charges as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2010  
(Amounts in millions)    Asset
Impairment
     Severance
Costs
     Total  

Walmart U.S.

   $ —         $ 73       $ 73   

Sam’s Club

     133         41         174   

Other

     —           13         13   
                          

Total

   $ 133       $ 127       $ 260   
                          

The asset impairment charges generally relate to the real estate of the Sam’s Club closures, which was written down to their estimated fair value of $46 million. The fair value was determined based on comparable market values of similar properties or on a rental income approach, using Level 2 inputs of the three-tier fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8.

The pre-tax restructuring charges of $260 million are classified in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. At January 31, 2010, we had $127 million of severance costs included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. These severance costs were paid during fiscal 2011.

 

34


Note 6. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

     As of January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010  

Accrued wages and benefits(1)

   $ 5,895       $ 5,986   

Self-insurance(2)

     3,447         3,224   

Other(3)

     9,359         9,524   
                 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 18,701       $ 18,734   
                 

 

(1) Accrued wages and benefits include accrued wages, salaries, vacation, bonuses and other incentive plans.
(2) Self-insurance consists of all insurance-related liabilities, such as workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, property and employee related health care benefits.
(3) Other accrued liabilities consists of various items such as accrued taxes, maintenance, utilities, advertising, interest, and severance liabilities.

Note 7. Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt

Information on short-term borrowings and interest rates is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Dollar amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end

   $ 9,282      $ 4,536      $ 7,866   

Average daily short-term borrowings

     4,020        1,596        4,520   

Weighted-average interest rate

     0.2     0.5     2.1

Short-term borrowings consist of commercial paper and lines of credit. Short-term borrowings outstanding at January 31, 2011 and 2010 were $1.0 billion and $523 million, respectively. The Company has certain lines of credit totaling $11.5 billion, most of which were undrawn as of January 31, 2011 and is committed with 28 financial institutions. In conjunction with these lines of credit, the Company has agreed to observe certain covenants, the most restrictive of which relates to maximum amounts of secured debt and long-term leases. Committed lines of credit are primarily used to support commercial paper. The portion of committed lines of credit used to support commercial paper remained undrawn as of January 31, 2011. The committed lines of credit mature at various times between June 2011 and June 2012, carry interest rates in some cases equal to the Company’s one-year credit default swap mid-rate spread and is constricted between LIBOR plus 10 basis and LIBOR plus 75 basis points, and incur commitment fees of 2.5 to 10.0 basis points.

The Company had trade letters of credit outstanding totaling $2.6 billion and $2.4 billion at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding totaling $2.0 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. These letters of credit were issued primarily for the purchase of inventory and self-insurance purposes.

 

35


Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

            January 31, 2011     January 31, 2010  
(In millions of U.S. dollars)    Maturity Dates
By Fiscal Year
     Amount     Average
Rate (1)
    Amount     Average
Rate (1)
 

Unsecured Debt

           

Fixed

      $ 29,945        4.7   $ 21,995        5.2

Variable

        500        5.0     1,000        5.6
                       

Total Denominated U.S. Dollar

     2012-2041         30,445          22,995     

Fixed

        1,369        4.9     1,386        4.9

Variable

        —          —          —          —     
                       

Total Denominated Euro

     2030         1,369          1,386     

Fixed

        6,402        5.2     6,390        5.2

Variable

        —          —          —          —     
                       

Total Denominated Sterling

     2013-2039         6,402          6,390     

Fixed

        3,085        1.5     2,029        1.7

Variable

        2,242        1.1     2,810        0.5
                       

Total Denominated Yen

     2012-2021         5,327          4,839     

Total Unsecured Debt

        43,543          35,610     

Total Other Debt (in USD)(2)

     2012-2029         1,537          1,411     
                       

Total Debt

        45,080          37,021     

Less amounts due within one year

        (4,655       (4,050  

Derivative fair value adjustments

        267          260     
                       

Long-term Debt

      $ 40,692        $ 33,231     
                       

 

(1) The average rate represents the weighted-average stated rate for each corresponding debt category, based on year-end balances and year-end local currency interest rates. Our interest costs are also impacted by certain derivative financial instruments described in Note 9.
(2) A portion of other debt includes secured debt in the amount of $303 million, which is collateralized by property with an aggregate carrying amount of approximately $1.1 billion.

The Company has $500 million in debt with embedded put options. The issuance of money market puttable reset securities in the amount of $500 million is structured to be remarketed in connection with the annual reset of the interest rate. If, for any reason, the remarketing of the notes does not occur at the time of any interest rate reset, the holders of the notes must sell, and the Company must repurchase, the notes at par. This issuance has been classified as long-term debt due within one year in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Annual maturities of long-term debt during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)    Annual  
Fiscal Year    Maturity  

2012

   $ 4,655   

2013

     1,744   

2014

     5,113   

2015

     2,832   

2016

     4,662   

Thereafter

     26,074   
        

Total

   $ 45,080   
        

 

36


Note 8. Fair Value Measurements

The Company records and discloses certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at their fair value. The fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor in a transaction between such parties, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

 

   

Level 1 - observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

 

   

Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

 

   

Level 3 - unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions.

The disclosure of fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at cost is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Short-term debt: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt: The fair value is based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements or, where applicable, quoted market prices. The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt as of January 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     January 31, 2011      January 31, 2010  
(Amounts in millions)    Carrying Value      Fair Value      Carrying Value      Fair Value  

Long-term debt, including amounts due within one year

   $ 45,347       $ 47,012       $ 37,281       $ 39,055   

Additionally, as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company held certain derivative asset and liability positions that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The majority of the Company’s derivative instruments relate to interest rate swaps. The fair values of these interest rate swaps have been measured in accordance with Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy, using the income approach. Related inputs include the relevant interest rate and foreign currency forward curves. As of January 31, 2011 and 2010, the notional amounts and fair values of these interest rate swaps are as follows (asset/(liability)):

 

(Amounts in millions)    January 31, 2011     January 31, 2010  
     Notional Amount      Fair Value     Notional Amount      Fair Value  

Receive fixed-rate, pay floating-rate interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges

   $ 4,445       $ 267      $ 4,445       $ 260   

Receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swaps designated as net investment hedges (Cross-currency notional amount: GBP 795 at January 31, 2011 and 2010)

     1,250         233        1,250         189   

Receive floating-rate, pay fixed-rate interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges

     1,182         (18     638         (20

Receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges

     2,902         238        2,902         286   
                                  

Total

   $ 9,779       $ 720      $ 9,235       $ 715   
                                  

The fair values above are the estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay upon a termination of the agreements relating to such instruments as of the reporting dates.

