2017 Annual Report
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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
702 S.W. 8th Street
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716 USA
479-273-4000
walmart.com
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Moving with
SPEED
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Global Responsibility
The work we do to help people live better extends far
beyond the walls of our stores. We’re committed to making
a difference by working to create economic opportunity,
enhance the sustainability of our operations as well as the
systems we operate in, and strengthen local communities.
From supporting the development of our associates, suppliers
and women entrepreneurs to pursuing a more affordable,
secure food supply chain, to helping to build resiliency in
the face of disasters, Walmart seeks to create value for
stakeholders across business and society, because shared
value enhances the quality and viability of solutions. To learn
more about these initiatives and others, read our GRR by
visiting corporate.walmart.com/2017GRR.
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Moving with speed to win the
future of retail—it’s in our DNA. Innovating
to serve customers better is how Walmart became
the company it is today. Now, we’re transforming
to make every day easier for busy families.
As associates, we all play a role in creating
an even better Walmart that saves customers
time and money.
Dear shareholders,
associates and customers:
As I sit down to write this year’s letter, I’m feeling proud
of the progress we’re making at Walmart and, most
specifically, the passion and hard work exhibited by our
associates. I’m encouraged by the way we’re moving with
greater speed to better serve customers.
Our business is getting stronger. In the U.S., we’ve delivered positive comp
store sales for ten consecutive quarters and we’re hearing from our customers
that their experience continues to improve. Sam’s Club comp sales improved
throughout the year and members are increasingly using our digital tools like
Scan & Go and Club Pickup. Outside the U.S., ten of our 11 markets posted
positive comp sales this past year. Across our business segments, e-commerce
growth is accelerating. Our strategy to serve customers through e-commerce
and our stores in a seamless way is gaining traction. The momentum we’re
seeing is real and I’m excited about what the future holds.
“
At Walmart, we’re harnessing the power
of technology and the investments in our
associates to create new ways of serving
customers and provide associates with
more opportunities to grow their careers.
DOUG MCMILLON
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 1
We’re clearly living in a time of transformative change. The
world is moving faster and the magnitude of the changes, and
their influence on business, seem larger than I can remember.
In retail, the things made possible by technology are
fundamentally transforming this industry. These changes
are creating compelling ways for customers to save time and
gain easy access to products and services they didn’t have
before. At Walmart, we’re harnessing the power of technology
and the investments in our associates to create new ways
of serving customers and provide associates with more
opportunities to grow their careers.
at our finger tips, supported by more advanced analytics.
We’re providing in-store associates with the tools they need,
like apps and tablets, to make it easier to gain insight into our
performance. Our goal is to increase our speed, effectiveness
for customers and productivity throughout the business.
We’re also working to strengthen the performance mindset
of our culture and fight bureaucracy that can plague large
companies. A strong and effective culture is foundational
to success and we’re shaping ours to drive performance
and create even more opportunity for our diverse group
of associates in an inclusive work environment.
We’ve been preparing ourselves to take advantage of the
opportunities presented and we have four objectives that
we’re focused on this year. First, we want to make every day
easier for busy families. Customers are time-crunched, so
we want their shopping experience with us to be fast and
easy — truly seamless — in all the ways they want to shop:
in stores, on their mobile device, or through pickup and
delivery. I’m excited by many of our recent initiatives — like
the free 2-day shipping offer with a $35 minimum order
from Walmart.com, the expansion of online grocery around
the world, and Sam’s Club’s launch of Scan & Go across the
U.S. — because of the convenience these initiatives provide.
The strategic acquisitions of Jet, ShoeBuy, Moosejaw and
ModCloth, as well as the alliance with JD.com in China,
provide customers with a broader assortment as well as
more ways to save time and money. It’s truly been a
significant year of progress on this front.
Our second key objective is to change the way we work.
We’re focused on becoming more of a digital enterprise.
We’re working to increase productivity with more efficient
internal processes and creating more real-time information
“Customers are time-crunched, so
we want their shopping experience
with us to be fast and easy — truly
seamless — in all the ways they
want to shop: in stores, on their
mobile device, or through pickup
and delivery.”
Third, we will deliver results and operate with discipline.
We were founded on an everyday low-cost mentality
but we think we have opportunities to work in new ways
and find a path to a lower cost base. This is vital for our
future. We’ll be smart with how we allocate capital to
drive long-term value for our shareholders. We’re after
efficient growth. We will focus on growing more through
2 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Our plan
to win
Make every
day easier for
busy families
Change how
we work
Deliver results
and operate
with discipline
Be the most
trusted retailer
e-commerce and comp sales in our current store fleet
and rely less on new store growth in the U.S. We’ll also
continually look at our portfolio to make sure we’re
positioned to win. We’ll invest in our core business with
store remodels, technology and customer initiatives like
online grocery and pickup, while at the same time being
open to divest non-core assets if it’s in our best interest.
The fourth objective is to be the most trusted retailer. During
this time of change, customers are watching the companies
they spend their time and money with more closely than ever.
The way we earn their trust is through our associates doing
the right thing every day — being creative, curious, ethical,
service oriented and embodying our purpose of making
lives better for others. If everyone could see inside the
company I’ve come to love, they would feel even better
about the company.
We’re doing things people would expect from Walmart:
focusing on lowering prices — not by cutting corners, but
by being better at delivering great items more efficiently
than our competitors; and constantly innovating to save
customers time as well as money. We’re also doing things
that might surprise some people. We’ve made significant
investments in our associates, providing the career
opportunities they deserve and skills necessary to be
successful at Walmart or wherever their career takes them.
Over the last decade, we’ve become one of the most
environmentally sustainable retailers (and companies)
in the world and we’re raising the bar even higher. We’re
investing in making our supply chain safer and more transparent
so customers can be confident that the products they
purchase are sourced the right way. And, we have embraced
the journey towards the concept of “shared value” as espoused
by Dr. Michael Porter of Harvard Business School, which
challenges us to create a business model that is not just
good for shareholders but better for everyone: customers,
associates, suppliers, communities and society in general.
We’ve worked hard over the years to earn the trust of those
we serve and do business with around the world. By no means
am I saying Walmart is perfect. We’ll make honest mistakes
along the way, but we won’t let up until we get it right. Our
purpose is simple: we save people money so they can live
better. We take both aspects of our purpose seriously.
We want to thank you for believing in us…for investing
in our future. We are a company of the future. As I stated
earlier, we’re operating from a strong foundation built by
those before us and taking action aimed at strengthening
our business this year and beyond. We’ll continue to strengthen
our stores around the world, we’ll continue to build our
e-commerce and digital capabilities, and we’ll put them
together in a way that saves customers time and money.
And as they choose to shop with us, we’ll be doing things
behind the scenes to create shared value for all so they are
confident that their trust in us is well-placed.
Honored to serve,
Doug McMillon
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 3
Q&A
Creating a seamless
experience for the
customer
A conversation with Doug McMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.,
Marc Lore, President and CEO, Walmart eCommerce U.S., and Greg Foran, President and CEO,
Walmart U.S.
Q: You have over 4,600 retail stores in the U.S. What role will
they play in creating a seamless experience for customers?
Doug
A lot of customers continue to do most of their shopping in
stores. In fact, we’ve had increased customer traffic in our stores for
nine consecutive quarters now. Our stores also represent thousands
of points of distribution that provide a competitive advantage against
pure e-commerce retailers. Walmart stores are located within 10 miles
of approximately 90 percent of the U.S. population. This physical
presence in nearly every community enhances customer choice
on how they receive merchandise while also strengthening their
connection to their local store. When customers want immediacy,
our stores can fulfill that need. For those who want home delivery
within two days, we can do this too. For others who prefer to order
online and pick up in-store at the time of their choosing, we can
accommodate them as well. This integration of stores and e-commerce
is a differentiator. We will serve customers in all the ways they want to
be served — in stores, online, via mobile, voice, pickup and delivery.
Q: Why is the combination of Walmart and Jet.com such a great strategic fit?
Doug
Marc
We’re passionate about moving with speed to better serve customers and accelerate our e-commerce
growth. That’s why we were so excited to bring Jet into our e-commerce family of brands and to have
Marc lead the next chapter of our U.S. e-commerce transformation. Our philosophies on how to best serve
customers are well-aligned. The Jet.com team has the expertise, capabilities and assets that will allow us
to scale e-commerce faster.
We built Jet.com on three core values: trust, transparency and fairness. All these values empower people — both
customers and associates. Those values fit very well with Walmart’s. When you’re transparent with customers and
treat them fairly, you build trust. We’re operating Walmart and Jet as distinct brands. Jet indexes strongly with
millennial customers and tends to serve a more urban and more affluent customer than Walmart. With our recent
acquisitions of ShoeBuy, Moosejaw and ModCloth, we’ve broadened our assortment and expertise in key
categories and we’ve brought more premium brands into our ecosystem to continue to drive growth.
4 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Q: Basket economics — what is it and why is it important
to your e-commerce success?
Marc
Greg
The key to success in e-commerce is winning in logistics and supply
chain. Most marketplace platforms are inefficient in that the lowest-
priced retailer typically wins the order, regardless of their proximity
to the customer. Conversely, at Jet we use smart-cart technology to let
customers see how they can save money on shipping and other costs
as they build bigger baskets. By understanding the order destination,
we encourage customers to buy items that will ship together from
one of our strategically located fulfillment centers or from one of our
third-party vendors. As we make these costs transparent, we’re changing
consumer behavior to save them money and make the transaction more
economical for Walmart.
Walmart’s advantage has always been providing the lowest prices on
a basket of goods in stores. In fact, a supercenter is actually built to
provide basket economics. Our goal is to win baskets of goods in all ways
the customer shops. From an environmental aspect, it is much more
sustainable to ship multiple items in one box to a customer than have
multiple boxes shipped with individual items. So that’s what we’re focused
on when the customer wants their goods shipped to home. And as Doug
mentioned, we have over 4,600 retail stores to leverage for customers
who want immediacy as well as for customers to pick up goods ordered
online. We’ve made positive strides in improving the customer experience
in our stores. We’re working to improve further and to create new exciting
ways to leverage our stores for the customer.
Q: What progress has been made on integrating U.S. e-commerce and improving
capabilities for customers?
Marc
We’re truly moving at the speed of a startup. I’ve established my
leadership team, and we’ve taken rapid strides to leverage the combined
strengths of Walmart.com and Jet.com. We’ve streamlined certain back
office functions to maximize our strengths in areas like merchandising
and marketing. We’re focused on harmonizing our fulfillment networks
and leveraging our scale in sourcing, shipping and marketplace.
We launched free two-day shipping to a customer’s home or local
store on millions of items at Walmart.com for orders over $35. Walmart’s
next-generation fulfillment network enables us to deliver this promise
in a cost-effective manner. We’ve also acquired several e-commerce
businesses, adding key expertise and brands in higher-margin categories.
What I find so exciting are the vast assets at our disposal. Walmart
possesses sourcing capabilities that are unmatched in retail. We’re also
leveraging tremendous data from the more than 140 million weekly
customers that shop in U.S. stores to bring increased personalization
and convenience for e-commerce shopping. We’re making real
progress creating a seamless shopping experience for customers and
I’m excited about what’s to come.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 5
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In fiscal 2017, our focus on running great stores,
being great merchants and delivering value and
Executing a
winning strategy
convenience produced continued momentum.
