11-Year Financial Summary
11-Year Financial Summary
11-Year Financial Summary
(Dollar amounts in millions except per share data) 2001 2000 1999
Net sales $ 191,329 $ 165,013 $ 137,634
Net sales increase 16% 20% 17%
Domestic comparative store sales increase 5% 8% 9%
Other income-net 1,966 1,796 1,574
Cost of sales 150,255 129,664 108,725
Operating, selling and general and administrative expenses 31,550 27,040 22,363
Interest costs:
Debt 1,095 756 529
Capital leases 279 266 268
Provision for income taxes 3,692 3,338 2,740
Minority interest and equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries (129) (170) (153)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax – (198) –
Net income 6,295 5,377 4,430
* Net income before minority interest, equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries and cumulative effect of accounting
change/average assets
** Net income/average shareholders’ equity
*** Calculated giving effect to the amount by which a lawsuit settlement exceeded established reserves. If this settlement was not
considered, the return was 9.8%. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
16
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
$ 117,958 $ 104,859 $ 93,627 $ 82,494 $ 67,344 $ 55,484 $ 43,887 $ 32,602
12% 12% 13% 22% 21% 26% 35% 26%
6% 5% 4% 7% 6% 11% 10% 10%
1,341 1,319 1,146 914 645 497 404 262
93,438 83,510 74,505 65,586 53,444 44,175 34,786 25,500
19,358 16,946 15,021 12,858 10,333 8,321 6,684 5,152
The effects of the change in accounting method for SAM’S CLUB membership revenue recognition would not have a material
impact on this summary prior to 1998. Therefore, pro forma information as if the accounting change had been in effect for all
years presented has not been provided. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the impact of the accounting
change in fiscal 2000 and 1999.
The acquisition of the ASDA Group PLC and the Company’s related debt issuance had a significant impact on the fiscal 2000
amounts in this summary. See Notes 3 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
17
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Net Sales
Sales (in millions) by operating segment for the three fiscal years ended January 31, were as follows:
Fiscal Year Wal-Mart Stores SAM’S CLUB International Other Total Company Total Company Increase
from Prior Fiscal Year
2001 $121,889 $26,798 $32,100 $10,542 $191,329 16%
2000 108,721 24,801 22,728 8,763 165,013 20%
1999 95,395 22,881 12,247 7,111 137,634 17%
The Company’s sales growth of 16% in fiscal 2001, when compared to fiscal 2000, resulted from the Company’s domestic and
international expansion programs, and a domestic comparative store sales increase of 5%. The sales increase of 20% in fiscal 2000, when
compared to fiscal 1999, resulted from the Company’s expansion program, including a significant international acquisition, and a
domestic comparative store sales increase of 8%. Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB segments include domestic units only. Wal-Mart
stores and SAM’S CLUBS located outside the United States are included in the International segment.
Costs and Expenses
For fiscal 2001, cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased compared to fiscal 2000, resulting in increases in gross margin of 0.05%
for fiscal 2001. This improvement in gross margin occurred primarily due to a $176 million LIFO inventory benefit. This was offset by
continued price rollbacks and increased international and food sales which generally have lower gross margins than domestic general
merchandise. Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales decreased for fiscal 2000 compared to fiscal 1999, resulting in increases in gross
margin of 0.4% for fiscal 2000. The fiscal 2000 improvement in gross margin can be attributed to a favorable sales mix of higher margin
categories, improvements in shrinkage and markdowns, a favorable LIFO inventory adjustment and the slower growth of SAM’S
CLUB, which is our lowest gross margin retail operation. Management expects gross margins to narrow as food sales continue to
increase as a percentage of sales both domestically and internationally.
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 0.1% as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2001 when compared with fiscal
2000. This increase was primarily due to increased maintenance and repair costs and depreciation charges incurred during the year.
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 0.1% as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2000 when compared with fiscal
1999. This increase was primarily due to increased payroll cost incurred during the year. Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal
2000, a $624 million jury verdict was rendered against the Company in a lawsuit. The Company settled the lawsuit for an amount less
than the jury verdict. The Company had previously established reserves related to this lawsuit, which were not material to its results of
operations or financial position. The settlement exceeded the Company’s estimated reserves for this lawsuit and resulted in a charge in
the second quarter of fiscal 2000 of $0.03 per share net of taxes.
Interest Costs
Debt interest costs increased .11% as a percentage of sales from .46% in fiscal 2000 to .57% in fiscal 2001. This increase is the result of
increased fiscal 2000 borrowings incurred as the result of the ASDA acquisition and has been somewhat offset by reductions resulting
from the Company’s inventory control efforts. For fiscal 2000, debt interest costs increased .08% as a percentage of sales from .38% in
fiscal 1999 to .46%. This increase resulted from increased fiscal 2000 borrowings as the result of the ASDA acquisition. See Note 3 of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Wal-Mart Stores
Sales for the Company’s Wal-Mart Stores segment increased by 12.1% in fiscal 2001 when compared to fiscal 2000 and 14.0% in fiscal
2000 when compared to fiscal 1999. The fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 growth are the result of comparative store sales increases and the
Company’s expansion program. Segment expansion during fiscal 2001 included the opening of 41 Wal-Mart stores, 12 Neighborhood
Markets and 167 Supercenters (including the conversion of 104 existing Wal-Mart stores into Supercenters). Segment expansion
during fiscal 2000 included the opening of 29 Wal-Mart stores, three Neighborhood Markets and 157 Supercenters (including the
conversion of 96 existing Wal-Mart stores into Supercenters).