Note 9. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments for hedging and non-trading purposes to manage its exposure to changes in interest and currency exchange rates, as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed- and floating-rate debt. Use of derivative financial instruments in hedging programs subjects the Company to certain risks, such as market and credit risks. Market risk represents the possibility that the value of the derivative instrument will change. In a hedging relationship, the change in the value of the derivative is offset to a great extent by the change in the value of the underlying hedged item. Credit risk related to derivatives represents the possibility that the counterparty will not fulfill the terms of the contract. The notional, or contractual amount of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the Company’s exposure due to credit risk. Credit risk is monitored through established approval procedures, including setting concentration limits by counterparty, reviewing credit ratings and requiring collateral (generally cash) from the counterparty when appropriate.

 

37


The Company’s transactions are with counterparties rated “A” or better by nationally recognized credit rating agencies. In connection with various derivative agreements with counterparties, the Company held cash collateral from these counterparties of $344 million and $323 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. It is the Company’s policy to record cash collateral exclusive of any derivative asset, and any collateral holdings are reflected in the Company’s accrued liabilities as amounts due to the counterparties. Furthermore, as part of the master netting arrangements with these counterparties, the Company is also required to post collateral if the derivative liability position exceeds $150 million. The Company has no outstanding collateral postings and in the event of providing cash collateral, the Company would record the posting as a receivable exclusive of any derivative liability.

When the Company uses derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging its exposure to interest and currency exchange rates, the contract terms of a hedged instrument closely mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation. Contracts that are effective at meeting the risk reduction and correlation criteria are recorded using hedge accounting. If a derivative instrument is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of an instrument’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings during the period. Instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, or contracts for which the Company has not elected hedge accounting, are valued at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings during the period of change.

Fair Value Instruments

The Company is party to receive fixed-rate, pay floating-rate interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value of fixed-rate debt. Under certain swap agreements, the Company pays floating-rate interest and receives fixed-rate interest payments periodically over the life of the instruments. The notional amounts are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the exposure due to credit loss. The Company’s interest rate swaps that receive fixed-interest rate payments and pay floating-interest rate payments are designated as fair value hedges. As the specific terms and notional amounts of the derivative instruments match those of the instruments being hedged, the derivative instruments were assumed to be perfectly effective hedges and all changes in fair value of the hedges were recorded in long-term debt and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets with no net impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income. These fair value instruments will mature on various dates ranging from February 2011 to May 2014.

Net Investment Instruments

The Company is party to cross-currency interest rate swaps that hedge its net investment in the United Kingdom. The agreements are contracts to exchange fixed-rate payments in one currency for fixed-rate payments in another currency. All changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), offsetting the currency translation adjustment that is also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These instruments will mature on dates ranging from October 2023 to February 2030.

The Company has approximately £3.0 billion of outstanding debt that is designated as a hedge of the Company’s net investment in the United Kingdom as of January 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company also has outstanding, approximately ¥437.0 billion of debt that is designated as a hedge of the Company’s net investment in Japan at January 31, 2011 and 2010. Any translation of non-U.S.-denominated debt is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), offsetting the currency translation adjustment that is also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These instruments will mature on dates ranging from May 2011 to January 2039.

Cash Flow Instruments

The Company is party to receive floating-rate, pay fixed-rate interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk of certain non-U.S.-denominated debt. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of interest expense risk. Changes in the non-U.S. benchmark interest rate result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to offset the floating-rate interest expense. These cash flow instruments will mature on dates ranging from August 2013 to July 2015.

 

38


The Company is also party to receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the currency exposure associated with the forecasted payments of principal and interest of non-U.S.-denominated debt. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of the currency risk related to payments on the non-U.S.-denominated debt. Changes in the currency exchange rate result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to offset the remeasurement gain (loss) on the non-U.S.-denominated debt. These cash flow instruments will mature on dates ranging from September 2029 to March 2034. Any ineffectiveness with these instruments has been and is expected to be immaterial.

Financial Statement Presentation

Hedging instruments with an unrealized gain are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either a current or a non-current asset, based on maturity date, and those hedging instruments with an unrealized loss are recorded as either a current or a non-current liability, based on maturity date.

As of January 31, 2011 and 2010, our financial instruments were classified as follows in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

     January 31, 2011      January 31, 2010  
(Amounts in millions)    Fair Value
Instruments
     Net Investment
Hedge
     Cash Flow
Instruments
     Fair Value
Instruments
     Net Investment
Hedge
     Cash Flow
Instruments
 

Balance Sheet Classification:

                 

Other assets and deferred charges

   $ 267       $ 233       $ 238       $ 260       $ 189       $ 286   
                                                     

Assets subtotals

   $ 267       $ 233       $ 238       $ 260       $ 189       $ 286   
                                                     

Long-term debt

   $ 267       $ —         $ —         $ 260       $ —         $ —     

Deferred income taxes and other

     —           —           18         —           —           20   
                                                     

Liability subtotals

   $ 267       $ —         $ 18       $ 260       $ —         $ 20   
                                                     

Note 10. Taxes

Income from Continuing Operations

The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010      2009  

U.S.

   $ 18,398       $ 17,705       $ 16,212   

Non-U.S.

     5,140         4,413         4,655   
                          

Total income from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ 23,538       $ 22,118       $ 20,867   
                          

A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010
As Adjusted
    2009
As Adjusted
 

Current:

       

U.S. federal

   $ 4,600       $ 5,798      $ 4,771   

U.S. state and local

     637         599        564   

International

     1,466         1,246        1,229   
                         

Total current tax provision

     6,703         7,643        6,564   
                         

Deferred:

       

U.S. federal

     818         (432     603   

U.S. state and local

     39         78        41   

International

     19         (133     (75
                         

Total deferred tax provision

     876         (487     569   
                         

Total provision for income taxes

   $ 7,579       $ 7,156      $ 7,133   
                         

 

39


Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the significant differences between the U.S. statutory tax rate and the effective income tax rate on pretax income from continuing operations is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  

U.S. statutory tax rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     1.9     2.0     1.9

Income taxed outside the U.S.