Net sales increased to nearly $308 billion,
up 3.2 percent, with comp sales* growth of
1.4 percent. Investments in store experience,
quality, price and convenience are resonating
with customers. We ended the year with nine
consecutive quarters of traffic growth in our stores,
and e-commerce sales are growing rapidly.
Running
great stores
Customer experience scores continued to
improve as associates remained laser-focused
on delivering a clean, fast and friendly shopping
experience. We’ve invested to increase
associate pay and training, simplify processes
and add new technology — including tablets
and handhelds — to better equip associates
to efficiently serve customers in a fast and
friendly way. Our stores are cleaner, with better
in-stock levels and significant improvement in
inventory management.
Associates are on the front lines interacting
with customers on a daily basis. So we’re
doing more to invest in associate training
and development, including 200 new
training academies, connected to existing
supercenters, that provide hands-on training
to further develop important skills needed
in today’s retail environment. By the end of
2017, more than 225,000 associates will have
received this valuable training.
Train and
grow
6 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
*4-5-4 retail calendar comp sales for the 52-week period ending January 27, 2017.
Delivering value
Walmart was built on a foundation of saving customers
money — it helps us become the most trusted retailer — and
today we remain deeply committed to everyday low prices.
To deliver on this promise, we’re focused on driving everyday
low cost (EDLC) through cost of goods savings and supply
chain efficiencies, and by increasingly leveraging technology
to change how we work. These savings help fund a portion
of our multiyear strategy of incremental price investment to
reinforce our customer value proposition.
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Being great merchants
Assortment is the lifeblood of retail — it drives traffic, sales and brand excitement.
We’re using data and analytics to tailor our assortment for customers — both
what’s on their shopping list and what they didn’t know they needed. We’ve
seen strength in key traffic-driving categories like grocery and health & wellness.
Customers are responding to the improvements in fresh quality and presentation,
as well as private brand quality, innovation and broader assortment.
Providing convenience
We’re committed to saving customers time. Only Walmart can deliver a seamless shopping
experience at scale by combining the power of stores with digital innovation. Customers
love the convenience of Online Grocery, now available in over 600 stores, with more than
500 additional locations coming in fiscal 2018. Innovations like Walmart Pay and pharmacy
express lanes make checkout fast and easy in our stores. And, with our free 2-day shipping
offer, customers can place an order of $35 or more on Walmart.com and have it delivered
to their doorstep within two days, without needing a membership.
Steady improvement in comparable sales*
1.5%
1.5%
1.1%
1.0%
0.6%
1.8%
1.6%
1.2%
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Q1 FY16
Q2 FY16
Q3 FY16
Q4 FY16
Q1 FY17
Q2 FY17
Q3 FY17
Q4 FY17
*4-5-4 retail calendar comp sales for the respective 13-week periods.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 7
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International
On a constant currency basis, Walmart International
delivered solid, broad-based topline results in
Solid strategy,
steady execution
fiscal 2017. Net sales grew 3 percent and ten of
our 11 markets posted comp sales gains, led by
Walmex with strong comps of over 7 percent.
In addition, operating income grew faster than sales.
Walmart International has a clear strategy to become
the world’s leading digitally-enabled food retailer.
Actively manage the portfolio
In order to grow our business profitably, we’re making strategic choices to simplify our
portfolio and be more focused. For example, we’ve sold non-core assets like shopping
malls in Chile and the Suburbia clothing chain in Mexico. Our emphasis for capital
allocation is on our core North American markets (Mexico & Canada) and key growth
markets (China & India). We are intentionally focused on investing in markets, channels,
and formats that position us to win.
Disciplined growth through
differentiated customer proposition
We are focused on expanding price leadership, driving private brand penetration, and
continually improving our fresh offering. In addition, e-commerce will be a key growth
engine in the future, and we are rapidly developing our capabilities in this area, including
the use of alliances such as the one recently completed with JD.com in China.
Be the lowest cost operator
We’re deeply committed to being the lowest cost operator. By driving savings
through our cost analytics program in areas such as sourcing, supply chain, and
operational efficiencies, we can fund growth and lower prices for customers.
We’ve increased our vertical integration, improved logistics and leveraged new
data tools to expand our cost advantage.
Build strong foundations
We are increasingly focused on training and developing world-class talent throughout our markets
and empowering them to lead us into the next generation of retail. This year several leaders
received new CEO appointments within various countries across our portfolio. In addition, International
continues to serve as an exporter of officer-level talent to the U.S. businesses. Whether through
automation, analytics, or mobile payment solutions, we will also continue to digitally transform
our business. As always, we remain committed to being the most trusted retailer in the world.
8 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Transforming to
serve members
Club Pickup, with enhanced
features for members, grew
31 percent in fiscal 2017
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Our work to run great clubs and provide members
with new and innovative ways to shop for exciting
merchandise drove fiscal 2017 net sales growth
of 0.9 percent, including comp sales* growth without
fuel of 1.1 percent. Membership income increased
more than 2 percent versus last year.
A focus on product
We’re focused on exciting the member with unique and quality merchandise at
an unbelievable value every time they visit the club. That means new brands
and innovative items, as well as elevated fresh and organic offerings. We’re investing in price to
reinforce our value proposition. In addition, we’re building loyalty around the value and quality
of our private brand, Member’s Mark, and adding new items to our assortment under this label.
Over the past year, more than 90 percent of members purchased at least one private-brand item.
Attracting and retaining members
We’re increasingly leveraging technology and data to target prospective members, attract
them to the club and then retain them by delivering personalization at scale. We want to
grow our membership and increase spend per member. We’ve diversified our payment
options, including launching acceptance of American Express this past year, to drive small
business member growth. Our Plus membership, Cash Rewards and Sam’s Club 5-3-1 credit
programs deliver added value that resonates with members.
The leading digital experience
We’ve differentiated ourselves in the membership club channel by moving quickly to offer a seamless shopping
experience. In-club convenience reached a new level with the rollout of Scan & Go, which allows members to
scan items as they shop and then pay using their smart phone, without having to stop at the register. Scan & Go
users visit the club more and spend more than non-users. E-commerce growth has also been robust. And Club
Pickup, with enhanced features like mobile check-in and pre-payment, grew 31 percent. At many locations,
members don’t even have to set foot in the club to receive their order.
*4-5-4 retail calendar comp sales for the 52-week period ending January 27, 2017.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 9
Our associates:
Moving faster to
win the future
2.3 million
Dedicated associates globally
75% of our U.S. store management
teams started as hourly associates
We invested $2.7 billion in the
U.S. over the past two years in
education, higher wages and training
We plan to hire 250,000
discharged U.S. veterans by 2020
Our U.S. Academy training and
development program will
graduate 225,000 associates
by the end of 2017
10 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Walmart’s
investment in
American Jobs Initiative
Investing
in American jobs
Walmart is committed to purchasing
an additional $250 billion in
products that support American
jobs between 2013 and 2023.
Projected to create an estimated
1 million new U.S. jobs
Through Walmart’s U.S. manufacturing
initiative, the U.S. could see direct
manufacturing job growth of about
250,000, and about 750,000 in the
support and service sectors.*
*According to a Boston Consulting Group 2013 Study
“ Walmart currently
sources products
from all 50 states.”
Awarded $10 million
in grants
Completed the $10 million
U.S. Manufacturing Innovation
Fund commitment, launched
in 2014 by Walmart and the
Walmart Foundation to fund
manufacturing innovation.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 11
Strategic, independent, transparent:
Our formula for strong governance
The transformation of Walmart is gaining momentum,
and the Board of Directors is confident that we have the
right strategy to position the business for sustainable
growth and shareholder returns in this new era of retail.
Today’s customer has more time pressures than ever, and
our focus on making life easier for busy families is critical.
Walmart is uniquely positioned to deliver on that goal.
Strategic choices like the acquisition of Jet.com, the
alliance with JD.com, and our rapid expansion of Online
Grocery and marketplace, are intended to accelerate
e-commerce growth and improve our digital capabilities
for customers. We’ve also increased U.S. associate wages
and enhanced training to elevate the customer experience
in our stores. The investments have been significant, and
the Board has been deeply engaged in these strategic
decisions that accelerate our pace of change.
Walmart is advantaged with
an excellent Board with broad-
based skill sets, diversity and
business expertise. With strong
independent perspectives, the
directors play a vital role in the
oversight of our strategy, and
we’re committed to fully
leveraging their talents.
Management is changing the
way they work to move with
speed. Similarly, we’ve taken
steps to make the Board more nimble. Last year, we reduced
the size of the Board from 15 to 12 members to facilitate
quicker decision making, while maintaining its independence.
We’re committed to Board effectiveness. Our Lead
Independent Director, Dr. James Cash, oversees an annual
self-evaluation process of the Board and its committees.
Directors provide feedback through detailed questionnaires
and one-on-one interviews. This process helps identify gaps
in director skill sets that may exist on the Board. Additionally
this past year, our self-assessment led to changing the structure
of our Board committees. Previously, a single committee was
devoted to the broad scope of executive compensation,
director nominations and governance. Those responsibilities
have now been divided between two committees: the
Compensation and Management Development Committee
and the Nominating and Governance Committee. This
allows greater focus on management development as
well as Board recruitment and refreshment.
We place a high priority on Board refreshment. This helps
ensure a fresh perspective and a diverse mix of skillsets,
experiences and tenures. In fact, over the past five years,
we’ve added seven new directors to our Board. The Walton
family’s representation on the Board has also changed.
Historically, three family members have held director
positions on the Board. Upon Jim Walton’s retirement
last year, we were pleased to have his son Steuart join
the Board, and he’s already been a terrific contributor
to our discussions.
Our Board values shareholder perspectives. This past
fall, management completed an extensive engagement
process with most of our largest institutional shareholders
to better understand their perspectives on important
topics such as corporate strategy, governance and
compensation. Shareholders generally supported
Walmart’s strategic investments, viewing them as critical
in the competitive environment, and felt the adjustments
made to Board structure will foster efficient decision
making. Shareholders challenged the Board to regularly
consider skill sets needed to drive growth in digital retail
when recruiting new directors, and also to continually
monitor if management’s compensation program
effectively rewards performance while aligning to
shareholder interests.
Thank you for being a shareholder.
I’m excited about the speed with
which Walmart is changing to
become an even stronger company
that builds sustainable value.
Walmart is well-positioned to drive
growth and shareholder returns for
many years to come.
Greg Penner
Chairman of the Board
For more information,
please see our 2017
proxy and we ask you
to vote your shares.
12 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Board
of Directors
James I. Cash, Jr., Ph.D.
(Lead Independent Director)
Dr. Cash is the James E. Robison Professor of Business
Administration, Emeritus at Harvard Business School,
where he served from July 1976 to October 2003.
Pamela J. Craig
Ms. Craig is the retired Chief Financial Officer of
Accenture plc, a global management consulting,
technology services, and outsourcing company.
Timothy P. Flynn
Mr. Flynn is the retired Chairman of KPMG International,
a professional services firm.
Thomas W. Horton
Mr. Horton is the former Chairman of American
Airlines Group Inc. and the former Chairman of
American Airlines, Inc. He also previously served as
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMR
Corporation and CEO of American Airlines, Inc.
Marissa A. Mayer
Ms. Mayer is the Chief Executive Officer and
President and Director of Yahoo!, Inc.,
a digital media company.
C. Douglas McMillon
Mr. McMillon is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Gregory B. Penner (Chairman)
Mr. Penner is the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and a General Partner at
Madrone Capital Partners, an investment firm.
Steven S Reinemund
Mr. Reinemund is the retired 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.