Fiscal 2001 operating income for the segment increased by 11.5%, from $8.7 billion in fiscal 2000 to $9.7 billion in fiscal 2001. Segment
operating income as a percent of segment sales remained unchanged at 8.0% from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001. Operating income for fiscal
2001 was driven by margin improvements resulting from decreased markdowns and improved shrinkage. Offsetting these margin
improvements were increased distribution costs, resulting from higher fuel, utility and payroll charges and higher overall payroll costs
as a percentage of sales created by a holiday season with lower than anticipated sales. Operating income for the segment for fiscal 2000
increased by 20.2%, from $7.2 billion in fiscal 1999 to $8.7 billion in fiscal 2000. Fiscal 2000 operating income as a percentage of segment
sales was 8.0%, up from 7.6% in fiscal 1999. The improvement in operating income in 2000 was driven by margin improvements resulting
from improvements in markdowns and shrinkage. However, these margin improvements were somewhat offset by increased payroll
costs in fiscal 2000. Operating income information for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 has been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation. For this reclassification, certain corporate expenses have been moved from the Other segment to the operating segments.
SAM’S CLUB
Sales for the Company’s SAM’S CLUB segment increased by 8.1% in fiscal 2001 when compared to fiscal 2000, and by 8.4% in fiscal 2000
when compared to fiscal 1999. The fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 sales growth are the result of comparative club sales increases and the
Company’s expansion program. Due to rapid growth in the International segment, SAM’S CLUB sales continued to decrease as a
percentage of total Company sales, decreasing from 15.0% in fiscal 2000 to 14.0% in fiscal 2001. Segment expansion during fiscal 2001
and 2000 consisted of the opening of 13 and 12 new clubs, respectively.
18
Operating income for the segment in fiscal 2001 increased by 10.8%, from $850 million in fiscal 2000 to $942 million in fiscal 2001. Due
primarily to margin improvements, operating income as a percentage of segment sales increased from 3.4% in fiscal 2000 to 3.5% in
fiscal 2001. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 “Revenue Recognition
in Financial Statements” (SAB 101). SAB 101 deals with various revenue recognition issues, several of which are common within the
retail industry. As a result of the issuance of this SAB, the Company changed its method of recognizing revenues for SAM’S CLUB
membership fees effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2000. Additionally, operating income information for fiscal years 1999 and 2000
has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. For this reclassification certain corporate expenses have been moved
from the Other segment to the operating segments. After consideration of the reclassification and the effects of the change in
accounting method for membership revenue recognition, operating income for the segment in fiscal 2000 increased by 22.7%, from
$693 million in fiscal 1999 to $850 million in fiscal 2000. Operating income as a percentage of sales increased from 3.0% in fiscal 1999 to
3.4% in fiscal 2000. This improvement is primarily due to margin improvements. The pretax impact of the change in accounting method
would have been $57 million in fiscal 1999 and was $16 million in fiscal 2000. The impact of the accounting method change is greater on
fiscal 1999 due to an increase in the cost of SAM’S CLUB membership that occurred during that year. If the effect of this accounting
change were not considered, operating income as a percent of segment sales would have increased by 22 basis points when comparing
fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000.
International
International sales accounted for approximately 17% of total Company sales in fiscal 2001 compared with 14% in fiscal 2000. The largest
portion of the increase in international sales is the result of the acquisition of the ASDA Group PLC (ASDA), which consisted of 229
stores when its acquisition was completed during the third quarter of fiscal 2000. International sales accounted for approximately 14% of
total Company sales in fiscal 2000 compared with 9% in fiscal 1999. The largest portion of this increase was also the result of the ASDA
acquisition. Additionally, fiscal 2000 was the first full year containing the operating results of the 74 units of the German Interspar
hypermarket chain, which were acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
For fiscal 2001 segment operating income increased by 36.1% from $817 million in fiscal 2000 to $1.1 billion in fiscal 2001. Segment
operating income as a percent of segment sales decreased by .13% when comparing fiscal 2000 and fiscal 2001. This decrease was
caused by the continued negative impact of store remodeling costs, costs related to the start-up of a new distribution system, excess
inventory and transition related expenses in the Company’s Germany units. Partially offsetting these negative impacts were operating
profit increases in Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. After consideration of the effects of the change of accounting method
for SAM’S CLUB membership revenues, the International segment’s operating income increased from $549 million in fiscal 1999 to
$817 million in fiscal 2000. The largest portion of the fiscal 2000 increase in international operating income is the result of the ASDA
acquisition. As a percent of segment sales, segment operating income decreased by .89% when comparing fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000.
This decrease is the result of expense pressures coming from the Company’s units in Germany. The Company’s operations in Canada,
Mexico and Puerto Rico had operating income increases in fiscal 2000.
The Company’s foreign operations are comprised of wholly-owned operations in Argentina, Canada, Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico
and the United Kingdom; joint ventures in China; and majority-owned subsidiaries in Brazil and Mexico. As a result, the Company’s
financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in
the foreign markets in which the Company does business. The Company minimizes exposure to the risk of devaluation of foreign
currencies by operating in local currencies and through buying forward contracts, where feasible, for certain known transactions.
In fiscal 2001, the foreign currency translation adjustment increased from the fiscal 2000 level by $229 million to $684 million,
primarily due to the dollar strengthening against the British pound and the German mark. In fiscal 2000, the foreign currency
translation adjustment decreased from the fiscal 1999 level by $54 million to $455 million primarily due to the United States dollar
weakening against the British pound and the Canadian dollar. This was partially offset by the United States dollar strengthening
against the Brazilian real.
For 2001, expansion in the International segment consisted of the opening of 77 units. Expansion in the International segment in
fiscal 2000 consisted of the opening or acquisition of 288 units. The Company also purchased an additional 6% ownership interest
in its Mexican subsidiary, Wal-Mart de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (formerly Cifra S.A. de C.V.) in fiscal 2001.