     -2.2     -1.6     -1.7

Net impact of repatriated international earnings

     -1.5     -3.4     -1.1

Other, net

     -1.0     0.4     0.1
                        

Effective income tax rate

     32.2     32.4     34.2
                        

Deferred Taxes

The significant components of our deferred tax account balances are as follows:

 

     January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Loss and tax credit carryforwards

   $ 2,968      $ 2,713   

Accrued liabilities

     3,532        3,141   

Share-based compensation

     332        267   

Other

     708        751   
                

Total deferred tax assets

     7,540        6,872   

Valuation allowance

     (2,899     (2,167
                

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

   $ 4,641      $ 4,705   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property and equipment

   $ 4,848      $ 4,015   

Inventories

     1,014        972   

Other

     474        609   
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     6,336        5,596   
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 1,695      $ 891   
                

The deferred taxes noted above are classified as follows in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

      January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011      2010  

Balance Sheet Classification:

     

Assets:

     

Prepaid expenses and other

   $ 1,636       $ 1,534   

Other assets and deferred charges

     327         331   
                 

Asset subtotals

     1,963         1,865   
                 

Liabilities:

     

Accrued liabilities

     17         34   

Deferred income taxes and other

     3,641         2,722   
                 

Liability subtotals

     3,658         2,756   
                 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 1,695       $ 891   
                 

Unremitted Earnings

United States income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of the Company’s international subsidiaries of approximately $17.0 billion and $13.7 billion as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as the Company intends to permanently reinvest these amounts outside of the United States. However, if any portion were to be distributed, the related U.S. tax liability may be reduced by foreign income taxes paid on those earnings. Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these undistributed earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation.

 

40


Net Operating Losses, Tax Credit Carryforwards and Valuation Allowances

At January 31, 2011, the Company had U.S. capital loss carryforwards of $776 million and international net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards totaling approximately $4.1 billion. The U.S. capital loss carryforward will expire, if not utilized, in 2012. Of the international carryforwards, approximately $2.3 billion will expire, if not utilized, in various years through 2021. The remaining international carryforwards have no expiration. At January 31, 2011, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $1.3 billion, which will expire in various years through 2021 if not utilized.

As of January 31, 2011, the Company has provided a valuation allowance of approximately $2.9 billion on deferred tax assets associated primarily with net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards for which management has determined it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The $732 million net change in the valuation allowance during fiscal 2011 related to releases arising from the use of net operating loss carryforwards, increases in capital loss carryforwards, international net operating losses arising in fiscal 2011 and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax assets will be fully realized.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in our financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from taxing authorities.

As of January 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations was $795 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, of which, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate is $687 million and $671 million for January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits from continuing operations is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year

   $ 1,019      $ 1,017      $ 868   

Increases related to prior year tax positions

     101        129        296   

Decreases related to prior year tax positions

     (61     (33     (34

Increases related to current year tax positions

     199        246        129   

Settlements during the period

     (453     (340     (238

Lapse in statutes of limitations

     (10     —          (4
                        

Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year

   $ 795      $ 1,019      $ 1,017   
                        

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits as interest expense and as operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. During fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized interest related to uncertain tax positions of $45 million, $88 million and $109 million, respectively. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions of $205 million and $231 million, respectively, and $2 million of accrued penalties. There were no changes to accrued penalties recognized during the year.

During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that tax audit resolutions could reduce unrecognized tax benefits by between $330 million and $420 million, either because the tax positions are sustained on audit or because the Company agrees to their disallowance. The Company does not expect any change to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The Company is subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes generally for the fiscal years 2009 through 2011. The Company is also subject to income tax examinations for international income taxes for the tax years 2003 through 2010, and for state and local income taxes for the fiscal years generally 2006 through 2009.

Discontinued Operations

At January 31, 2010, the Company had an unrecognized tax benefit of $1.7 billion related to an ordinary worthless stock deduction from the fiscal 2007 disposition of its German operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, this matter was effectively settled with the Internal Revenue Service, which resulted in the reclassification of the deduction as an ordinary loss, a capital loss that the Company has fully offset with a valuation allowance, and a reduction in the accumulated but undistributed earnings of an international subsidiary. In connection with this settlement, the Company recorded a $1.0 billion tax benefit in discontinued operations on our Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 15) and a reduction of our accrued income tax liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 31, 2011.

 

41


Other Taxes

Additionally, the Company is subject to tax examinations for payroll, value added, sales-based and other non-income taxes. A number of these examinations are ongoing and, in certain cases, have resulted in assessments from the taxing authorities. Where appropriate, the Company has made accruals for these matters which are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. While these matters are individually immaterial, a group of related matters, if decided adversely to the Company, may result in a liability material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company’s derivative instruments and minimum pension liabilities are recorded net of their related income tax effects. The following table provides further detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Currency
Translation
    Derivative
Instruments
    Minimum Pension
Liability
    Total  
(Amounts in millions)                         

Balances at February 1, 2008

   $ 4,093      $ —        $ (229   $ 3,864   

Currency translation adjustment

     (6,489     —          —          (6,489

Net change in fair value of derivatives

     —          (17     —          (17

Subsidiary minimum pension liability

     —          —          (46     (46
                                

Balances at January 31, 2009

     (2,396     (17     (275     (2,688

Currency translation adjustment

     2,744        —          —          2,744   

Net change in fair value of derivatives

     —          94        —          94   

Subsidiary minimum pension liability

     —          —          (220     (220
                                

Balances at January 31, 2010

     348        77      $ (495     (70

Currency translation adjustment

     878        —          —          878   

Net change in fair value of derivatives

     —          (17     —          (17

Subsidiary minimum pension liability

     —          —          (145     (145
                                

Balances at January 31, 2011

   $ 1,226      $ 60      $ (640   $ 646   
                                

The currency translation adjustment includes a net translation loss of $1.0 billion and $545 million and a gain of $1.2 billion at January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to net investment hedges of our operations in the United Kingdom and Japan. We reclassified $(14) million and $83 million, respectively, in fiscal 2011 and 2010 from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to offset currency translation losses on the re-measurement of non-U.S. denominated debt.