Kevin Y. Systrom
Mr. Systrom is the Chief Executive Officer
and co-founder of Instagram, a social
media application.
S. Robson Walton
Mr. Walton is the retired Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Steuart L. Walton
Steuart L. Walton is the chief executive officer
of Game Composites, Ltd., a company he
founded in 2013 that designs and builds small
composite aircraft.
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.
Board Committees:
Name
Compensation &
Management
Development
Audit
Nominating &
Governance
Executive
Global
Compensation
Strategic
Planning
& Finance
Technology &
e-commerce
Name
Compensation &
Management
Development
Audit
Nominating &
Governance
Executive
Global
Compensation
Strategic
Planning
& Finance
Technology &
e-commerce
James I. Cash, Jr., Ph.D.(FE)
(C)
Pamela J. Craig
Timothy P. Flynn(FE)
(C)
Thomas W. Horton(FE)
Marissa A. Mayer
C. Douglas McMillon
Gregory B. Penner(*)
Steven S Reinemund
Kevin Y. Systrom
S. Robson Walton
Steuart L. Walton
(C)
(C)
(C)
(C)
Linda S. Wolf
(C)
(*) Chairman
(C) Committee Chair
(FE) Financial Expert
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 13
We’re uniquely positioned for
customers and shareholders
It’s a transformative time in
retail. With today’s technology,
customers have more connected
lives and are more empowered
than ever before to drive
changes in shopping behavior.
At Walmart, we’re leveraging
our financial strength and
making strategic choices to
accelerate change so we will
win with customers in this new
age of retail.
“The strength of our company
gives us both the resources to
win long term, and the flexibility
in how we win and generate
shareholder returns.”
Walmart’s exceptionally strong financial position is unique.
In fiscal 2017:
• annual revenue approached $486 billion with operating
income of approximately $22.8 billion;
• operating cash flow reached a record level of $31.5 billion
and return on investment* was 15.2 percent;
• we operated nearly 11,700 stores serving more than
260 million customers a week;
• we made several strategic transactions, including the
acquisition of Jet.com and the alliance with JD.com; and
• we returned $14.5 billion to shareholders through
dividends and share repurchases.
The strength of our company gives us both the resources
to win long term, and the flexibility in how we win and
generate shareholder returns.
Our path forward is underpinned by a financial framework
with three priorities: strong, efficient growth; operating
discipline; and strategic capital allocation.
Strong, Efficient Growth: Historically, new stores have been
the key contributor to Walmart’s growth. Going forward,
more growth will come from comp sales at existing stores.
By leveraging technology, executing more frequent remodels
and providing more sophisticated training to our associates,
we’ll deliver a better experience to customers. We plan to
open fewer stores overall, particularly in the U.S., which should
improve our returns on capital over time. We’re also focused
on accelerating e-commerce sales through our growing
family of brands and the rapid expansion of marketplace,
which can benefit the profitability mix of e-commerce.
Financial
priorities
Strong,
efficient growth
Operating
discipline
Strategic
capital allocation
* Return on investment is a non-GAAP measure. Reconciliations and other information regarding return on investment and its closest GAAP measure,
return on assets, can be found in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report.
14 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Sharpening our focus on capital allocation
In fiscal 2018, we plan to allocate more capital to remodels, e-commerce, technology
and logistics and allocate less to new stores and clubs.
FY15
Total capex
spending:
$12.2 billion
FY18
Total projected
capex spending:
~$11 billion
New stores
and clubs
Remodels and
customer initiatives
E-commerce
and technology
Logistics, maintenance
and other
Operating Discipline: We’re keenly focused on being the
lowest cost operator. We’ve made good progress in cost
of goods efficiencies and working capital productivity with
strong inventory management. There’s more work to do in
managing SG&A expenses. The strategic investments we
made over the past two years in associates and technology
were important to the long-term health of the business. We
must be more efficient. We’re taking steps to remove excess
costs from the system and to change how we work in order
to rejuvenate the EDLC culture of our heritage. We’re also
investing in technology to deploy resources more efficiently
and leaning into shared services to centralize processes
where appropriate.
Strategic Capital Allocation: Capital expenditures for
new stores and clubs have been meaningfully reduced over
the past few years. We’re focused on strategic initiatives
that will drive long-term value, including store remodels
and customer initiatives. The goal: keep our valuable store
fleet fresh and improve our customer proposition, with
enhancements to in-store pickup, Online Grocery and the
fresh food business. In addition, we’ll continue to invest in
e-commerce and the technology of the future to deliver
the convenience customers expect.
We’ve also been opportunistic on the M&A front with
acquisitions of Jet.com, ShoeBuy, Moosejaw and ModCloth,
as well as the alliance with JD.com, that help accelerate
e-commerce growth in the U.S. and China. We’ll be thoughtful
about our portfolio of assets and, where appropriate, we’ll
continue to sharpen our focus through divestitures.
We’re confident that over time, these financial priorities
will help us drive sustainable top line and bottom line
growth, and generate solid returns for shareholders.
In closing, I believe Walmart is uniquely positioned for
long-term success. Our financial strength has allowed
us to make investments in the right places to provide
solutions for busy customers. We’re laser-focused on the
customer and moving with speed to position Walmart to
win the future of retail for customers and shareholders.
Brett Biggs
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 15
Walmart by the numbers
$58 billion
returned to shareholders
through dividends and
share repurchases,
last 5 years
$485.9 billion
Total revenue
fiscal 2017
$31.5 billion
Operating cash flow
fiscal 2017
$39 billion
in revenue growth,
last 5 years
44
Consecutive years of
annual dividend increases
16 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
We serve more than
260 million
customers a week
We operate
11,695 stores in
28 countries and
e-commerce websites in
11 countries
2017 Financials
18 Five-Year Financial Summary
19
36
37
38
39
40
41
60
61
62
63
64
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’
Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting
Management’s Report to Our Shareholders
Unit Counts as of January 31, 2017
Corporate and Stock Information
Daniel J. Bartlett
Executive Vice President,
Corporate Affairs
M. Brett Biggs
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
Jacqueline P. Canney
Executive Vice President,
Global People
David Cheesewright
Executive Vice President,
President and CEO,
Walmart International
David M. Chojnowski
Senior Vice President
and Controller
Greg S. Foran
Executive Vice President,
President and CEO,
Walmart U.S.
John Furner
Executive Vice President,
President and CEO,
Sam’s Club
Jeffrey J. Gearhart
Executive Vice President,
Global Governance and
Corporate Secretary
Marc Lore
Executive Vice President,
President and CEO,
Walmart eCommerce U.S.
C. Douglas McMillon
President and CEO
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 17
Five-Year Financial Summary
(Amounts in millions, except per share and unit count data)
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
As of and for the Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Operating results
Total revenues
Percentage change in total revenues from previous fiscal year
Net sales
Percentage change in net sales from previous fiscal year
Increase (decrease) in calendar comparable sales(1)
in the United States
Walmart U.S.
Sam’s Club
Gross profit margin
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses,
as a percentage of net sales
Operating income
Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart
Net income per common share:
Diluted income per common share from
continuing operations attributable to Walmart
Dividends declared per common share
Financial position
Inventories
Property, equipment, capital lease and financing obligation assets, net
Total assets
Long-term debt and long-term capital lease and financing obligations
$485,873
$482,130
$485,651
$476,294
$468,651
0.8%
(0.7)%
2.0%
1.6%
5.0%
$481,317
$478,614
$482,229
$473,076
$465,604
0.6%
(0.7)%
1.9%
1.6%
5.0%
1.4%
1.6%
0.5%
24.9%
0.3%
1.0%
(3.2)%
24.6%
0.5%
0.6%
0.0%
24.3%
(0.5)%
(0.6)%
0.3%
24.3%
2.4%
2.0%
4.1%
24.3%
21.2%
20.3%
19.4%
19.3%
19.0%
$ 22,764
13,643
$ 24,105
14,694
$ 27,147
16,182
$ 26,872
15,918
$ 27,725
16,963
$
4.38
2.00
$
4.57
1.96
$
4.99
1.92
$
4.85
1.88
$
5.01
1.59
$ 43,046
114,178
198,825
$ 44,469
116,516
199,581
$ 45,141
116,655
203,490
$ 44,858
117,907
204,541
$ 43,803
116,681
202,910
(excluding amounts due within one year)
Total Walmart shareholders’ equity
42,018
77,798
44,030
80,546
43,495
81,394
44,368
76,255
41,240
76,343
Unit counts(2)
Walmart U.S. segment
Walmart International segment
Sam’s Club segment
Total units
4,672
6,363
660
4,574
6,299
655
4,516
6,290
647
4,203
6,107
632
4,005
5,783
620
11,695
11,528
11,453
10,942
10,408
(1) Comparable sales include sales from stores and clubs open for the previous 12 months, including remodels, relocations and expansions, as well as e-commerce sales.
Comparable store and club sales include fuel.
(2) Unit counts related to discontinued operations have been removed from all relevant periods.
18 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart,” the “Company” or “we”) is engaged
in retail and wholesale operations in various formats around the world.
Through our operations, we help people around the world save money
and live better—anytime and anywhere—in retail stores or through
our e-commerce and mobile capabilities. Through innovation, we are
striving to create a customer-centric experience that seamlessly inte-
grates digital and physical shopping and saves time for our customers.
Physical retail encompasses our brick and mortar presence in each of
the markets in which we operate. Digital retail is comprised of our
e-commerce websites and mobile commerce applications. Each week,
we serve over 260 million customers who visit our 11,695 stores under
59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries.
Our strategy is to lead on price, invest to differentiate on access, be
competitive on assortment and deliver a great experience. By leading on
price we earn the trust of our customers every day by providing a broad
assortment of quality merchandise and services at everyday low prices
(“EDLP”). 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. Price leadership is core to who we
are. Everyday low cost (“EDLC”) is our commitment to control expenses
so our cost savings can be passed along to our customers. Our digital
and physical presence, which we are investing in to integrate, provides
customers access to our broad assortment anytime and anywhere.
We strive to give our customers and members a great digital and physical
shopping experience.
Our operations consist of three reportable segments: Walmart U.S.,
Walmart International and Sam’s Club.
• Walmart U.S. is our largest segment with three primary store formats,
as well as digital retail. Of our three reportable segments, Walmart U.S.
has historically had the highest gross profit as a percentage of net sales
(“gross profit rate”). In addition, it has historically contributed the
greatest amount to the Company’s net sales and operating income.
• Walmart International consists of our operations outside of the U.S.
and includes retail, wholesale and other businesses. These businesses
consist of numerous formats, including supercenters, supermarkets,
hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, including Sam’s Clubs, cash & carry,
home improvement, specialty electronics, apparel stores, drug stores
and convenience stores, as well as digital retail. The overall gross profit
rate for Walmart International is lower than that of Walmart U.S.
primarily because of its merchandise mix. Walmart International is our
second largest segment and has grown through acquisitions, as well as
by adding retail, wholesale and other units, and expanding digital retail.
• Sam’s Club consists of membership-only warehouse clubs as well as
digital retail. As a membership-only warehouse club, membership
income is a significant component of the segment’s operating income.
Sam’s Club operates with a lower gross profit rate and lower operating
expenses as a percentage of net sales than our other segments.
The following examples illustrate the pursuit of our strategy to create
a customer-centric experience that seamlessly integrates digital and
physical shopping:
• In September 2016, we completed the acquisition of Jet.com, Inc.