See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on acquisitions.
19
Interest Rate Sensitivity As of January 31, 2001
Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest (Swap) Rate
Fair value
(Amounts in millions) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Thereafter Total 1/31/01
Liabilities
US dollar denominated Long-term debt
including current portion
Fixed rate debt $ 4,223 $ 1,126 $ 809 $ 1,926 $ 750 $ 6,229 $ 15,063 $ 15,596
Average interest rate – USD rate 6.8% 6.8% 6.9% 6.9% 6.9% 6.9% 6.9%
Great Britain Pound denominated Long-term
debt including current portion
Fixed rate debt 11 236 – – – 1,425 1,672 1,670
Average interest rate 8.4% 8.4% 7.2% 7.2%
Interest Rate Derivative Financial
Instruments Related to Debt
Interest rate swap – Pay variable/receive fixed 250 – – – – 250 14
Average rate paid – Rate A
Fixed rate received – USD rate 6.9% – – – – 6.9%
Interest rate swap – Pay variable/receive fixed 250 – – – – 250 14
Average rate paid – Rate A
Fixed rate received – USD rate 6.9% – – – – 6.9%
Interest rate swap – Pay variable/receive fixed 59 63 68 72 78 41 381 17
Average rate paid – Rate B
Fixed rate received – USD rate 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0%
Rate A – one month U.S. LIBOR minus .15%
Rate B – 30-day U.S. dollar commercial paper non financial
In addition to the interest rate derivative financial instruments listed in the table above, the Company holds an interest rate swap with a
notional amount of $500 million that is being marked to market through earnings. The fair value of this instrument was not significant at
January 31, 2001.
Interest Rate Sensitivity As of January 31, 2000
Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest (Swap) Rate
Fair value
(Amounts in millions) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Thereafter Total 1/31/00
Liabilities
Long-term debt including current portion
Fixed rate debt $ 1,964 $ 2,070 $ 659 $ 742 $ 1,854 $ 8,347 $ 15,636 $ 14,992
Average interest rate – USD rate 6.9% 6.8% 6.8% 6.8% 6.8% 6.9% 6.9%
Interest Rate Derivative Financial
Instruments Related to Debt
Interest rate swap –
Pay variable/receive fixed 500 – – – – – 500 (1)
Average rate paid – Rate A plus .245%
Fixed rate received – USD rate 5.9% – – – – – 5.9%
Interest rate swap –
Pay variable/receive fixed 500 – – – – – 500 –
Average rate paid – Rate A plus .134%
Fixed rate received – USD rate 5.7% – – – – – 5.7%
Interest rate swap –
Pay variable/receive fixed 41 45 49 54 58 266 513 (7)
Average rate paid – Rate A
Fixed rate received – USD rate 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0%
Interest rate paid –
Pay variable/receive fixed – – – – – 230 230 (14)
Floating rate paid – Rate B
Fixed rate received – USD rate – – – – – 7.0% 7.0%
Interest rate swap –
Pay fixed/receive variable – – – – – 151 151 (11)
Fixed rate paid – USD rate – – – – – 8.1% 8.1%
Floating rate received – Rate C
Rate A – 30-day U.S. dollar commercial paper non financial
Rate B – 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR
Rate C – 3-month U.S. dollar LIBOR
20
The Company routinely enters into forward currency exchange contracts in the regular course of business to manage its exposure
against foreign currency fluctuations on cross-border purchases of inventory. These contracts are generally for durations of six months
or less. In addition, the Company holds currency swaps to hedge its net investments in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The following tables provide information about the Company’s derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward
exchange agreements and cross currency interest rate swap agreements by functional currency, and presents the information in United
States dollar equivalents. For foreign currency forward exchange agreements, the table presents the notional amounts and weighted
average exchange rates by contractual maturity dates. For cross currency interest rate swaps the table presents notional amounts,
exchange rates and interest rates by contractual maturity date.
21
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Sensitivity As of January 31, 2000
Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest (Swap) Rate
Fair value
(Amounts in millions) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Thereafter Total 1/31/2000
Forward Contracts to Sell Canadian
Dollars for Foreign Currencies
United States Dollars
Notional amount $ 91 – – – – – $ 91 (1)
Average contract rate 1.5 – – – – – 1.5
Forward Contracts to Sell British
Pounds for Foreign Currencies
Hong Kong Dollars
Notional amount 70 – – – – – 70 1
Average contract rate 12.8 – – – – – 12.8
United States Dollars
Notional amount 40 – – – – – 40 1
Average contract rate 1.6 – – – – – 1.6
Other Currencies
Notional amount 45 – – – – – 45 (2)
Average contract rate Various – – – – – Various
Currency Swap Agreements
Payment of German Deutschemarks
Notional amount – – 1,101 – – – 1,101 90
Average contract rate – – 1.8 – – – 1.8
Fixed rate received – USD rate – – 5.8% – – – 5.8%
Fixed rate paid – DEM rate – – 4.5% – – – 4.5%
Payment of German Deutschemarks
Notional amount – – – 809 – – 809 112
Average contract rate – – – 1.7 – – 1.7
Fixed rate received – USD rate – – – 5.2% – – 5.2%
Fixed rate paid – DEM rate – – – 3.4% – – 3.4%
Payment of Great Britain Pounds
Notional amount – – – – – 3,500 3,500 (17)
Average contract rate – – – – – 0.6 0.6
Fixed rate received – USD rate – – – – – 6.9% 6.9%
Fixed rate paid – Great Britain Pound rate – – – – – 6.2% 6.2%
The fair values of the currency swap agreements are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets within the line “other assets and
deferred charges.” The increase in the asset recorded in fiscal 2001 over that recorded in fiscal 2000 is the result of an increased
amount of notional outstanding for fiscal 2001, as well as changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates.