Note 12. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings. The Company has made accruals with respect to these matters, where appropriate, which are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For some matters, the amount of liability is not probable or the amount cannot be reasonably estimated and therefore accruals have not been made. However, where a liability is reasonably possible and material, such matters have been disclosed. The Company may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these matters, and may enter into settlement agreements, if it believes settlement is in the best interest of the Company’s shareholders. The matters, or groups of related matters, discussed below, if decided adversely to or settled by the Company, individually or in the aggregate, may result in liability material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Wage-and-Hour Class Action: The Company is a defendant in Braun/Hummel v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a class action lawsuit commenced in March 2002 in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs allege that the Company failed to pay class members for all hours worked and prevented class members from taking their full meal and rest breaks. On October 13, 2006, a jury awarded back-pay damages to the plaintiffs of approximately $78 million on their claims for off-the-clock work and missed rest breaks. The jury found in favor of the Company on the plaintiffs’ meal-period claims. On November 14, 2007, the trial judge entered a final judgment in the approximate amount of $188 million, which included the jury’s back-pay award plus statutory penalties, prejudgment interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company believes it has substantial factual and legal defenses to the claims at issue, and on December 7, 2007, the Company filed its Notice of Appeal.

 

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Gender Discrimination Class Action: The Company is a defendant in Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a class-action lawsuit commenced in June 2001 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges that the Company has engaged in a pattern and practice of discriminating against women in promotions, pay, training and job assignments. The complaint seeks, among other things, injunctive relief, front pay, back pay, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. On June 21, 2004, the district court issued an order granting in part and denying in part the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The class, which was certified by the district court for purposes of liability, injunctive and declaratory relief, punitive damages and lost pay, subject to certain exceptions, includes all women employed at any Wal-Mart domestic retail store at any time since December 26, 1998, who have been or may be subjected to the pay and management track promotions policies and practices challenged by the plaintiffs.

On August 31, 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted the Company’s petition for discretionary review of the ruling. On February 6, 2007, a divided three-judge panel of the court of appeals issued a decision affirming the district court’s certification order. On February 20, 2007, the Company filed a petition asking that the decision be reconsidered by a larger panel of the court. On December 11, 2007, the three-judge panel withdrew its opinion of February 6, 2007, and issued a revised opinion. As a result, the Company’s Petition for Rehearing En Banc was denied as moot. The Company filed a new Petition for Rehearing En Banc on January 8, 2008. On February 13, 2009, the court of appeals issued an Order granting the Petition. On April 26, 2010, the Ninth Circuit issued a divided (6-5) opinion affirming certain portions of the district court’s ruling and reversing other portions. On August 25, 2010, the Company filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court seeking review of the Ninth Circuit’s decision. On December 6, 2010, the Supreme Court granted the Company’s petition for writ of certiorari. The Company filed its Brief for Petitioner on January 20, 2011; the Brief for Respondents was filed on February 22, 2011; and oral argument was held on March 29, 2011.

If the Company is not successful in its appeal of class certification, or an appellate court issues a ruling that allows for the certification of a class or classes with a different size or scope, and if there is a subsequent adverse verdict on the merits from which there is no successful appeal, or in the event of a negotiated settlement of the litigation, the resulting liability could be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The plaintiffs also seek punitive damages which, if awarded, could result in the payment of additional amounts material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, because of the uncertainty of the outcome of the appeal, because of the uncertainty of the balance of the proceedings contemplated by the district court, and because the Company’s liability, if any, arising from the litigation, including the size of any damages awarded if plaintiffs are successful in the litigation or any negotiated settlement, could vary widely, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the litigation.

Hazardous Materials Investigations: On November 8, 2005, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, seeking documents and information relating to the Company’s receipt, transportation, handling, identification, recycling, treatment, storage and disposal of certain merchandise that constitutes hazardous materials or hazardous waste. The Company has been informed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California that it is a target of a criminal investigation into potential violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), the Clean Water Act and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Statute. This U.S. Attorney’s Office contends, among other things, that the use of Company trucks to transport certain returned merchandise from the Company’s stores to its return centers is prohibited by RCRA because those materials may be considered hazardous waste. The government alleges that, to comply with RCRA, the Company must ship from the store certain materials as “hazardous waste” directly to a certified disposal facility using a certified hazardous waste carrier. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of California subsequently joined in this investigation. The Company contends that the practice of transporting returned merchandise to its return centers for subsequent disposition, including disposal by certified facilities, is compliant with applicable laws and regulations. While management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, management does not believe the outcome will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

43


Note 13. Commitments

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have long-term leases for stores and equipment. Rentals (including amounts applicable to taxes, insurance, maintenance, other operating expenses and contingent rentals) under operating leases and other short-term rental arrangements were $2.0 billion in fiscal 2011 and $1.8 billion in each of fiscal 2010 and 2009. Aggregate minimum annual rentals at January 31, 2011, under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)              
Fiscal Year    Operating
Leases
     Capital
Leases
 

2012

   $ 1,406       $ 609   

2013

     1,336         574   

2014

     1,271         545   

2015

     1,205         496   

2016

     1,120         462   

Thereafter

     7,785         3,230   
                 

Total minimum rentals

   $ 14,123       $ 5,916   
           

Less estimated executory costs

        (51
           

Net minimum lease payments

        5,865   

Less imputed interest

        (2,379
           

Present value of minimum lease payments

      $ 3,486   
           

Certain of the Company’s leases provide for the payment of contingent rentals based on a percentage of sales. Such contingent rentals were immaterial for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009. Substantially all of the Company’s store leases have renewal options, some of which may trigger an escalation in rentals.

In connection with certain debt financing, we could be liable for early termination payments if certain unlikely events were to occur. At January 31, 2011, the aggregate termination payment would have been $84 million. The arrangements pursuant to which these payments could be made expire in fiscal 2019.

The Company has future lease commitments for land and buildings for approximately 424 future locations. These lease commitments have lease terms ranging from 4 to 30 years and provide for certain minimum rentals. If executed, payments under operating leases would increase by $109 million for fiscal 2012, based on current cost estimates.

Note 14. Retirement-Related Benefits

The Company maintains separate Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans for associates in the United States and Puerto Rico, under which associates generally become participants following one year of employment. Through fiscal 2011, the Profit Sharing component of the plan was entirely funded by the Company, and the Company made an additional contribution to the associates’ 401(k) component of the plan. In addition to the Company’s contributions, associates could elect to contribute a percentage of their earnings to the 401(k) component of the plan.