(“jet.com”), a U.S. based e-commerce company. The total purchase price
for the acquisition was $2.4 billion, net of cash acquired. The preliminary
allocation of the purchase price includes $1.7 billion in goodwill and
$0.6 billion in intangible assets. As part of the transaction consideration,
we will pay additional amounts accounted for as compensation of
approximately $0.8 billion over a five year period, including approxi-
mately $0.5 billion in cash and approximately $0.3 billion in equity.
The impact on fiscal 2017 net sales and operating income as a result
of the acquisition was not significant. The acquisition of jet.com is
in line with the Company’s strategic framework of accelerating
e-commerce growth.
• In June 2016, we announced our strategic alliance with JD.com, Inc.
(“JD”) and the sale to JD of certain assets relating to Yihaodian, our
e-commerce operations in China, including the Yihaodian brand,
website and application in exchange for approximately 5 percent
of JD’s outstanding ordinary shares on a fully diluted basis. The sale
resulted in the recognition of a $535 million noncash gain in our
International segment, which gain is included in membership and other
income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Subsequently, during fiscal 2017, the Company purchased $1.9 billion of
additional JD shares classified as available for sale securities, representing
an incremental ownership percentage of approximately five percent,
for a total ownership of approximately ten percent of JD’s outstanding
ordinary shares.
Each of our segments contributes to the Company’s operating results
differently. Each, however, has generally maintained a consistent contri-
bution rate to the Company’s net sales and operating income in recent
years other than minor changes to the contribution rate for the Walmart
International segment due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Our fiscal year ends on January 31 for our U.S. and Canadian operations.
We consolidate all other operations generally using a one-month lag and
on a calendar year basis. Our business is seasonal to a certain extent due
to calendar events and national and religious holidays, as well as weather
patterns. Historically, our highest sales volume and operating income
have occurred in the fiscal quarter ending January 31.
This discussion, which presents our results for the fiscal years ended
January 31, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”), January 31, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”) and
January 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) should be read in conjunction with our
Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. 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 period to period
and the primary factors that accounted for those changes. We also
discuss certain performance metrics that management uses to assess
the Company’s performance. Additionally, the discussion provides
information about the financial results of the three segments of our
business to provide a better understanding of how each of those
segments and its results of operations affect the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company as a whole.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 19
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, we discuss segment operating
income, comparable store and club sales and other measures.
Management measures the results of the Company’s segments using
each segment’s operating income, including certain corporate overhead
allocations, as well as other measures. From time to time, we revise the
measurement of each segment’s operating income, including certain
corporate overhead allocations, and other measures as determined by
the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision
maker. When we do so, the previous period amounts and balances are
reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Comparable store and club sales is a metric that indicates the
performance of our existing U.S. stores and clubs by measuring the
change in sales for such stores and clubs, including e-commerce sales,
for a particular period from the corresponding period in the previous year.
Walmart’s definition of comparable store and club sales includes sales
from stores and clubs open for the previous 12 months, including remodels,
relocations, expansions and conversions, as well as e-commerce sales.
We measure the e-commerce sales impact by including those sales initi-
ated through websites and mobile commerce applications and fulfilled
through our e-commerce distribution facilities, as well as an estimate
for sales initiated online and on our mobile commerce applications, but
fulfilled through our stores and clubs. Sales of a store that has changed
in format are excluded from comparable store and club sales when the
conversion of that store is accompanied by a relocation or expansion
that results in a change in the store’s retail square feet of more than
five percent. Additionally, sales related to e-commerce acquisitions are
excluded until such acquisitions have been owned for 12 months.
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 discussing our operating results, we use the term “currency exchange
rates” to refer to the currency exchange rates we use to convert the
operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not
the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. We calcu-
late the effect of changes in currency exchange rates from the prior
period to the current period as the difference between current period
activity translated using the current period’s currency exchange rates,
and current period activity translated using the comparable prior year
period’s currency exchange rates. Throughout our discussion, we refer to
the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate
fluctuations. Volatility in currency exchange rates may impact the results,
including net sales and operating income, of the Company and the
Walmart International segment in the future.
The Retail Industry
We operate in the highly competitive retail industry in all of the
markets we serve. We face strong sales competition from other discount,
department, drug, dollar, variety and specialty stores, warehouse clubs
and supermarkets, as well as e-commerce and catalog businesses. Many
of these competitors are national, regional or international chains or have
a national or international online presence. 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: catastrophic events, weather, competitive pressures,
consumer disposable income, consumer debt levels and buying pat-
terns, consumer credit availability, cost of goods, currency exchange rate
fluctuations, customer preferences, deflation, inflation, fuel and energy
prices, general economic conditions, insurance costs, interest rates,
labor costs, tax rates, cybersecurity attacks and unemployment. Further
information on the factors that can affect our operating results and on
certain risks to our Company and an investment in its securities can be
found under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017, and in the discussion under
“Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and
Information” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 2017.
Company Performance Metrics
We are committed to helping customers save money and live better
through everyday low prices, supported by everyday low costs. At times,
we adjust our business strategies to maintain and strengthen our com-
petitive positions in the countries in which we operate. For several years,
our performance metrics emphasized three financial priorities: growth,
expense leverage and returns. We are currently making strategic invest-
ments in our associates and in the integration of digital and physical
retail. These investments support long-term growth while we maintain
our heritage of everyday low prices which are supported by everyday
low cost. During this time of increased investments, we are focused pri-
marily on growth, balanced by the long-term health of the Company
including expense leverage and returns. Although we will continue to
grow through new stores and clubs, our growth going forward will rely
more on increasing comparable store and club sales and accelerating
e-commerce sales growth.
Our objective of balancing growth with returns means that we are
focused on efficiently employing assets for return on investment and
more effectively managing working capital to deliver strong free cash
flow. We plan to provide returns to our shareholders through share
repurchases and dividends.
20 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Growth
We measure our growth primarily by the amount of the period-over-period growth in our net sales and our comparable store and club sales, which
include the impact of e-commerce sales. At times, we make strategic investments which are focused on the long-term growth of the Company.
These strategic investments may not benefit net sales and comparable store and club sales in the near term.
Net Sales
(Amounts in millions)
Walmart U.S.
Walmart International
Sam’s Club
Net sales
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
Percent
of Total
64.0%
24.1%
11.9%
Percent
Change
3.2%
(5.9)%
0.9%
2016
Percent
of Total
62.3%
25.8%
11.9%
Percent
Change
3.6%
(9.4)%
(2.1)%
2015
Net Sales
$288,049
136,160
58,020
Percent
of Total
59.8%
28.2%
12.0%
Net Sales
$298,378
123,408
56,828
Net Sales
$307,833
116,119
57,365
$481,317
100.0%
0.6%
$478,614
100.0%
(0.7)%
$482,229
100.0%
Our consolidated net sales increased $2.7 billion or 0.6% for fiscal 2017 and decreased $3.6 billion or 0.7% for fiscal 2016, when compared to the previous
fiscal year. Net sales for fiscal 2017 were positively impacted by overall positive comparable sales and e-commerce sales and the 1.3% year-over-year
growth in consolidated retail square feet. The positive effect of such factors was partially offset by a negative impact of $11.0 billion or 2.3% as a result
of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and a $0.4 billion decrease in fuel sales from lower fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment. Net sales for
fiscal 2016 were negatively impacted by $17.1 billion or 3.5% as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and a $1.9 billion decrease in fuel
sales from lower fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment. The negative effect of such factors was partially offset by 1.3% year-over-year growth in retail
square feet, positive comparable sales in the Walmart U.S. segment and higher e-commerce sales across the Company.
Calendar Comparable Store and Club Sales
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, including e-commerce sales, for a particular period over the corresponding period in the previous year. The retail industry
generally reports comparable store and club sales using the retail calendar (also known as the 4-5-4 calendar). To be consistent with the retail industry,
we provide comparable store and club sales using the retail calendar in our quarterly earnings releases. However, when we discuss our comparable
store and club sales below, we are referring to our calendar comparable store and club sales calculated using our fiscal calendar. As our fiscal calendar
differs from the retail calendar, our fiscal calendar comparable store and club sales also differ from the retail calendar comparable store and club sales
provided in our quarterly earnings releases. Calendar comparable store and club sales, as well as the impact of fuel, for fiscal 2017 and 2016, were
as follows:
Walmart U.S.
Sam’s Club
Total U.S.
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
With Fuel
Fuel Impact
1.6%
0.5%
1.4%
1.0%
(3.2)%
0.3%
0.0%
(0.9)%
(0.1)%
0.0%
(3.4)%
(0.6)%
Comparable store and club sales in the U.S., including fuel, increased
1.4% and 0.3% in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when compared to
the previous fiscal year. The fiscal 2017 total U.S. comparable store and
club sales were positively impacted by continued traffic improvement
and higher e-commerce sales at the Walmart U.S. segment, partially
offset by the negative impact of lower fuel sales primarily due to lower
fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment. E-commerce sales positively
impacted comparable sales approximately 0.4% and 0.7% for Walmart
U.S. and Sam’s Club, respectively, for fiscal 2017. The fiscal 2016 total U.S.
comparable store and club sales were positively impacted by continued
traffic improvement and higher e-commerce sales at the Walmart U.S.
segment, offset to a significant degree by the negative impact of lower
fuel sales from lower fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment. E-commerce
sales positively impacted comparable sales approximately 0.2% and
0.6% for Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club, respectively, for fiscal 2016.
As we continue to add new stores and clubs in the U.S., we do so with
an understanding that additional stores and clubs may take sales away
from existing units. We estimate the negative impact on comparable
store and club sales as a result of opening new stores and clubs was
approximately 0.7% and 0.8% in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our
estimate is calculated primarily by comparing the sales trends of the
impacted stores and clubs, which are identified based on their proximity
to the new stores and clubs, to those of nearby non-impacted stores
and clubs, in each case, as measured after the new stores and clubs
are opened.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 21
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Although ROI is a standard financial metric, numerous methods exist
for calculating a company’s ROI. As a result, the method used by man-
agement to calculate our ROI may differ from the methods used by other
companies to calculate their ROI.
The calculation of ROA and ROI, along with a reconciliation of ROI
to the calculation of ROA, the most comparable GAAP financial measure,
is as follows:
Fiscal Years
Ended January 31,
2017
2016
$ 14,293
$ 15,080
(Amounts in millions)
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON ASSETS
Numerator
Income from continuing operations
Denominator
Average total assets of
continuing operations(1)
$199,203
$201,536
Return on assets (ROA)
7.2%
7.5%
CALCULATION OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Numerator
Operating income
+ Interest income
+ Depreciation and amortization
+ Rent
$ 22,764
100
10,080
2,612
$ 24,105
81
9,454
2,532
= Adjusted operating income
$ 35,556
$ 36,172
Denominator
Average total assets of
continuing operations(1)
$199,203
$201,536
+ Average accumulated depreciation
and amortization(1)
- Average accounts payable(1)
- Average accrued liabilities(1)
+ Rent x 8
74,245
39,960
20,131
20,896
68,759
38,449
19,380
20,256
= Average invested capital
$234,253
$232,722
Return on investment (ROI)
15.2%
15.5%
As of January 31,
2017
2016
2015
Certain Balance Sheet Data
Total assets of continuing
operations
$198,825
$199,581
$203,490
Accumulated depreciation
and amortization
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
76,951
41,433
20,654
71,538
38,487
19,607
65,979
38,410
19,152
(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.
Returns
While we are focused primarily on growth, we also place a priority on
generating returns to ensure our approach is appropriately balanced.