On February 1, 2001, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 133, 137 and 138
(collectively “SFAS 133”) pertaining to the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities. SFAS 133 requires all derivatives to be
recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes accounting treatment for three types of hedges: hedges of changes in the
fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments; hedges of the variable cash flows of forecasted transactions; and hedges of foreign
currency exposures of net investments in foreign operations. As of January 31, 2001, the majority of the Company’s derivatives are
hedges of net investments in foreign operations, and as such, the fair value of these derivatives has been recorded on the balance sheet
as either assets or liabilities and in other comprehensive income under the current accounting guidance. As the majority of the
Company’s derivative portfolio is already recorded on the balance sheet, adoption of SFAS 133 will not have a material impact on the
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a whole. However, assuming that the Company’s use of derivative instruments
does not change, and unless SFAS 133 is amended further, the Company believes that the application of SFAS 133 could result in more
pronounced quarterly and yearly fluctuation in earnings in future periods. Additionally, unless SFAS 133 is further amended, certain
swap cash flows currently being recorded in the income statement will be recorded in other comprehensive income after
implementation. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001, the Company has recorded $112 million of earnings benefit from the
receipt of these cash flows.
Company Stock Purchase and Common Stock Dividends
In fiscal 2001 and 2000, the Company repurchased over 4 million and 2 million shares of its common stock for $193 million and
$101 million, respectively. The Company paid dividends totaling $.24 per share in fiscal 2001. In March 2001, the Company increased
its dividend 17% to $.28 per share for fiscal 2002. The Company has increased its dividend every year since its first declared dividend
in March 1974.
22
Borrowing Information
At January 31, 2001, the Company had committed lines of credit with 78 firms and banks, aggregating $5,032 million, which were used
to support commercial paper. These lines of credit and their anticipated cyclical increases combined with commercial paper borrowings
should be sufficient to finance the seasonal buildups in merchandise inventories and other cash requirements. If the operating cash
flow generated by the Company is not sufficient to pay the increased dividend and to fund all capital expenditures, the Company
anticipates funding any shortfall in these expenditures with a combination of commercial paper and long-term debt. The Company
plans to refinance existing long-term debt as it matures and may desire to obtain additional long-term financing for other uses of cash
or for strategic reasons. The Company anticipates no difficulty in obtaining long-term financing in view of an excellent credit rating and
favorable experiences in the debt market in the recent past. During fiscal 2001, the Company issued $3.7 billion of debt. The proceeds
from the issuance of this debt were used to reduce short-term borrowings. After the $3.7 billion of debt issued in fiscal 2001, the
Company is permitted to sell up to $1.4 billion of public debt under shelf registration statements previously filed with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission.
At January 31, 2001, the Company’s ratio of debt to total capitalization, including commercial paper borrowings, was 41.6%.
Management’s objective is to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio of approximately 40%.
Expansion
Domestically, the Company plans to open approximately 40 new Wal-Mart stores and approximately 170 to 180 new Supercenters in
fiscal 2002. Relocations or expansions of existing discount stores will account for 100 to 110 of the new Supercenters, with the balance
being new locations. The Company plans to further expand its Neighborhood Market concept by adding 15 to 20 units during fiscal
2002. The SAM’S CLUB segment plans to open 40 to 50 Clubs during fiscal 2002, approximately half of which will be relocations or
expansions of existing clubs. The SAM’S segment will also continue its remodeling program, with approximately 80 projects expected
during fiscal 2002. In order to serve these and future developments, the Company plans to construct seven new distribution centers in
the next fiscal year. Internationally, the Company plans to open 100 to 110 units. Projects are scheduled to open in each of the existing
countries, and will include new stores and clubs as well as relocations of a few existing units. The units also include several restaurants,
department stores and supermarkets in Mexico. In addition, the Company’s German operation will continue to remodel the acquired
hypermarkets. Total Company planned growth represents approximately 40 million square feet of net additional retail space. Total
planned capital expenditures for fiscal 2002 approximate $9 billion. The Company plans to finance our expansion primarily with
operating cash flows and commercial paper borrowings.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the
Company. Certain statements contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, in other parts of this report and in other Company
filings are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth, future revenues, future cash
flows and future performance. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the
cost of goods, competitive pressures, inflation, consumer debt levels, currency exchange fluctuations, trade restrictions, changes in
tariff and freight rates, interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions, and other risks indicated in the Company’s filings
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may materially differ from anticipated results described in
these statements.