Beginning in fiscal 2012, the Company will offer a safe harbor 401(k) plan to all eligible United States associates. The Company will match 100% of participant contributions up to 6% of annual eligible earnings. The Company will offer the same matching contribution to all eligible Puerto Rico associates. The matching contributions will immediately vest at 100% for each associate. Participants can contribute up to 50% of their pretax earnings, but not more than the statutory limits. Participants age 50 or older may defer additional earnings in catch-up contributions up to the maximum statutory limits.

Annual contributions made by the Company to the United States and Puerto Rico Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans are made at the sole discretion of the Company. Contribution expense associated with these plans was $1.1 billion in fiscal 2011 and 2010 and $1.0 billion in fiscal 2009.

Employees in international countries who are not U.S. citizens are covered by various post-employment benefit arrangements. These plans are administered based upon the legislative and tax requirements in the countries in which they are established.

 

44


Annual contributions to international retirement savings and profit sharing plans are made at the discretion of the Company, and were $221 million, $218 million and $210 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Japan have defined benefit pension plans. The plan in the United Kingdom was underfunded by $494 million and $339 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The plan in Japan was underfunded by $309 million and $249 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These underfunded amounts have been recorded in “Deferred income taxes and other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2011 and 2010. Certain other international operations have defined benefit arrangements that are not significant.

In February 2011, ASDA and the trustees of ASDA’s defined benefit plan agreed to remove future benefit accruals from the plan and, with the consent of a majority of the plan participants, also removed the link between past accrual and future pay increases. In return, ASDA will pay £43 million (approximately $70 million) in compensation costs to the plan participants. This curtailment charge will be recorded in expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Note 15. Acquisitions, Investments and Disposals

Acquisitions and Investments

Bounteous Company Limited (“BCL”): In February 2007, the Company purchased an initial 35% interest in BCL, which operates in China under the Trust-Mart banner. The Company paid $264 million for its initial 35% interest and, as additional consideration, paid $376 million to extinguish a third-party loan issued to the selling BCL shareholders that was secured by the pledge of the remaining equity of BCL. Concurrent with its initial investment in BCL, the Company entered into a Shareholders’ Agreement, which provides the Company with voting rights associated with a portion of the common stock of BCL securing the loan, amounting to an additional 30% of the aggregate outstanding shares. Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company was committed to purchase the remaining interest in BCL on or before November 26, 2010, subject to certain conditions. In October 2010, the Company and the selling shareholder mutually agreed to extend the closing to May 26, 2011, while certain conditions of the contract are being completed.

D&S: In January 2009, the Company completed a tender offer for the shares of D&S, acquiring approximately 58.2% of the outstanding D&S shares. As of the acquisition date, D&S had 197 stores, 10 shopping centers and 85 PRESTO financial services branches throughout Chile. The purchase price for the D&S shares in the offer was approximately $1.55 billion, allocated as follows:

 

   

tangible and other assets, $2.25 billion;

 

   

goodwill, $1.4 billion;

 

   

liabilities assumed, $1.7 billion; and

 

   

redeemable noncontrolling interest of $395 million.

In March 2009, the Company paid $436 million to acquire a portion of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in D&S through a second tender offer as required by the Chilean securities laws increasing its ownership stake in D&S to 74.6%. This transaction resulted in a $148 million acquisition of that portion of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, and the remaining $288 million is reflected as a reduction of Walmart shareholders’ equity. Additionally, the former D&S controlling shareholders hold a put option that is exercisable through January 2016. During the exercise period, the put option allows each former controlling shareholder the right to require the Company to purchase up to all of their shares of D&S (approximately 25.1%) at fair market value at the time of an exercise, if any.

Netto: On May 27, 2010, the Company announced an agreement with Dansk Supermarked A/S, whereby ASDA, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom, will purchase Netto Foodstores Limited. Netto operates 193 units, each averaging 8,000 square feet. On March 9, 2011, the UK Office of Fair Trading confirmed its clearance of ASDA’s proposed purchase of Netto, subject to the requirement that ASDA divest 47 Netto units. The original estimated purchase price was approximately £778 million ($1.2 billion), subject to finalizing any divestitures. The transaction is expected to close in fiscal 2012.

Massmart: On November 29, 2010, the Company announced an offer to purchase 51% of Massmart, for approximately ZAR 17 billion ($2.3 billion). Massmart operates 288 units under several wholesale and retail banners in South Africa and 13 other sub-Saharan African countries. The transaction is subject to final regulatory approval.

 

45


Disposals

At January 31, 2010, the Company had an unrecognized tax benefit of $1.7 billion related to a worthless stock deduction from the final 2007 disposition of its German operations. This matter was effectively settled with the Internal Revenue Service, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, resulting in a $1.0 billion tax benefit recorded in discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 10.

During fiscal 2009, the Company initiated a restructuring program for our Japanese subsidiary, The Seiyu Ltd., to close approximately 23 stores and dispose of certain excess properties, which was substantially completed in fiscal 2010. This restructuring involved incurring costs associated with lease termination obligations, asset impairment charges and employee separation benefits. The operating results, including the restructuring and impairment charges were approximately $79 million and $122 million, net of tax, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and are presented as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

During fiscal 2009, the Company recognized approximately $212 million, after tax, in operating profits and gains from the sale of Gazely Limited (“Gazely”), our commercial property development subsidiary in the United Kingdom. The operating results and gain on sale of Gazely are presented as discontinued operations on our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended January 31, 2009. The transaction continues to remain subject to certain indemnification obligations.

The assets, liabilities, net sales and cash flows related to our discontinued operations were not significant during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009. The net income or losses related to our discontinued operations, including the gain and (losses) upon disposition, are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended January 31,  
(Amounts in millions)    2011     2010     2009  

Germany

   $ 1,041      $ —        $ —     

Gazeley

     —          —          212   

Seiyu

     (7     (79     (122

Other

     —          —          56   
                        
   $ 1,034      $ (79   $ 146   
                        

Note 16. Segments

The Company is engaged in the operations of retail stores located in all 50 states of the United States and Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Chile, Mexico and Central America, China and India. The Company’s operations are conducted in three reportable segments: (1) the Walmart U.S. segment; (2) the Walmart International segment; and (3) the Sam’s Club segment. The Company defines its segments as those business units whose operating results its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) regularly reviews to analyze performance and allocate resources. The Company sells similar individual products and services in each of its segments. It is impractical to segregate and identify revenue and profits for each individual product and service.