We generate returns by efficiently deploying assets and effectively
managing working capital. We monitor these efforts through our return
on investment and free cash flow metrics, which we discuss below.
In addition, we are focused on providing returns to our shareholders
in the form of share repurchases and dividends, which are discussed
in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.
We include Return on Assets (“ROA”), the most directly comparable
measure based on our financial statements presented in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”),
and Return on Investment (“ROI”) as metrics to assess returns on assets.
Return on Assets and Return on Investment
Management believes ROI is a meaningful metric to share with investors
because it helps investors assess how effectively Walmart is deploying its
assets. Trends in ROI can fluctuate over time as management balances
long-term potential strategic initiatives with possible short-term impacts.
We consider ROA to be the financial measure computed in accordance
with GAAP that is the most directly comparable financial measure to our
calculation of ROI.
ROA was 7.2% and 7.5% for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017 and
2016, respectively. ROI was 15.2% and 15.5% for the fiscal years ended
January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The declines in ROA and ROI were
primarily due to our decrease in operating income over these periods.
We define ROI as adjusted operating income (operating income plus
interest income, depreciation and amortization, and rent expense) for
the fiscal year or trailing 12 months divided by average invested capital
during that period. We consider average invested capital to be the aver-
age of our beginning and ending total assets, plus average accumulated
depreciation and average accumulated amortization, less average
accounts payable and average accrued liabilities for that period, plus a
rent factor equal to the rent for the fiscal year or trailing 12 months
multiplied by a factor of eight. When we have discontinued operations,
we exclude the impact of the discontinued operations.
Our calculation of ROI is considered a non-GAAP financial measure
because we calculate ROI using financial measures that exclude and
include amounts that are included and excluded in the most directly
comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance
with GAAP. For example, we exclude the impact of depreciation and
amortization from our reported operating income in calculating the
numerator of our calculation of ROI. In addition, we include a factor of
eight for rent expense that estimates the hypothetical capitalization of
our operating leases. As mentioned above, we consider ROA to be the
financial measure computed in accordance with GAAP that is the most
directly comparable financial measure to our calculation of ROI. ROI dif-
fers from ROA (which is consolidated net income for the period divided
by average total assets for the period) because ROI: adjusts operating
income to exclude certain expense items and adds interest income;
adjusts total assets 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. Because of the adjustments
mentioned above, we believe ROI more accurately measures how we are
deploying our key assets and is more meaningful to investors than ROA.
22 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management
believes, however, that free cash flow, which measures our ability to
generate additional cash from our business operations, is an important
financial measure for use in evaluating the Company’s financial perfor-
mance. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a
substitute for, consolidated net income as a measure of our performance
and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity.
See Liquidity and Capital Resources for discussions of GAAP metrics
including net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in
investing activities and net cash used in financing activities.
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 had net cash provided by operating activities of $31.5 billion,
$27.4 billion and $28.6 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
We generated free cash flow of $20.9 billion, $15.9 billion and $16.4 billion
for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in net cash
provided by operating activities and free cash flow in fiscal 2017 from
fiscal 2016 was primarily due to improved working capital management.
Additionally, we benefited from the application of new tax regulations
related to the accelerated deduction of remodels and related expenses.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities and free cash
flow in fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 was primarily due to lower income
from continuing operations, partially offset by lower capital spending
and improved working capital management.
Walmart’s 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 Consolidated Statements 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 Walmart’s management to calculate our free cash
flow may differ from the methods used by other companies to calculate
their free cash flow.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of free cash flow, a
non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash provided by operating activities,
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.
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Net cash provided by
operating activities
Payments for property
and equipment
Free cash flow
Net cash used in
$ 31,530
$ 27,389 $ 28,564
(10,619)
(11,477)
(12,174)
$ 20,911
$ 15,912 $ 16,390
investing activities(1)
$(13,987) $(10,675) $(11,125)
Net cash used in
financing activities
(18,929)
(16,122)
(15,071)
(1) “Net cash used in investing activities” includes payments for property
and equipment, which is also included in our computation of free cash flow.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
(Amounts in millions,
except unit counts)
Total revenues
Percentage change from
comparable period
Net sales
Percentage change from
comparable period
Total U.S. calendar comparable
store and club sales
increase (decrease)
Gross profit rate
Operating income
Operating income as a
percentage of net sales
Income from continuing
operations
Unit counts at period end
Retail square feet at period end
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$485,873
$482,130
$485,651
0.8%
(0.7)%
2.0%
$481,317
$478,614
$482,229
0.6%
(0.7)%
1.9%
1.4%
24.9%
0.3%
24.6%
0.5%
24.3%
$ 22,764
$ 24,105
$ 27,147
4.7%
5.0%
5.6%
$ 14,293
11,695
1,164
$ 15,080
11,528
1,149
$ 16,814
11,453
1,135
Our total revenues, which are mostly comprised of net sales, but also
include membership and other income, increased $3.7 billion or 0.8%
for fiscal 2017 and decreased $3.5 billion or 0.7% for fiscal 2016 when
compared to the previous fiscal year. Net sales increased $2.7 billion or
0.6% for fiscal 2017 and decreased $3.6 billion or 0.7% for fiscal 2016 when
compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, net sales were posi-
tively impacted by overall positive comparable sales and e-commerce
sales and the 1.3% year-over-year growth in consolidated retail square feet.
The positive effect of such factors on our consolidated net sales for
fiscal 2017 was partially offset by a negative impact of $11.0 billion or 2.3%
as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and a $0.4 billion
decrease in fuel sales from lower fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment.
For fiscal 2016, net sales were negatively impacted by $17.1 billion or 3.5%
as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and a $1.9 billion
decrease in fuel sales from lower fuel prices at the Sam’s Club segment.
The negative effect of such factors on our consolidated net sales was
partially offset by the 1.3% year-over-year growth in retail square feet,
positive comparable sales in the Walmart U.S. segment and higher
e-commerce sales across the Company.
Gross profit rate increased 36 and 29 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016,
respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017,
the increase in gross profit rate was primarily due to improved margin in
food and consumables, including the impact of savings in procuring
merchandise and lower transportation expense from lower fuel costs in
the Walmart U.S. segment. Additionally, improvement in certain markets’
inventory management and cost analytics programs in the Walmart
International segment also positively impacted our gross profit rate for
fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2016, the increase in gross profit rate was primarily due
to improved margins in food, general merchandise, and consumables in
the Walmart U.S. segment. Changes in the merchandise mix in the
Walmart International segment and a reduction in low margin fuel sales
in the Sam’s Club segment also positively impacted our fiscal 2016 gross
profit rate, while pharmacy reimbursement pressure at the Walmart U.S.
segment negatively impacted our fiscal 2016 gross profit rate.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 23
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 88 and
91 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when compared to
the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the increase in operating expenses
as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to an increase in wage
expense at the Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club segments resulting from the
continued investment in associate wage structure; a $370 million charge
related to discontinued domestic real estate projects and severance; and
our continued investments in digital retail and information technology.
The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for
fiscal 2017 was partially offset by the impact of store closures in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. For fiscal 2016, the increase in operating
expenses as a percentage of net sales was due to an increase in wage
expense at the Walmart U.S. segment due to the new associate wage
structure and increased associate hours to improve the overall customer
experience, the approximately $0.9 billion charge for the store closures
announced in January 2016 and our investments in digital retail and
information technology.
Membership and other income increased $1.0 billion for fiscal 2017
and was relatively flat for fiscal 2016, respectively, when compared to the
same periods in the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the increase in
membership and other income was primarily due the recognition of a
$535 million gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from the sale of
certain assets relating to Yihaodian, our e-commerce operations in China,
including the Yihaodian brand, website and application, to JD, and a
$194 million gain from the sale of shopping malls in Chile.
Our effective income tax rate was 30.3% for both fiscal 2017 and 2016,
and 32.2% for fiscal 2015, respectively. Our effective tax rate fluctuates
from period to period and may be impacted by a number of factors,
including changes in our assessment of certain tax contingencies,
valuation allowances, changes in laws, outcomes of administrative audits,
the impacts of discrete items and the mix of earnings among our U.S. and
international operations. The reconciliation from the U.S. statutory rate to
the effective income tax rates for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 is presented
in Note 9 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
As a result of the factors discussed above, we reported $14.3 billion,
$15.1 billion and $16.8 billion of consolidated income from continuing
operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively; a decrease of
$0.8 billion and $1.7 billion for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the previous fiscal year. Diluted income per common share
from continuing operations attributable to Walmart was $4.38, $4.57
and $4.99 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Walmart U.S. Segment
(Amounts in millions,
except unit counts)
Net sales
Percentage change from
comparable period
Calendar comparable
store sales increase
Operating income
Operating income as a
percentage of net sales
Unit counts at period end
Retail square feet at
period end
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$307,833
$298,378
$288,049
3.2%
1.6%
3.6%
1.0%
3.1%
0.6%
$ 17,745
$ 19,087
$ 21,336
5.8%
4,672
6.4%
4,574
7.4%
4,516
699
690
680
Net sales for the Walmart U.S. segment increased $9.5 billion or 3.2%
and $10.3 billion or 3.6% for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the previous fiscal year. The increases in net sales were
primarily due to increases in comparable store sales of 1.6% and 1.0% for
fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, driven primarily by positive customer
traffic, as well as year-over-year growth in retail square feet of 1.4% for both
fiscal 2017 and 2016. Additionally, e-commerce sales contributed 0.4%
and 0.2% to comparable store sales for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Gross profit rate increased 24 and 12 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016,
respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017,
the increase in gross profit rate was primarily due to improved margin in
food and consumables, including the impact of savings in procuring
merchandise and lower transportation expense from lower fuel costs.
For fiscal 2016, the increase in gross profit rate was primarily due to
improved margin in food, general merchandise and consumables,
partially offset by pharmacy reimbursement pressure.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased
101 and 113 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the increase was
primarily driven by an increase in wage expense due to the continued
investment in the associate wage structure; a $249 million charge related
to discontinued real estate projects; and our continued investments in
digital retail and information technology. The increase in operating
expenses as a percentage of segment net sales for fiscal 2017 was
partially offset by the impact of store closures in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2016. For fiscal 2016, the increase was primarily driven by an
increase in wage expense due to the new associate wage structure and
increased associate hours. Enhancements to the customer-facing areas
of the store to improve the overall customer experience drove the
increase in associate hours as well as increased maintenance expenses.
In addition, the $670 million charge to operating expenses for the
closures of 150 stores announced in January 2016, an increase in store
associate incentive expense and our investments in digital retail and
information technology contributed to the fiscal 2016 increase in
operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income
was $17.7 billion, $19.1 billion and $21.3 billion during fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively.
24 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Walmart International Segment
(Amounts in millions,
except unit counts)
Net sales
Percentage change from
comparable period
Operating income
Operating income as a
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$116,119
$123,408
$136,160
(5.9)%
(9.4)%
(0.3)%
$ 5,758
$ 5,346
$ 6,171
percentage of net sales
Unit counts at period end
Retail square feet at period end
5.0%
4.3%
6,363
377
6,299
372
4.5%
6,290
368
Net sales for the Walmart International segment decreased $7.3 billion or
5.9% and $12.8 billion or 9.4% for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the decrease in net
sales was due to the $11.0 billion of negative impact from fluctuations
in currency exchange rates. Additionally, net sales for fiscal 2017 were
impacted by positive comparable store sales in all of our markets, except
in the United Kingdom, and year-over-year growth in retail square feet of
1.2%. For fiscal 2016, the decrease in net sales was due to the $17.1 billion
of negative impact from fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Additionally, net sales for fiscal 2016 were impacted by year-over-year
growth in retail square feet of 1.2% and positive comparable sales in
Mexico and Canada, partially offset by negative comparable sales in the
U.K. and China.