23
Consolidated Statements of Income
Revenues:
Net sales $ 191,329 $ 165,013 $ 137,634
Other income-net 1,966 1,796 1,574
193,295 166,809 139,208
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales 150,255 129,664 108,725
Operating, selling and general and administrative expenses 31,550 27,040 22,363
Interest Costs:
Debt 1,095 756 529
Capital leases 279 266 268
183,179 157,726 131,885
24
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in millions)
January 31, 2001 2000
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,054 $ 1,856
Receivables 1,768 1,341
Inventories
At replacement cost 21,644 20,171
Less LIFO reserve 202 378
Inventories at LIFO cost 21,442 19,793
Prepaid expenses and other 1,291 1,366
Total Current Assets 26,555 24,356
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost:
Land 9,433 8,785
Building and improvements 24,537 21,169
Fixtures and equipment 12,964 10,362
Transportation equipment 879 747
47,813 41,063
Less accumulated depreciation 10,196 8,224
Net property, plant and equipment 37,617 32,839
Property Under Capital Lease:
Property under capital lease 4,620 4,285
Less accumulated amortization 1,303 1,155
Net property under capital leases 3,317 3,130
Other Assets and Deferred Charges:
Net goodwill and other acquired intangible assets 9,059 9,392
Other assets and deferred charges 1,582 632
Total Assets $ 78,130 $ 70,349
25
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Other
Capital in accumulated
Number Common excess of Retained comprehensive
(Amounts in millions except per share data) of shares stock par value earnings income Total
Balance – January 31, 1998 2,241 $ 224 $ 585 $ 18,167 ($ 473) $ 18,503
Comprehensive Income
Net income 4,430 4,430
Other accumulated comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustment (36) (36)
Total Comprehensive Income $ 4,394
Cash dividends ($.16 per share) (693) (693)
Purchase of Company stock (21) (2) (37) (1,163) (1,202)
Two-for-one stock split 2,224 223 (223) –
Stock options exercised and other 4 110 110
Balance – January 31, 1999 4,448 445 435 20,741 (509) 21,112
Comprehensive Income
Net income 5,377 5,377
Other accumulated comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustment 54 54
Total Comprehensive Income $ 5,431
Cash dividends ($.20 per share) (890) (890)
Purchase of Company stock (2) (2) (99) (101)
Stock options exercised and other 11 1 281 282
Balance – January 31, 2000 4,457 446 714 25,129 (455) 25,834
Comprehensive Income
Net income 6,295 6,295
Other accumulated comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustment (229) (229)
Total Comprehensive Income $ 6,066
Cash dividends ($.24 per share) (1,070) (1,070)
Purchase of Company stock (4) (8) (185) (193)
Issuance of Company stock 11 1 580 581
Stock options exercised and other 6 125 125
Balance – January 31, 2001 4,470 $ 447 $ 1,411 $ 30,169 ($ 684) $ 31,343
26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
Fiscal years ended January 31, 2001 2000 1999
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income $ 6,295 $ 5,377 $ 4,430
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,868 2,375 1,872
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax – 198 –
Increase in accounts receivable (422) (255) (148)
Increase in inventories (1,795) (2,088) (379)
Increase in accounts payable 2,061 1,849 1,108
Increase in accrued liabilities 11 1,015 1,259
Deferred income taxes 342 (138) (640)
Other 244 (139) 78
Net cash provided by operating activities 9,604 8,194 7,580
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for property, plant and equipment (8,042) (6,183) (3,734)
Investment in international operations (net of cash acquired,
$195 million in Fiscal 2000) (627) (10,419) (855)
Other investing activities (45) (244) 171
Net cash used in investing activities (8,714) (16,846) (4,418)
Cash flows from financing activities
Increase/(decrease) in commercial paper (2,022) 4,316 –
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 3,778 6,000 536
Purchase of Company stock (193) (101) (1,202)
Dividends paid (1,070) (890) (693)
Payment of long-term debt (1,519) (863) (1,075)
Payment of capital lease obligations (173) (133) (101)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 581 – –
Other financing activities 176 224 (221)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (442) 8,553 (2,756)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (250) 76 26
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 198 (23) 432
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,856 1,879 1,447
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 2,054 $ 1,856 $ 1,879
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Income tax paid $ 3,509 $ 2,780 $ 3,458
Interest paid 1,319 849 805
Capital lease obligations incurred 576 378 347
Property, plant and equipment acquired with debt – 65 –
ASDA acquisition cost satisfied with debt – 264 –
ASDA acquisition cost satisfied with Company stock – 175 –
27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Inventories
The Company uses the retail last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for the Wal-Mart Stores segment, cost LIFO for the SAM’S CLUB
segment, and other cost methods, including the retail first-in, first-out (FIFO) and average cost methods, for the International
segment. Inventories are not recorded in excess of market value.
Pre-opening costs
The costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, are expensed as incurred.
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments for purposes other than trading to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in
foreign currencies and to minimize the risk and cost associated with financial and global operating activities. Contracts that
effectively meet risk reduction and correlation criteria are recorded using hedge accounting. Unrealized gains and losses
resulting from market movements are not recognized. Hedges of firm commitments are deferred and recognized when the
hedged transaction occurs.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $574 million, $523 million and $405 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
28
Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities
On February 1, 2001, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 133, 137 and 138
(collectively “SFAS 133”) pertaining to the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities. SFAS 133 requires all derivatives to
be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes accounting treatment for three types of hedges: hedges of changes
in the fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments; hedges of the variable cash flows of forecasted transactions; and hedges
of foreign currency exposures of net investments in foreign operations. As of January 31, 2001, the majority of the Company’s
derivatives are hedges of net investments in foreign operations, and as such, the fair value of these derivatives has been recorded
on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities and in other comprehensive income under the current accounting guidance. As
the majority of the Company’s derivative portfolio is already recorded on the balance sheet, the adoption of SFAS 133 will not have
a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a whole.
Long-lived assets
The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets, if indicators of impairments exist and if the value of the assets is impaired, an
impairment loss would be recognized.
Stock split
On March 4, 1999, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The date of record was
March 19, 1999, and it was distributed April 19, 1999. Consequently, the stock option data and per share data for fiscal 1999 and
prior has been restated to reflect the stock split.
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Accounting principle change
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in
Financial Statements” (SAB 101). This SAB deals with various revenue recognition issues, several of which are common within
the retail industry. As a result of the issuance of SAB 101, the Company changed its method of accounting for SAM’S CLUB
membership fee revenue both domestically and internationally in fiscal 2000. Previously the Company had recognized
membership fee revenues when received. Under the new accounting method the Company recognizes membership fee revenues
over the term of the membership, which is 12 months. The Company recorded a non-cash charge of $198 million (after reduction
for income taxes of $119 million), or $.04 per share, to reflect the cumulative effect of the accounting change as of the beginning of
the fiscal year. The effect of this change on the year ended January 31, 2000, before the cumulative effect of the accounting change
was to decrease net income $12 million, or almost $.01 per share. If the new accounting method had been in effect in fiscal 1999,
net income would have been $4,393 million, or $.98 per basic or dilutive share.