As part of an operational realignment in fiscal 2011, the Puerto Rico operations shifted from the Walmart International segment to the respective Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club segments. The Walmart U.S. segment includes the Company’s mass merchant concept in the United States and Puerto Rico operating under the “Walmart” or “Wal-Mart” brand, as well as walmart.com. The Walmart International segment consists of the Company’s operations outside of the United States and Puerto Rico. The Sam’s Club segment includes the warehouse membership clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as samsclub.com. All prior period segment amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. The amounts under the caption “Other” in the table below relating to operating income (loss) are unallocated corporate overhead items.

 

46


The Company measures the results of its segments using, among other measures, each segment’s operating income which includes certain corporate overhead allocations. From time to time, the Company revises the measurement of each segment’s operating income, including any corporate overhead allocations, as dictated by the information regularly reviewed by its CODM. In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, certain information systems’ expenses previously included in unallocated corporate overhead have been allocated to the segment that is directly benefitting from those costs. The segment operating income is reclassified for all periods presented to conform to the current period’s presentation. Information for our segments and the reconciliation to consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes appear in the following table:

 

(Amounts in millions)                                  
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2011    Walmart U.S.      Walmart
International
     Sam’s Club      Other     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 260,261       $ 109,232       $ 49,459       $ —        $ 418,952   

Operating income (loss)

     19,914         5,606         1,711         (1,689     25,542   

Interest expense, net

                (2,004
                   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

              $ 23,538   
                   

Total assets of continuing operations

   $ 89,725       $ 72,021       $ 12,531       $ 6,255      $ 180,532   

Depreciation and amortization

     4,619         2,184         594         244        7,641   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2010    Walmart U.S.      Walmart
International
     Sam’s Club      Other     Consolidated  

Net sales (1)

   $ 259,919       $ 97,407       $ 47,806       $ —        $ 405,132   

Operating income (loss) (1)

     19,313         4,901         1,515         (1,727     24,002   

Interest expense, net

                (1,884
                   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1)

              $ 22,118   
                   

Total assets of continuing operations (1)

   $ 84,238       $ 66,515       $ 12,050       $ 7,464      $ 170,267   

Depreciation and amortization

     4,352         1,979         558         268        7,157   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2009    Walmart U.S.      Walmart
International
     Sam’s Club      Other     Consolidated  

Net sales (1)

   $ 256,970       $ 96,141       $ 47,976       $ —        $ 401,087   

Operating income (loss) (1)

     18,310         4,832         1,649         (2,024     22,767   

Interest expense, net

                (1,900
                   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1)

              $ 20,867   
                   

Total assets of continuing operations (1)

   $ 84,362       $ 59,071       $ 12,388       $ 7,080      $ 162,901   

Depreciation and amortization

     4,148         1,845         543         203        6,739   

 

(1)

As Adjusted

In the United States and Puerto Rico, long-lived assets, net, excluding goodwill and other assets and deferred charges were $73.6 billion, $70.7 billion and $68.5 billion as of January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In the United States and Puerto Rico, cash additions to long-lived assets were $8.7 billion, $8.2 billion and $7.5 billion in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Outside of the United States, long-lived assets, net, excluding goodwill and other assets and deferred charges were $34.3 billion, $31.7 billion and $27.2 billion as of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Outside of the United States and Puerto Rico, cash additions to long-lived assets were $4.0 billion in fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Walmart International segment includes all real estate outside the United States and Puerto Rico. The net revenues and long-lived assets of the Company’s ASDA subsidiary are significant to the Walmart International segment. ASDA’s net sales during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $31.8 billion, $31.2 billion and $34.0 billion, respectively. Currency exchange rate fluctuations during fiscal 2011 negatively impacted ASDA’s sales by $502 million. ASDA’s long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment, net, totaled $11.9 billion, $12.2 billion and $10.8 billion at January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

47


Note 17. Subsequent Events

Dividends Declared

On March 3, 2011, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the annual dividend for fiscal 2012 to $1.46 per share, an increase of approximately 21% over the dividends paid in fiscal 2011. Dividends per share were $1.21 and $1.09 in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012, the annual dividend will be paid in four quarterly installments according to the following record and payable dates:

 

Record Date

  

Payable Date

March 11, 2011    April 4, 2011
May 13, 2011    June 6, 2011
August 12, 2011    September 6, 2011
December 9, 2011    January 3, 2012

Earthquake in Japan

On March 11, 2011, an earthquake of 9.0 magnitude occurred near the Northeastern coast of Japan, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves. The earthquake and tsunami waves caused extensive damage in Northeastern Japan and also affected other regions in Japan through a lack of electricity, water and transportation. We are currently unable to estimate the value of damages and the corresponding insurance recovery regarding our business in Japan, although we do not believe that any damages would be material to our financial position.

Note 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

(Amounts in millions except per share data)    Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2011  
      Q1
As Adjusted(1)
     Q2      Q3      Q4      Total  

Net sales

   $ 99,097       $ 103,016       $ 101,239       $ 115,600       $ 418,952   

Cost of sales

     74,700         77,523         75,906         87,158         315,287   

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3,444       $ 3,747       $ 3,590       $ 5,178         15,959   

Consolidated net income

     3,444         3,747         3,590         6,212         16,993   

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

     3,301         3,596         3,436         6,056         16,389   

Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart

   $ 0.88       $ 0.97       $ 0.95       $ 1.71       $ 4.48   

Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart

     0.87         0.97         0.95         1.70         4.47   
     Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2010  
     Q1
As Adjusted(1)
     Q2      Q3      Q4
As Adjusted(1)
     Total  

Net sales

   $ 93,471       $ 100,168       $ 98,667       $ 112,826       $ 405,132   

Cost of sales

     70,395         75,056         73,915         85,078         304,444   

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3,121       $ 3,586       $ 3,265       $ 4,990       $ 14,962   

Consolidated net income

     3,113         3,579         3,258         4,933         14,883   

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

     2,996         3,472         3,144         4,758         14,370   

Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart

   $ 0.76       $ 0.89       $ 0.82       $ 1.25       $ 3.72   

Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart

     0.76         0.89         0.81         1.25         3.71   

The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

 

(1)

Effective May 1, 2010, the Company implemented a new financial system for its operations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Concurrent with this implementation and the increased system capabilities, the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method of accounting for inventory in these operations from 13 divisions to 49 departments. The Company believes the change is preferable because applying the retail method of accounting for inventory at the departmental level better segregates merchandise with similar cost-to-retail ratios and turnover, as well as providing a more accurate cost of goods sold and ending inventory value at the lower of cost or market for each reporting period. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented.