Gross profit rate increased 46 and 23 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016,
respectively, when compared to the same periods in the previous fiscal
year. For fiscal 2017, the increase in gross profit rate was primarily due
to improvement in certain markets’ inventory management and cost
analytics programs. For fiscal 2016, the increase in gross profit rate was
primarily due to changes in the merchandise mix in certain markets.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased
58 and 44 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the previous fiscal year. The increase in operating expenses
as a percentage of segment net sales for fiscal 2017 was primarily due
to declining sales on relatively flat fixed costs in the United Kingdom as
well as adjustments to useful lives of certain assets and impairment
charges in certain markets. The increase in operating expenses as a
percentage of segment net sales for fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by
the approximately $150 million charge for the announced closure of
115 underperforming stores in Brazil and other Latin American markets
in January 2016, increased employment claim contingencies and
higher utility rates in Brazil and investments in digital retail and
information technology.
Membership and other income increased $0.8 billion for fiscal 2017 and
was relatively flat for fiscal 2016 when compared to the previous fiscal
year. For fiscal 2017, the increase in membership and other income was
primarily due the recognition of a $535 million gain in the second quarter
of fiscal 2017 from the sale of certain assets relating to Yihaodian, our
e-commerce operations in China, including the Yihaodian brand, website
and application, to JD, and a $194 million gain from the sale of shopping
malls in Chile.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income
was $5.8 billion, $5.3 billion and $6.2 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates negatively
impacted operating income by $642 million, $765 million and
$225 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Sam’s Club Segment
We believe the information in the following table under the caption
“Excluding Fuel” is useful to investors because it permits investors to
understand the effect of the Sam’s Club segment’s fuel sales on its
results of operations, which are impacted by the volatility of fuel prices.
Volatility in fuel prices may continue to impact the operating results
of the Sam’s Club segment in the future.
(Amounts in millions,
except unit counts)
Including Fuel
Net sales
Percentage change from
comparable period
Calendar comparable club
sales increase (decrease)
Operating income
Operating income as a
percentage of net sales
Unit counts at period end
Retail square feet
at period end
Excluding Fuel
Net sales
Percentage change from
comparable period
Operating income
Operating income as a
percentage of net sales
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$57,365
$56,828
$58,020
0.9%
(2.1)%
0.5%
(3.2)%
1.5%
0.0%
$ 1,671
$ 1,820
$ 1,976
2.9%
660
3.2%
655
3.4%
647
88
88
87
$53,289
$52,330
$51,630
1.8%
1.4%
2.1%
$ 1,619
$ 1,746
$ 1,854
3.0%
3.3%
3.6%
Net sales for the Sam’s Club segment increased $0.5 billion or 0.9%
for fiscal 2017 and decreased $1.2 billion or 2.1% for fiscal 2016 when
compared to the previous fiscal year. The fiscal 2017 increase in net sales
was primarily due to an increase in comparable club sales without fuel
driven by higher e-commerce sales, and a year-over-year increase in retail
square feet of 0.9%, partially offset by a decrease of $0.4 billion in fuel
sales primarily from lower fuel prices. The fiscal 2016 decrease in net sales
was primarily due to declines in comparable club sales, which were
driven by a decrease of $1.9 billion in fuel sales that resulted primarily
from lower fuel prices. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by
year-over-year growth in retail square feet of 1.2% and higher
e-commerce sales at samsclub.com.
Gross profit rate increased 39 and 30 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016,
respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017,
the increase was primarily due to margin rate improvement in home and
apparel, health and wellness, and grocery, partially offset by changes
in merchandise mix and the growth of the Cash Rewards program. For
fiscal 2016, the increase was primarily due to the reduction in low margin
fuel sales and lower merchandise acquisition costs, partially offset by the
segment’s continued investment in the Cash Rewards program.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 25
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Membership and other income decreased 6.5% for fiscal 2017 and
increased 5.3% for fiscal 2016, respectively, when compared to the
previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the decrease was primarily due to
a reduction in other income partially offset by an increase of 2.3% in
membership income as a result of increased Plus Member renewals.
For fiscal 2016, the increase was primarily the result of increased
membership upgrades and Plus Member renewals.
Operating expenses as a percentage of segment net sales increased
49 and 67 basis points for fiscal 2017 and 2016 when compared to the
previous fiscal year. For fiscal 2017, the increase in operating expenses as
a percentage of segment net sales was primarily due to an increase in
wage, benefit and incentive expenses from the continued investment in
the associate wage structure; our continued investments in digital retail
and information technology; and an increase in advertising expense.
For fiscal 2016, the increase in operating expenses as a percentage of
segment net sales was primarily due to lower fuel sales, an increase in
wage expense due to the new associate wage structure, our investments
in new clubs, digital retail and information technology, and the approxi-
mately $60 million charge for club closures announced in January 2016.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment operating income
was $1.7 billion, $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
The strength and stability of our operations have historically supplied us
with a significant source of liquidity. Our cash flows provided by operating
activities, supplemented with our long-term debt and short-term bor-
rowings, have been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to
invest in activities that support the long-term growth of our operations.
Generally, some or all of the remaining available cash flow has been used
to fund the dividends on our common stock and share repurchases.
We believe our sources of liquidity will continue to be adequate to fund
operations, finance our global expansion activities, pay dividends and
fund our share repurchases for the foreseeable future.
Cash Equivalents and Working Capital
Cash and cash equivalents were $6.9 billion and $8.7 billion at January 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. Our working capital deficit was $9.2 billion
and $4.4 billion at January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in
our working capital deficit reflects the Company’s leverage achieved
through savings from procuring merchandise and improved inventory
management. We generally operate with a working capital deficit due to
our efficient use of cash in funding operations, consistent access to the
capital markets and in providing returns to our shareholders in the form
of payments of cash dividends and share repurchases.
We use intercompany financing arrangements in an effort to ensure
cash can be made available in the country in which it is needed with
the minimum cost possible. We do not believe it will be necessary to
repatriate earnings held outside of the U.S. and anticipate our domestic
liquidity needs will be met through cash flows provided by domestic
operating activities, supplemented with long-term debt and short-term
borrowings. Accordingly, we intend, with only certain exceptions, to
continue to indefinitely reinvest our earnings held outside of the U.S. in
our foreign operations. When the income earned, either from operations
or through intercompany financing arrangements, and indefinitely
reinvested outside of the U.S. is taxed at local country tax rates, which
are generally lower than the U.S. statutory rate, we realize an effective
tax rate benefit. If our intentions with respect to reinvestment were to
change, most of the amounts held within our foreign operations could
be repatriated to the U.S., although any repatriation under current U.S.
tax laws would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, less applicable
foreign tax credits. Although there can be no assurance of the impact
on the Company of potential federal tax reform in the U.S., we do not
expect current local laws, other existing limitations or potential taxes
on anticipated future repatriations of cash amounts held outside of the
U.S. to have a material effect on our overall liquidity, financial condition
or results of operations.
As of January 31, 2017 and 2016, cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 billion
and $1.1 billion, respectively, may not be freely transferable to the U.S.
due to local laws or other restrictions.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Net cash provided by
operating activities
$31,530
$27,389
$28,564
investing activities
$(13,987) $(10,675) $(11,125)
Net cash used in
Net cash provided by operating activities was $31.5 billion, $27.4 billion
and $28.6 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase
in net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2017, when com-
pared to the previous fiscal year, was primarily due to improved working
capital management. Additionally, we benefited from the application of
new tax regulations related to the accelerated deduction of remodels
and related expenses. The decrease in net cash provided by operating
activities for fiscal 2016, when compared to the previous fiscal year, was
primarily due to lower income from continuing operations, partially off-
set by improved working capital management.
Net cash used in investing activities was $14.0 billion, $10.7 billion and
$11.1 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and generally con-
sisted of payments to add stores and clubs, remodel existing stores and
clubs, expand our digital retail capabilities and invest in other companies
and technologies. For fiscal 2017, we opened 292 new stores and clubs.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $3.3 billion for fiscal 2017,
when compared to the previous fiscal year, primarily due to our acquisition
of jet.com and investment in JD, partially offset by $0.7 billion in cash
received from the sales of shopping malls in Chile. Refer to Note 13 to our
Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our acquisition
of jet.com and investment in JD. For fiscal 2016, net cash used in investing
26 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
activities decreased $0.5 billion when compared to the previous fiscal
year, primarily due to lower capital expenditures. The following table
provides additional capital expenditure detail:
(Amounts in millions)
Capital Expenditures
New stores and clubs, including
expansions and relocations
Information systems, distribution,
digital retail and other
Remodels
Total U.S.
Walmart International
Allocation of Capital Expenditures
Fiscal Years Ending January 31,
2017
2016
$ 2,171
$ 3,194
4,162
1,589
7,922
2,697
3,963
1,390
8,547
2,930
Total capital expenditures
$10,619
$11,477
We continued to focus on seamlessly integrating the digital and physical
shopping experience for our customers and expanding in digital retail in
each of our segments during fiscal 2017. Our fiscal 2017 accomplishments
in this area include continuing to roll out our new web platform in the
U.S. and open new e-commerce dedicated fulfillment centers, as well
as growing “Online Grocery” to over 600 pickup locations in over
100 U.S. markets.
Growth Activities
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018 (“fiscal 2018”), we plan to add
between 249 and 279 new stores and clubs, which reflects a slowing
of new store openings in the U.S. compared to recent fiscal years while
increasing investments in e-commerce, technology, store remodels
and other customer initiatives. We anticipate financing these growth
activities through cash flows provided by operating activities and future
debt financings.
The following table provides our projected fiscal 2018 capital expenditures
by segment, and includes our anticipated digital retail expenditures. The
amounts in the table do not include capital expenditures or growth in
retail square feet from any pending or future acquisitions.
(Amounts in billions)
Walmart U.S.
Walmart International
Sam’s Club
Corporate and support
Total
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Approximate Fiscal 2018
Projected Capital Expenditures
$ 6.1
3.0
0.7
1.2
$11.0
(Amounts in millions)
Net cash used in
financing activities
$(18,929) $(16,122)
$(15,071)
Net cash flows used in financing activities generally consist of transactions
related to our short-term and long-term debt, financing obligations,
dividends paid and the repurchase of Company stock. Transactions with
noncontrolling interest shareholders are also classified as cash flows
from financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities increased
$2.8 billion and $1.1 billion for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Short-term Borrowings
Net cash flows provided by short-term borrowings decreased $1.7 billion
and increased $1.2 billion in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, when
compared to the balance at the end of the previous fiscal year. We generally
utilize the liquidity provided by short-term borrowings to provide funding
for our operations, dividend payments, share repurchases, capital expen-
ditures and other cash requirements. For fiscal 2017, the decrease in net
cash flows provided by short-term borrowings was due to improved
cash flows from operations driven by working capital improvements and
changes to tax regulations. For fiscal 2016, the increase in net cash flows
provided by short-term borrowings partially offset a larger $2.0 billion
decrease in long-term debt due within one year.