The following table provides unearned revenues, membership fees received from members and the amount of revenues
recognized in earnings for each of the fiscal years ended 1999, 2000 and 2001 as if the accounting change had been in effect for
each of those years (in millions):
Deferred revenue January 31, 1998 $ 258
The Company’s deferred revenue is included in accrued Membership fees received 600
liabilities in the January 31, 2001 consolidated balance Membership revenue recognized (541)
sheet. The Company’s analysis of historical membership Deferred revenue January 31, 1999 317
fee refunds indicates that such refunds have been de Membership fees received 646
minimis. Accordingly, no reserve has been established Membership revenue recognized (626)
for membership fee refunds at January 31, 2001. Deferred revenue January 31, 2000 337
Membership fees received 706
An additional requirement of SAB 101 is that layaway Membership revenue recognized (674)
transactions be recognized upon delivery of the Deferred revenue January 31, 2001 $ 369
merchandise to the Customer rather than at the time that
the merchandise is placed on layaway. The Company offers
a layaway program that allows Customers to purchase certain items and make payments on these purchases over a specific
period. Until the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company recognized revenues from these layaway transactions at the time that
the merchandise was placed on layaway. During the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company changed its accounting method
for layaway transactions so that the revenue from these transactions is not recognized until the Customer satisfies all payment
obligations and takes possession of the merchandise. Layaway transactions are a small portion of the Company’s revenue,
therefore, due to the de minimis impact of this accounting change, prior fiscal year results have not been restated.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes sales revenue at the time the sale is made to the Customer, except for layaway transactions, which are
recognized when the Customer satisfies all payment obligations and takes possession of the merchandise. Effective as of the first
quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company began recognizing SAM’S CLUB membership fee revenue over the term of the membership,
which is 12 months.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to current presentations.
The Company made annual contributions to these plans on behalf of all eligible associates, including those who have not elected to
contribute to the 401(k) plan.
Annual Company contributions are made at the sole discretion of the Company, and were $486 million, $429 million and
$388 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
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3 Commercial Paper and Long-term Debt
Information on short-term borrowings and interest rates is as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
At January 31, 2001, short-term borrowings consisting of $2,286 million of commercial paper were outstanding. At January 31, 2000,
short-term borrowings consisting of $3,323 million of commercial paper were outstanding. At January 31, 2001, the Company had
committed lines of $5,032 million with 78 firms and banks, which were used to support commercial paper.
2001 2000
6.875% Notes due August 2009 $ 3,500 $ 3,500
6.550% Notes due August 2004 1,250 1,250
6.150% Notes due August 2001 – 1,250
8.625% Notes due April 2001 – 750
5.750% Notes due December 2030 714 –
5.875% Notes due October 2005 597 597
7.500% Notes due May 2004 500 500
7.550% Notes due February 2030 500 498
7.550% Notes due February 2030 500 495
6.875% Notes due August 2002 500 –
6.500% Notes due June 2003 454 454
7.250% Notes due June 2013 445 445
7.800% – 8.250% Obligations from sale/leaseback transactions due 2014 373 398
6.750% Notes due May 2002 300 300
7.000% – 8.000% Obligations from sale/leaseback transactions due 2013 257 275
8.500% Notes due September 2024 250 250
6.750% Notes due October 2023 250 250
8.000% Notes due September 2006 250 250
6.375% Notes due March 2003 228 228
6.750% Eurobond due May 2002 200 200
7.290% Notes due July 2006 324 435
4.410% – 10.880% Notes acquired in ASDA acquisition due 2002-2015 948 1,026
Other 161 321
$ 12,501 $ 13,672
The Company has two separate issuances of $500 million debt with imbedded put options. For the first issuance, beginning
June 2001, and each year thereafter, the holders of $500 million of the debt may require the Company to repurchase the debt
at face value, in addition to accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the other $500 million issuance may put the debt back to
the Company at any time. Both of these issuances have been classified as a current liability in the January 31, 2001 consolidated
balance sheet.
Long-term debt is unsecured except for $155 million, which is collateralized by property with an aggregate carrying value of
approximately $327 million. Annual maturities of long-term debt during the next five years are (in millions):
31
The Company has agreed to observe certain covenants under the terms of its note agreements, the most restrictive of which
relates to amounts of additional secured debt and long-term leases.
The Company has entered into sale/leaseback transactions involving buildings while retaining title to the underlying land. These
transactions were accounted for as financings and are included in long-term debt and the annual maturities schedules on the
previous page. The resulting obligations are amortized over the lease terms.
Future minimum lease payments for each of the five succeeding years as of January 31, 2001, are (in millions):
At January 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $1,129 million and $902 million, respectively.
These letters of credit were issued primarily for the purchase of inventory.
Under shelf registration statements previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is permitted to
issue debt securities aggregating $1.4 billion.
4 Financial Instruments
Interest rate instruments
The Company enters into interest rate swaps to minimize the risks and costs associated with its financial activities. The swap
agreements are contracts to exchange fixed or variable rate interest for variable or fixed interest rate 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. Settlements of interest rate swaps are accounted for by recording the net interest received or
paid as an adjustment to interest expense on a current basis.