A reconciliation of the accounting change for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2010 has been reflected in the quarterly reports filed with the SEC in the respective quarters in fiscal 2011. The retrospective application of the accounting change impacted the following financial statement line items for the first quarter ended April 30, 2010 and 2009.

 

48


     Quarter Ended April 30, 2010      Quarter Ended April 30, 2009  
(Amounts in millions except per share data)    As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted      As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

               

Cost of sales (1)

   $ 74,703       $ (3   $ 74,700       $ 70,388       $ 7      $ 70,395   

Operating income

     5,772         (35     5,737         5,217         (44     5,173   

Provision for income taxes

     1,834         (12     1,822         1,603         (18     1,585   

Income from continuing operations

     3,467         (23     3,444         3,147         (26     3,121   

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart

     3,324         (23     3,301         3,022         (26     2,996   

Basic net income per share attributable to Walmart

     0.88         (0.01     0.88         0.77         (0.01     0.76   

Diluted net income per share attributable to Walmart

     0.88         (0.01     0.87         0.77         (0.01     0.76   

 

(1)

The cost of sales adjustments include $35 million and $44 million pertaining to the accounting change for the quarters ended April 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Certain reclassifications that had no effect on operating income or on the consolidated net income attributable to Walmart represent the remainder of the amounts included in the cost of sales adjustment columns above.

 

     Quarter Ended April 30, 2010      Quarter Ended April 30, 2009  
(Amounts in millions)    As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted      As Reported      Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

               

Inventories

   $ 35,503       $ (482   $ 35,021       $ 34,391       $ (542   $ 33,849   

Prepaid expenses and other

     3,291         154        3,445         3,266         179        3,445   

Accrued income taxes

     2,726         (22     2,704         1,810         (22     1,788   

Retained earnings

     62,486         (306     62,180         61,556         (341     61,215   

 

49


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. at January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective May 1, 2010, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for inventory under the retail inventory method.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 30, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Rogers, Arkansas
March 30, 2011

 

50


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

We have audited Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying “Management’s Report to Our Shareholders.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, and related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2011 and our report dated March 30, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Rogers, Arkansas
March 30, 2011

 

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Management’s Report to Our Shareholders

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Management of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart”, the “company” or “we”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of Walmart’s Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial information contained in this Annual Report to Shareholders. Those Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing those Consolidated Financial Statements, management was required to make certain estimates and judgments, which are based upon currently available information and management’s view of current conditions and circumstances.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent directors, oversees our process of reporting financial information and the audit of our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Audit Committee stays informed of the financial condition of Walmart and regularly reviews management’s financial policies and procedures, the independence of our independent auditors, our internal control over financial reporting and the objectivity of our financial reporting. Both the independent auditors and the internal auditors have free access to the Audit Committee and meet with the Audit Committee periodically, both with and without management present.

Acting through our Audit Committee, we have retained Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit our Consolidated Financial Statements found in this Annual Report to Shareholders. We have made available to Ernst & Young LLP all of our financial records and related data in connection with their audit of our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) the required certifications related to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended January 31, 2011. These certifications are attached as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2011. Additionally, we have also provided to the New York Stock Exchange the required annual certification of our Chief Executive Officer regarding our compliance with the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance listing standards.

Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management has responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011. In making its assessment, management has utilized the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Management concluded that based on its assessment, Walmart’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2011. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP as stated in their report which appears in this Annual Report to Shareholders.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be timely disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion. Management has assessed the effectiveness of these disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2011, and determined they were effective as of that date to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, was accumulated and communicated to management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and were effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

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Report on Ethical Standards

Our Company was founded on the belief that open communications and the highest standards of ethics are necessary to be successful. Our long-standing “Open Door” communication policy helps management be aware of and address issues in a timely and effective manner. Through the open door policy all associates are encouraged to inform management at the appropriate level when they are concerned about any matter pertaining to Walmart.

Walmart has adopted a Statement of Ethics to guide our associates in the continued observance of high ethical standards such as honesty, integrity and compliance with the law in the conduct of Walmart’s business. Familiarity and compliance with the Statement of Ethics is required of all associates who are part of management. The Company also maintains a separate Code of Ethics for our senior financial officers. Walmart also has in place a Related-Party Transaction Policy. This policy applies to Walmart’s senior officers and directors and requires material related-party transactions to be reviewed by the Audit Committee. The senior officers and directors are required to report material related-party transactions to Walmart. We maintain a global ethics office which oversees and administers an ethics helpline. The ethics helpline provides a channel for associates to make confidential and anonymous complaints regarding potential violations of our statements of ethics, including violations related to financial or accounting matters.

 

/s/ Michael T. Duke

Michael T. Duke
President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Charles M. Holley, Jr.

Charles M. Holley, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Fiscal 2011 Unit Count

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 

State

   Supercenters      Discount Stores      Neighborhood
Markets(1)
     Sam’s Clubs      Grand Total  

Alabama

     92         4         5         13         114   

Alaska

     6         3         0         3         12   

Arizona

     71         4         23         15         113   

Arkansas

     69         11         10         7         97   

California

     75         103         0         33         211   

Colorado

     60         9         0         15         84   

Connecticut

     5         28         0         3         36   

Delaware

     5         4         0         1         10   

Florida

     175         31         27         43         276   

Georgia

     133         5         0         23         161   

Hawaii

     0         8         0         2         10   

Idaho

     19         1         0         1         21   

Illinois

     107         43         0         28         178   

Indiana

     87         13         3         16         119   

Iowa

     49         10         0         8         67   

Kansas

     53         5         3         7         68   

Kentucky

     74         10         7         9         100   

Louisiana

     80         4         6         12         102   

Maine

     16         6         0         3         25   

Maryland

     15         29         0         12         56   

Massachusetts

     11         36         0         2         49   

Michigan

     78         11         0         26         115   

Minnesota

     48         13         0         13         74   

Mississippi

     60         5         1         7         73   

Missouri

     102         17         0         16         135   

Montana

     11         2         0         2         15   

Nebraska

     31         0         0         3         34   

Nevada

     28         2         11         7         48   

New Hampshire

     12         15         0         4         31   

New Jersey

     12         43         0         10         65   

New Mexico

     32         3         2         7         44   

New York

     65         30         0         16         111   

North Carolina

     124         15         0         22         161   

North Dakota

     11         1         0         3         15   

Ohio

     127         17         0         29         173   

Oklahoma

     76         10         17         8         111   

Oregon

     17         14         0         0         31   

Pennsylvania

     93         34         0         23         150   

Rhode Island

     2         7         0         1         10   

South Carolina

     72         5         0         9         86   

South Dakota

     12         0         0         2         14   

Tennessee

     107         2         6         16         131   

Texas

     306         38         33         73         450   

Utah

     36         0         5         8         49   

Vermont

     0         4         0         0         4   

Virginia

     85         12         1         16         114   

Washington

     37         15         0         3         55   

West Virginia

     37         0         0         5         42   

Wisconsin

     65         19         0         12         96   

Wyoming

     10         0         0         2         12   
                                            

United States

     2,898         701         160         599         4,358   

Puerto Rico

     9         7         29         10         55   
                                            

United States and Puerto Rico

     2,907         708         189         609         4,413   
                                            

 

(1) Neighborhood Markets includes other small formats.