The following table includes additional information related to the
Company’s short-term borrowings for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Maximum amount outstanding
at any month-end
Average daily short-term
borrowings
Annual weighted-average
interest rate
$9,493
$10,551
$11,581
5,691
4,536
7,009
1.8%
1.5%
0.5%
In addition to our short-term borrowings, we also have various undrawn
committed lines of credit that provide $12.5 billion of additional liquidity,
if needed.
Long-term Debt
The following table provides the changes in our long-term debt
for fiscal 2017:
(Amounts in millions)
Balances as of February 1, 2016
Proceeds from issuance of
long-term debt
Payments of long-term debt
Reclassifications of
long-term debt
Long-term debt
due within
one year
Long-term
debt
Total
$ 2,745
$38,214
$40,959
—
(2,055)
1,500
66
137
—
137
(2,055)
(1,500)
(836)
—
(770)
Our total outstanding long-term debt balance decreased $2.7 billion
for fiscal 2017, primarily due to maturities of existing long-term debt.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 27
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Other
2017
2016
2015
Balances as of January 31, 2017 $ 2,256
$36,015
$38,271
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Dividends
Our total dividend payments were $6.2 billion, $6.3 billion and $6.2 billion
for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. On February 21, 2017, the Board
of Directors approved the fiscal 2018 annual dividend of $2.04 per share,
an increase over the fiscal 2017 annual dividend of $2.00 per share. For
fiscal 2018, the annual dividend will be paid in four quarterly installments
of $0.51 per share, according to the following record and payable dates:
Record Date
March 10, 2017
May 12, 2017
August 11, 2017
December 8, 2017
Payable Date
April 3, 2017
June 5, 2017
September 5, 2017
January 2, 2018
Company Share Repurchase Program
From time to time, we repurchase shares of our common stock under
share repurchase programs authorized by the Company’s Board of
Directors. The current $20.0 billion share repurchase program has no
expiration date or other restrictions limiting the period over which we
can make share repurchases. At January 31, 2017, authorization for
$9.2 billion of share repurchases remained under the current share
repurchase program. Any repurchased shares are constructively retired
and returned to an unissued status. The Company intends to utilize the
current share repurchase authorization through the fiscal year ending
January 31, 2018.
We regularly review share repurchase activity and consider several
factors in determining when to execute share repurchases, including,
among other things, current cash needs, capacity for leverage, cost of
borrowings, our results of operations and the market price of our com-
mon stock. We anticipate that a significant majority of the ongoing share
repurchase program will be funded through the Company’s free cash
flows. The following table provides, on a settlement date basis, the
number of shares repurchased, average price paid per share and total
amount paid for share repurchases for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(Amounts in millions,
except per share data)
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
119.9
Total number of shares repurchased
Average price paid per share
$69.18
Total amount paid for share repurchases $8,298
62.4
$65.90
$4,112
13.4
$75.82
$1,015
Share repurchases increased $4.2 billion and $3.1 billion for fiscal 2017
and 2016, respectively, when compared to the previous fiscal year.
Significant Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests
In fiscal 2016, as described in Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements, we completed the purchase of all of the remaining
noncontrolling interest in Yihaodian, our e-commerce operations in
China, for approximately $760 million, using existing cash to complete
this transaction. Additionally, during fiscal 2015, we completed the
purchase of substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interest
in Walmart Chile for approximately $1.5 billion, using existing cash to
complete this transaction.
Capital Resources
We believe cash flows from continuing operations, our current cash
position and access to capital markets will continue to be sufficient to
meet our anticipated operating cash needs, which include funding
s easonal buildups in merchandise inventories and funding our capital
expenditures, dividend payments and share repurchases.
We have strong commercial paper and long-term debt ratings that
have enabled and should continue to enable us to refinance our debt as
it becomes due at favorable rates in capital markets. At January 31, 2017,
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
Moody’s Investors Service
Fitch Ratings
A-1+
P-1
F1+
AA
Aa2
AA
Credit rating agencies review their ratings periodically and, therefore, the
credit ratings assigned to us by each agency may be subject to revision
at any time. Accordingly, we are not able to predict whether our current
credit ratings will remain consistent over time. Factors that could affect
our credit ratings include changes in our operating performance, the
general economic environment, conditions in the retail industry, our
financial position, including our total debt and capitalization, and changes
in our business strategy. Any downgrade of our credit ratings by a credit
rating agency could increase our future borrowing costs or impair our
ability to access capital and credit markets on terms commercially
acceptable to us. In addition, any downgrade of our current short-term
credit ratings could impair our ability to access the commercial paper
markets with the same flexibility that we have experienced historically,
potentially requiring us to rely more heavily on more expensive types
of debt financing. The credit rating agency ratings are not recommen-
dations 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.
28 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 as of January 31, 2017:
(Amounts in millions)
Total
2018
2019-2020
2021-2022
Thereafter
Payments Due During Fiscal Years Ending January 31,
Recorded contractual obligations:
Long-term debt(1)
Short-term borrowings
Capital lease and financing obligations(2)
Unrecorded contractual obligations:
Non-cancelable operating leases(3)
Estimated interest on long-term debt
Trade and stand-by letters of credit
Purchase obligations
Total commercial commitments
$ 38,271
1,099
8,909
$ 2,256
1,099
894
$ 4,039
—
1,624
$ 4,394
—
1,395
$27,582
—
4,996
18,139
28,373
3,582
19,622
2,270
1,749
3,582
9,048
3,466
3,250
—
8,324
2,866
2,987
—
1,032
9,537
20,387
—
1,218
$117,995
$20,898
$20,703
$12,674
$63,720
(1) “Long-term debt” includes the fair value of our derivatives classified as fair value hedges.
(2) “Capital lease and financing obligations” includes executory costs and imputed interest related to capital lease and financing obligations that are not yet recorded.
Refer to Note 11 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information.
(3) Represents minimum contractual obligation for non-cancelable leases with initial or remaining terms greater than 12 months as of January 31, 2017.
Additionally, the Company has $12.5 billion in undrawn committed lines
of credit which, if drawn upon, would be included in the current liabilities
section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Estimated interest payments are based on our principal amounts and
expected maturities of all debt outstanding at January 31, 2017, and
assumes interest rates remain at current levels 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 and license commit-
ments and legally binding service contracts. Purchase orders for 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 the 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 commit-
ments 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, $1.1 billion of
unrecognized tax benefits are considered uncertain tax positions and
have been recorded as liabilities. The timing of the payment, if any,
associated with these liabilities is uncertain. Refer to Note 9 in the
“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion
of unrecognized tax benefits.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of January 31, 2017, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that
have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect
on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures or capital resources.
Market Risk
In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to
certain market risks, including changes in interest rates and fluctuations
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 poten-
tial 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.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 29
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our short-term borrowings and long-term debt issuances. We hedge a portion of our
interest rate risk by managing the mix of fixed and variable rate debt and by entering into interest rate swaps. For fiscal 2017, the net fair value
of our interest rate swaps decreased approximately $177 million primarily due to fluctuations in market interest rates.
The table below provides information about our 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, unless otherwise noted. 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, 2017.
(Amounts in millions)
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings:
Variable rate
Weighted-average interest rate
Long-term debt(1):
Fixed rate
Weighted-average interest rate
Variable rate
Weighted-average interest rate
Interest rate derivatives
Interest rate swaps:
Fixed to variable
Weighted-average pay rate
Weighted-average receive rate
Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2022
Thereafter
Total
Expected Maturity Date
$1,099
6.2%
$
—
—%
$ —
—%
$
—
—%
$
—
—%
$
—
$ 1,099
—%
6.2%
$1,523
4.1%
$ 733
5.0%
$
—
—%
—%
$3,497
$
$
3.1%
—
—%
—
—%
—%
$542
4.8%
$ —
—%
$3,311
$1,083
$27,582
$37,538
$
3.4%
—
—%
$
4.9%
—
—%
$
5.1%
—
—%
$
4.7%
733
5.0%
$ —
$1,500
$ 250
$ 3,250
$ 5,000
—%
—%
2.4%
3.3%
3.2%
4.3%
1.8%
2.9%
2.0%
3.1%
(1) The long-term debt amounts in the table exclude the Company’s derivatives classified as fair value hedges.
As of January 31, 2017, our variable rate borrowings, including the effect of our commercial paper and interest rate swaps, represented 17% of our total
short-term and long-term debt. Based on January 31, 2017 debt levels, a 100 basis point change in prevailing market rates would cause our annual
interest costs to change by approximately $63 million.
30 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as
a result of our net investments and operations in countries other than
the U.S. For fiscal 2017, movements in currency exchange rates and the
related impact on the translation of the balance sheets of the Company’s
subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Mexico were the primary cause
of the $2.7 billion loss in the currency translation and other category of
accumulated other comprehensive loss. We hedge a portion of our foreign
currency risk by entering into currency swaps and designating certain
foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt as net investment hedges.
We hold currency swaps to hedge the currency exchange component
of our net investments and also 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 was in a liability position of $147 million and $290 million at
January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The change in the fair value of
these swaps was due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, primarily
the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in fiscal
2017. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the currency exchange
rates underlying these swaps from the market rate at January 31, 2017
would have resulted in a loss or gain in the value of the swaps of $521 million.
A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates underlying these swaps from
the market rates in effect at January 31, 2017 would have resulted in a loss
or gain in value of the swaps of $11 million.
In addition to currency swaps, we have designated foreign-currency-
denominated long-term debt as nonderivative hedges of net invest-
ments of certain of our foreign operations. At January 31, 2017 and 2016,
we had £2.5 billion of outstanding long-term debt designated as a
hedge of our net investment in the United Kingdom. At January 31, 2017,
a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar rel-
ative to the British pound would have resulted in a gain or loss in the
value of the debt of $284 million. In addition, we had outstanding long-
term debt of ¥10 billion at January 31, 2017 and 2016, that was desig-
nated as a hedge of our net investment in Japan. At January 31, 2017, 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 $8 million.
In certain countries, we also enter into immaterial foreign currency
forward contracts to hedge the purchase and payment of purchase
commitments denominated in non-functional currencies.
Other Matters
We discuss our existing FCPA investigation and related matters in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2017, including certain risks arising
therefrom, in Part I, Item 1A of the Form 10-K under the caption “Risk
Factors” and under the sub-caption “Legal Proceedings” in Note 10 to our
Consolidated Financial Statements, which is captioned “Contingencies,”
and appears elsewhere herein. We also discuss various legal proceedings
related to the FCPA investigation in Item 3 of the Form 10-K under the
caption “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings,” under the sub-caption
“II. Certain Other Proceedings.” We discuss the “equal value” claims against
our United Kingdom subsidiary, ASDA Stores, Ltd., in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for fiscal 2017, including certain risks arising therefrom,
in Part I, Item 1A of the Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors” and
under the sub-caption “Legal Proceedings” in Note 10 to our Consolidated
Financial Statements, which is captioned “Contingencies,” and appears
elsewhere herein.
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
Management strives to report our financial results in a clear and
understandable manner, although in some cases accounting and dis-
closure rules are complex and require us to use technical terminology.
In preparing the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we follow
accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 our accounting policies, how they
are applied and how they are reported and disclosed in our financial
statements. Following is a summary of our critical accounting estimates
and how they are applied in preparation of the financial statements.