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Net Investment instruments
The Company has entered into cross currency interest rate swap agreements to hedge its net investments in Canada, Germany
and the United Kingdom. The swap agreements are contracts to exchange fixed rate payments in United States dollars for fixed
rate payments in foreign currencies. Settlements of currency swaps are accounted for by recording the net payments as an
adjustment to currency translation adjustment. The fair value of these instruments are reflected on the balance sheet in other
long-term assets, and as of January 31, 2001 and 2000, are as follows:
The Company enters into forward currency exchange contracts in the regular course of business to manage its exposure against
foreign currency fluctuations on cross-border purchases of inventory. These contracts are generally for short durations of six
months or less and are insignificant to the Company’s operations or financial position. There were contracts with notional amounts
of approximately $292 million and $246 million outstanding at January 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These contracts had a fair
value of approximately $6 million and ($1) million at January 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The Company’s risk management policy requires the Company to obtain collateral, generally cash deposits, from the counterparty
when the fair value of the underlying swaps exceed certain limits.
In addition to the interest rate derivative financial instruments listed in the table on the previous page, the Company holds an
interest rate swap with a notional amount of $500 million that is being marked to market through earnings. The fair value of this
instrument was not significant at January 31, 2001.
Long-term debt: Fair value approximates $17.3 billion at January 31, 2001 and is based on the Company’s current incremental
borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Interest rate instruments and net investment instruments: The fair values are estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay
to terminate the agreements as of the reporting dates.
Foreign currency contracts: The fair value of foreign currency contracts are estimated by obtaining quotes from external sources.
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5 Income Taxes
The income tax provision consists of the following (in millions):
(a) Total provision for income tax includes a provision on income before the cumulative effect of accounting change of $3,338
and a tax benefit of $119 resulting from the cumulative effect of the accounting change.
Items that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax accounts at January 31, are as follows (in millions):
A reconciliation of the significant differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate on pretax
income follows:
Federal and State income taxes are not accrued on the cumulative undistributed earning of foreign subsidiaries because the
earnings have been reinvested in the businesses of those companies. At January 31, 2001, undistributed earnings of the foreign
subsidiaries totaled approximately $722 million. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related
to the undistributed earnings is not practicable.
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6 Acquisitions
On April 19, 2000, the Company purchased 271.3 million shares of stock in Wal-Mart de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (formerly Cifra S.A.
de C.V.) at a total cash cost of $587 million. This transaction increased the Company’s ownership percentage by approximately 6%
and resulted in goodwill of $422 million, which is being amortized over a 40-year life.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company completed it acquisition of the ASDA Group PLC (ASDA), the third largest
retailer in the United Kingdom with 229 stores. The transaction has been accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price of
approximately $11 billion has been allocated to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value.
The resulting goodwill and other acquired intangible assets of approximately $7 billion are being amortized over 40 years. The
results of operations are included in the consolidated Company results since the date of acquisition.
On January 1, 1999, the Company took possession of 74 units from the Interspar hypermarket chain in Germany. The units
were acquired from Spar Handels AG, a German company that owns multiple retail formats and wholesale operations throughout
Germany. The transaction has been recorded as a purchase and the results of operations are included beginning in fiscal 2000.
The net assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair value. Resulting goodwill is being amortized over 40 years.
In July 1998, the Company extended its presence in Asia with an investment in Korea. The Company acquired a majority interest
in four units previously operated by Korea Makro as well as six undeveloped sites. The transaction has been accounted for as a
purchase. The net assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair value. The goodwill is being amortized over 40 years. The
results of operations since the effective date of the acquisition have been included in the Company’s results. In December 1999,
the Company acquired most of the minority interest of its operation in Korea from its joint venture partner with the remaining
minority interest being acquired during the first quarter of fiscal 2001.
The fair value of the assets and liabilities recorded as a result of these transactions is as follows (in millions):
The following presents the unaudited pro forma results as if the ASDA acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal
years ended January 31, 1999 and 2000. Adjustments to net income are primarily related to the amortization of goodwill and other
acquired intangible assets and additional interest expense on the debt incurred to finance the acquisition. The ASDA results were
converted from Great Britain pounds to United States dollars at the average exchange rate for the periods presented and range
from 1.60 to 1.66.
The aggregate impact of other acquisitions in these periods are not presented due to the insignificant differences from historical
results (amounts in millions except per share data):
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7 Stock Option Plans
At January 31, 2001, 124 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under stock option plans. The options
granted under the stock option plans generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted prior to November 17,
1995, may be exercised in nine annual installments. Generally, options granted on or after November 17, 1995, may be exercised in
seven annual installments. Options granted during fiscal 2001 may be exercised in five annual installments. The Company has
elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because the alternative fair value accounting provided under FASB
Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (FAS No. 123) requires the use of option valuation models that were not
developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock
options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
Pro forma information, regarding net income and income per share, is required by FAS No. 123 and has been determined as if the
Company had accounted for its associate stock option plans under the fair value method of that statement. The fair value of these
options was estimated at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumption ranges:
risk-free interest rates between 4.4% and 7.2%, dividend yields between 0.4% and 1.3%, volatility factors between .23 and .41, and an
expected life of the option of 7.4 years for the options issued prior to November 17, 1995, 5.8 years for options issued thereafter and
2.0 to 4.0 years for options converted from ASDA stock options.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no
vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation methods require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s associate stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect
the fair value estimates, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the
fair value of its associate stock options. Using the Black-Scholes option evaluation model, the weighted average value of options
granted during the years ending January 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999, were $22, $13, and $14, per option, respectively.