 

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Walmart International

Walmart International has a diverse portfolio with approximately 60 banners, represented in three major categories. Unit counts(1) as of January 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Country    Retail      Wholesale      Other(2)      Total  

Argentina

     63         —           —           63   

Brazil

     403         76         —           479   

Canada

     325         —           —           325   

Chile

     277         —           2         279   

China

     322         6         —           328   

Costa Rica

     180         —           —           180   

El Salvador

     78         —           —           78   

Guatemala

     173         2         —           175   

Honduras

     56         —           —           56   

India

     —           5         —           5   

Japan

     371         —           43         414   

Mexico

     1,256         108         366         1,730   

Nicaragua

     60         —           —           60   

United Kingdom

     385         —           —           385   
                                   

International Total

     3,949         197         411         4,557   
                                   

Total Units, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

              8,970   
                 

 

(1) Walmart International unit counts, with the exception of Canada, are stated as of December 31, 2010 to correspond with their balance sheet date.
(2) “Other” consists of restaurants operating under varying banners in Chile, Japan and Mexico.

 

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Board of Directors

Aida M. Alvarez

Ms. Alvarez is the former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and was a member of President Clinton’s Cabinet from 1997 to 2001.

James W. Breyer

Mr. Breyer is a Partner of Accel Partners, a venture capital firm.

M. Michele Burns

Ms. Burns is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mercer LLC, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

James I. Cash, Jr., Ph.D.

Dr. Cash is the retired James E. Robison Emeritus Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, where he served from July 1976 to October 2003.

Roger C. Corbett

Mr. Corbett is the retired Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Woolworths Limited, the largest retail company in Australia.

Douglas N. Daft

Mr. Daft is the retired Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage manufacturer, where he served in that capacity from February 2000 until May 2004 and in various other capacities since 1969.

Michael T. Duke

Mr. Duke is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Gregory B. Penner

Mr. Penner is a General Partner at Madrone Capital Partners, an investment management firm.

Steven S Reinemund

Mr. Reinemund is the Dean of Business and Professor of Leadership and Strategy at Wake Forest University. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, Inc.

H. Lee Scott, Jr.

Mr. Scott is the former Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., serving in that position from January 2000 to January 2009.

Arne M. Sorenson

Mr. Sorenson is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International, Inc.

Jim C. Walton

Mr. Walton is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Arvest Bank Group, Inc., a group of banks operating in the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

S. Robson Walton

Mr. Walton is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Christopher J. Williams

Mr. Williams is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of The Williams Capital Group, L.P., an investment bank.

Linda S. Wolf

Ms. Wolf is the retired Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc., an advertising agency and division of Publicis Groupe S.A.

 

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Corporate and Stock Information

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Corporate information

Stock Registrar and Transfer Agent:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43069

Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3069

1-800-438-6278

TDD for hearing-impaired inside the U.S. 1-800-952-9245

Internet: http//www.computershare.com

Listing

New York Stock Exchange

Stock Symbol: WMT

Annual meeting

Our Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011, at 7:00 a.m. (Central time) in Bud Walton Arena on the University of Arkansas campus, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Communication with shareholders

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. periodically communicates with its shareholders and other members of the investment community about our operations. For further information regarding our policy on shareholder and investor communications refer to our website www.walmartstores.com/investors.

Independent registered public accounting firm

Ernst & Young LLP

5414 Pinnacle Point Dr., Suite 102

Rogers, AR 72758

The following reports are available without charge upon request by writing the Company c/o Investor Relations or by calling 479-273-8446. These reports are also available via the corporate website.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q

Earnings Releases

Current Reports on Form 8-K

Copy of Annual Shareholders’ Meeting Proxy Statement

Supplier Standards Report

Sustainability Report

Market price of common stock

The high and low market price per share for the Company’s common stock in fiscal 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     High      Low      High      Low  

1st Quarter

   $ 56.27       $ 52.66       $ 54.57       $ 46.25   

2nd Quarter

     54.95         47.77         51.75         47.35   

3rd Quarter

     54.82         50.00         52.56         48.73   

4th Quarter

     57.90         53.14         55.20         49.52   

 

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For the first quarter of fiscal 2012, year ended January 31,

 

     2012  
     High      Low  

1st Quarter*

   $ 56.73       $ 50.97   

 

* Through March 21, 2011

Dividends payable per share

For fiscal 2012, dividends will be paid based on the following schedule:

 

April 4, 2011

   $ 0.3650   

June 6, 2011

   $ 0.3650   

September 6, 2011

   $ 0.3650   

January 3, 2012

   $ 0.3650   

Dividends paid per share

For fiscal 2011, dividends were paid based on the following schedule:

 

April 5, 2010

   $ 0.3025   

June 1, 2010

   $ 0.3025   

September 7, 2010

   $ 0.3025   

January 3, 2011

   $ 0.3025   

For fiscal 2010, dividends were paid based on the following schedule:

 

April 6, 2009

   $ 0.2725   

June 1, 2009

   $ 0.2725   

September 8, 2009

   $ 0.2725   

January 4, 2010

   $ 0.2725   

 

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Stock Performance Chart

This graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Walmart’s common stock during the five fiscal years ending with fiscal 2011 to the cumulative total returns on the S&P 500 Retailing Index and the S&P 500 Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on February 1, 2006, in shares of our common stock and in each of the indices shown and assumes that all of the dividends were reinvested.

LOGO

Shareholders

As of March 21, 2011, there were 283,633 holders of record of Walmart’s common stock.

 

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