The effect of applying the fair value method of FAS No. 123 to the stock option grants subsequent to February 1, 1995, results in
the following net income and net income per share (amounts in millions except per share data):
Pro forma disclosures are not likely to be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of January 31, 2001:
36
Further information concerning the options is as follows:
Income tax benefit recorded as a result of the tax deductions triggered by employee exercise of stock options amounted to
$118 million, $125 million and $49 million in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have long-term leases for stores and equipment. Rentals (including, for certain
leases, amounts applicable to taxes, insurance, maintenance, other operating expenses and contingent rentals) under all operating
leases were $893 million, $762 million, and $707 million in 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. Aggregate minimum annual rentals
at January 31, 2001, under non-cancelable leases are as follows (in millions):
Certain of the leases provide for contingent additional rentals based on percentage of sales. Such additional rentals amounted to
$56 million, $51 million and $49 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Substantially all of the store leases have renewal
options for additional terms from 5 to 30 years at comparable rentals.
The Company has entered into lease commitments for land and buildings for 17 future locations. These lease commitments with
real estate developers provide for minimum rentals for 20 to 25 years, excluding renewal options, which if consummated based on
current cost estimates, will approximate $22.3 million annually over the lease terms.
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9 Segments
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of mass merchandising stores located in all 50 states,
Argentina, Canada, Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, through joint ventures in China, and through
majority-owned subsidiaries in Brazil and Mexico. The Company identifies segments based on management responsibility within
the United States and geographically for all international units. The Wal-Mart Stores segment includes the Company’s discount
stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in the United States. The SAM’S CLUB segment includes the warehouse
membership clubs in the United States. The Company’s operations in Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany, Korea, Mexico 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 which materially affected the financial statements. The Company’s operations in Canada and
Puerto Rico are consolidated using a January 31 fiscal year end. The Company measures segment profit as operating profit, which
is defined as income before interest expense, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change.
Information on segments and a reconciliation to income, before income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of
accounting change, are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal year ended January 31, 2001 Wal-Mart Stores SAM’S CLUB International Other Consolidated
Revenues from external customers $ 121,889 $ 26,798 $ 32,100 $ 10,542 $ 191,329
Intercompany real estate charge (income) 1,766 383 – (2,149) –
Depreciation and amortization 927 147 562 1,232 2,868
Fiscal year ended January 31, 2000 Wal-Mart Stores SAM’S CLUB International Other Consolidated
Revenues from external customers $ 108,721 $ 24,801 $ 22,728 $ 8,763 $ 165,013
Intercompany real estate charge (income) 1,542 366 – (1,908) –
Depreciation and amortization 812 124 402 1,037 2,375
Fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 Wal-Mart Stores SAM’S CLUB International Other Consolidated
Revenues from external customers $ 95,395 $ 22,881 $ 12,247 $ 7,111 $ 137,634
Intercompany real estate charge (income) 1,502 355 – (1,857) –
Depreciation and amortization 716 111 252 793 1,872
*For comparative purposes fiscal 1999 operating income has been adjusted to reflect the impact of the membership fee revenue
accounting change described in Note 1. This is reversed for purposes of reconciling operating profit to income before taxes and
minority interest.
Operating income information for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 has been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. For this
reclassification, certain corporate expenses have been moved from the other category to the operating segments.
38 ?
Domestic long-lived assets excluding goodwill were $29,741 million, $25,227 million and $21,929 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. Additions to domestic long-lived assets were $6,374 million, $3,814 million and $3,317 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. International long-lived assets excluding goodwill were $11,193 million, $10,742 million and $4,044 million in 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively. Additions to international long-lived assets were $711 million, $7,070 million and $732 million in 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively. The International segment includes all international real estate. All of the real estate in the United
States is included in the “Other” category and is leased to Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB. The revenues in the “Other”
category result from sales to third parties by McLane Company, Inc., a wholesale distributor.
McLane offers a wide variety of grocery and non-grocery products, which it sells to a variety of retailers including the
Company’s Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB segments. McLane is not a significant segment and therefore, results are
not presented separately.
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Report of Independent Auditors Responsibility for
Financial Statements
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The financial statements and information of Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc. presented in this Report have been prepared by
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance management, which has responsibility for their integrity and
sheets of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as of January 31, 2001 objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in
and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each the United States, applying certain estimates and judgments
of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2001. based upon currently available information and management’s
These financial statements are the responsibility of the view of current conditions and circumstances.
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our Management has developed and maintains a system of
audits. accounting and controls, including an extensive internal audit
program, designed to provide reasonable assurance that the
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing Company’s assets are protected from improper use and that
standards generally accepted in the United States. Those accounting records provide a reliable basis for the preparation
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to of financial statements. This system is continually reviewed,
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial improved and modified in response to changing business
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit conditions and operations, and to recommendations made
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting by the independent auditors and the internal auditors.
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Management believes that the accounting and control systems
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and
used and significant estimates made by management, as financial information is reliable.
well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a The Company has adopted a Statement of Ethics to guide
reasonable basis for our opinion. our management in the continued observance of high ethical
standards of honesty, integrity and fairness in the conduct of
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above the business and in accordance with the law. Compliance with
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated the guidelines and standards is periodically reviewed and is
financial position of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. at January 31, acknowledged, in writing, by all management associates.
2001 and 2000, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three The Board of Directors, through the activities of its Audit
years in the period ended January 31, 2001, in conformity Committee consisting solely of outside Directors, participates
with accounting principles generally accepted in the in the process of reporting financial information. The duties
United States. of the Committee include keeping informed of the financial
condition of the Company and reviewing its financial policies
and procedures, the independence of the Company’s
independent auditors, its internal accounting controls and
the objectivity of its financial reporting. Both the Company’s
Tulsa, Oklahoma independent auditors and the internal auditors have free
March 26, 2001 access to the Audit Committee and meet with the Committee
periodically, with and without management present.
Thomas M. Schoewe
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
40 ?