Inventories
We value 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
inventories. The inventory at the Walmart International segment is
valued primarily by the retail inventory method of accounting, using the
first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The retail method of accounting results
in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market since permanent
markdowns are immediately recorded as a reduction of the retail value
of inventory. The inventory at the Sam’s Club segment is valued using the
LIFO method.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 31
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Under the retail method of accounting, inventory is valued at the lower
of cost or market, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio
to each merchandise grouping’s retail value. The FIFO cost-to-retail ratio
is generally based on the fiscal year purchase activity. The cost-to-retail
ratio for measuring any LIFO provision is based on the initial margin of
the fiscal year purchase activity less the impact of any permanent mark-
downs. The retail method of accounting 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
inventory and shrinkage. When management determines the ability to
sell inventory has diminished, markdowns for clearance activity and the
related cost impact are recorded. Factors considered in the determina-
tion of markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer
preferences and age of merchandise, as well as seasonal and fashion
trends. Changes in weather and customer preferences could cause material
changes in the amount and timing of markdowns from year to year.
When necessary, we record a LIFO provision 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, 2017 and 2016, our inventories valued at LIFO
approximated those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO.
We provide for estimated inventory losses, or shrinkage, between
physical inventory counts on the basis of a historical percentage of sales.
Following annual inventory counts, the provision is adjusted to reflect
updated historical results.
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 markets, 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 indicators of impairment 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 related
long-lived assets.
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. Generally, this evaluation begins with a qualitative
assessment to determine whether a quantitative impairment test is
necessary. If we determine, after performing an assessment based on
the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more
likely than not less than the carrying amount, or that a fair value of the
reporting unit substantially in excess of the carrying amount cannot
be assured, then a quantitative impairment test would be performed.
The quantitative test for impairment 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,
our reporting units have 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
Income taxes have a significant effect on our net earnings. We are
subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions.
Accordingly, the determination of our provision for income taxes requires
significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and
application of complex tax laws. Our effective income tax rate is affected
by many factors, including changes in our assessment of certain tax
contingencies, increases and decreases in valuation allowances, changes
in tax law, outcomes of administrative audits, the impact of discrete items
and the mix of earnings among our U.S. and international operations
where the statutory rates are generally lower than the U.S. statutory rate,
and may fluctuate as a result.
Our tax returns are routinely audited and settlements of issues raised
in these audits sometimes affect our tax provisions. 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 significant judgment in evaluating our tax positions
and assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items.
32 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
• our sources of liquidity, including our cash, continuing to be adequate
or sufficient to fund and finance our operations, expansion activities,
dividends and share repurchases, to meet our cash needs and to fund
our domestic operations without repatriating earnings we hold outside
of the U.S.;
• our intention to reinvest the earnings we hold outside of the U.S. in
our foreign operations and certain laws, other limitations and potential
taxes on anticipated future repatriations of such earnings not materially
affecting our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations;
• the insignificance of ineffective hedges and reclassification of amounts
related to our derivatives;
• the realization of certain net deferred tax assets and the effects
of resolutions of tax-related matters;
• the effect of adverse decisions in, or settlement of, litigation to which
we are subject and the effect of an FCPA-investigation on our
business; or
• the effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition
of the Company’s adoption of certain new, or amendments to existing,
accounting standards.
Statement of our plans, objectives and goals in this Annual Report to
Shareholders, including our priority of the growth of the Company being
balanced by the long-term health of the Company, including returns, are
also forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements described above are identified by the
use in such statements of words or phrases such as “aim,” “anticipate,”
“could be,” “could increase,” “estimated,” “expansion,” “expect,” “expected
to be,” “focus,” “goal,” “grow,” “intend,” “invest,” “is expected,” “may con-
tinue,” “may fluctuate,” “may grow,” “may impact,” “may result,” “objective,”
“plan,” “priority,” “project,” “strategy,” “to be,” “to win,” “we’ll,” “we will,” “
will add,” “will allow,” “will be,” “will benefit,” “will continue,” “will decrease,”
“will have,” “will impact,” “will include,” “will increase,” “will open,”
“will remain,” “will result,” “will strengthen,” “will win,” “would be,”
“would decrease” and “would increase,” variations of such words and
phrases and other words or phrases of similar import.
Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes
payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because
of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases
of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization
and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that a portion is not
more likely than not to be realized. Many factors are considered when
assessing whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets
will be realized, including recent cumulative earnings, expectations
of future taxable income, carryforward periods and other relevant
quantitative and qualitative factors. The recoverability of the deferred
tax assets is evaluated by assessing the adequacy of future expected
taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary
differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning
strategies. This evaluation relies heavily on estimates.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report to Shareholders contains statements that we believe
are “forward-looking statements” entitled to the protection of the safe
harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report to
Shareholders are not statements of historical facts, but instead express
our estimates or expectations for our consolidated, or one of our seg-
ment’s, economic performance or results of operations for future periods
or as of future dates or events or developments that may occur in the
future or discuss our plans, objectives or goals. These forward-looking
statements relate to:
• the growth of our business or change in our competitive position in the
future or in or over particular periods;
• the amount, number, growth or increase, in or over certain periods,
of or in certain financial items or measures or operating measures,
including net sales, comparable store and club sales, liabilities, expenses
of certain categories, returns, capital and operating investments or
expenditures of particular types, new store openings, or investments
in particular formats;
• investments we will make and how certain of those investments are
expected to be financed;
• the number of new stores and clubs we plan to add in the U.S. and in
our foreign markets;
• our plans to increase investments in e-commerce, technology,
store remodels and other customer initiatives;
• volatility in currency exchange rates and fuel prices affecting our or one
of our segments’ results of operations;
• the Company continuing to provide returns to shareholders
through share repurchases and dividends, the use of share repurchase
authorization over a certain period or the source of funding of a
certain portion of our share repurchases;
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 33
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Risks, Factors and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
Our business operations are subject to numerous risks, factors and
uncertainties, domestically and internationally, outside of our control.
One, or a combination, of these risks, factors and uncertainties could
materially affect any of those matters as to which we have made
forward-looking statements in this Annual Report to Shareholders and
cause our actual results or an actual event or occurrence to differ
materially from those results or an event or occurrence described in
any such forward- looking statement. These factors include, but are
not limited to:
Economic Factors
• economic, geo-political, capital markets and business conditions,
trends and events around the world and in the markets in which
Walmart operates;
• currency exchange rate fluctuations;
• changes in market rates of interest;
• changes in market levels of wages;
• the mix of merchandise Walmart sells;
• the availability of goods from suppliers and the cost of goods acquired
from suppliers;
• the effectiveness of the implementation and operation of Walmart’s
strategies, plans, programs and initiatives;
• Walmart’s ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses,
including Jet.com, Inc.;
• the amount of shrinkage Walmart experiences;
• consumer acceptance of and response to Walmart’s stores and clubs,
e-commerce websites, mobile apps, programs and merchandise offer-
ings, including the Walmart U.S. segment’s Grocery Pickup program;
• Walmart’s gross profit margins, including pharmacy margins and
margins of other product categories;
• the selling prices of gasoline and diesel fuel;
• disruption of seasonal buying patterns in Walmart’s markets;
• Walmart’s expenditures for FCPA and other compliance-related matters;
• changes in the size of various markets, including e-commerce markets;
• disruptions in Walmart’s supply chain;
• unemployment levels;
• inflation or deflation, generally and in certain product categories;
• transportation, energy and utility costs;
• commodity prices, including the prices of oil and natural gas;
• consumer confidence, disposable income, credit availability,
spending levels, shopping patterns, debt levels, and demand
for certain merchandise;
• cybersecurity events affecting Walmart and related costs and impact
of any disruption in business;
• Walmart’s labor costs, including healthcare and other benefit costs;
• Walmart’s casualty and accident-related costs and insurance costs;
• the size of and turnover in Walmart’s workforce and the number of
associates at various pay levels within that workforce;
• unexpected changes in Walmart’s objectives and plans;
• trends in consumer shopping habits around the world and in the
• the availability of necessary personnel to staff Walmart’s stores, clubs
markets in which Walmart operates;
and other facilities;
• new methods for delivery of merchandise purchased to customers;
• consumer enrollment in health and drug insurance programs and such
programs’ reimbursement rates and drug formularies; and
• initiatives of competitors, competitors’ entry into and expansion in
Walmart’s markets, and competitive pressures;
Operating Factors
• the amount of Walmart’s net sales and operating expenses
denominated in U.S. dollar and various foreign currencies;
• the financial performance of Walmart and each of its segments,
• the availability of skilled labor in areas in which new units are
to be constructed or existing units are to be relocated, expanded
or remodeled;
• delays in the opening of new, expanded or relocated units;
• developments in, and the outcome of, legal and regulatory proceedings
and investigations to which Walmart is a party or is subject, and the
liabilities, obligations and expenses, if any, that Walmart may incur in
connection therewith;
• changes in the credit ratings assigned to Walmart’s commercial paper
and debt securities by credit rating agencies;
including the amounts of Walmart’s cash flow during various periods;
• Walmart’s effective tax rate; and
• Walmart’s need to repatriate earnings held outside of the U.S.;
• unanticipated changes in accounting judgments and estimates;
• customer traffic and average ticket in Walmart’s stores and clubs and
on its e-commerce websites;
34 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Regulatory and Other Factors
• changes in existing tax, labor and other laws and changes in tax rates,
including the enactment of laws and the adoption and interpretation
of administrative rules and regulations;
• governmental policies, programs, initiatives and actions in the markets
in which Walmart operates and elsewhere;
• the possibility of imposition of new taxes on imports and new
tariffs and trade restrictions and changes in existing tariff rates
and trade restrictions;
• changes in currency control laws;
• the level of public assistance payments;
• the timing of federal income tax refunds;
• natural disasters, public health emergencies, civil disturbances,
and terrorist attacks; and
• changes in generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
We typically earn a disproportionate part of our annual operating
income in the fourth quarter as a result of seasonal buying patterns,
which patterns are difficult to forecast with certainty and can be affected
by many factors.
Other Risk Factors; No Duty to Update
We discuss certain of these factors more fully, as well as certain other
risk factors that may affect the results and other matters discussed in the
forward-looking statements identified above, in our filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We filed
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31,
2017, with the SEC on March 31, 2017. The forward-looking statements
described above are made based on knowledge of our business and our
operating environment and assumptions we believed to be reasonable
when such forward-looking statements were made. As a consequence
of the risks, factors and uncertainties we discuss above, and in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we may file with the SEC,
other risks not known to us at this time, changes in facts, assumptions
not being realized or other circumstances, our actual results may differ
materially from those results discussed in or implied or contemplated
by such forward-looking statements.
This cautionary statement qualifies all of the forward-looking statements
made in this Annual Report to Shareholders. We cannot assure you that
the results, events or developments expected or anticipated by us will
be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results, events or
developments will result in the expected consequences for us or affect
us, our business or our operations in the way or to the extent we expect.
You are urged to consider all of these risks, factors and uncertainties
carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made in this
Annual Report to Shareholders 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 Annual Report
to Shareholders, and we undertake no obligation to update any of
these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events
or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 35
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Consolidated Statements of Income
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Revenues:
Net sales
Membership and other income
Total revenues
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Interest:
Debt
Capital lease and financing obligations
Interest income
Interest, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Consolidated net income
Consolidated net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$481,317
4,556
$478,614
3,516
485,873
482,130
361,256
101,853
22,764
360,984
97,041
24,105
$482,229
3,422
485,651
365,086
93,418
27,147
2,044
323
(100)
2,267
20,497
6,204
14,293
—
14,293
(650)
2,027
521
(81)
2,467
21,638
6,558
15,080
—
15,080
(386)
2,161
300
(113)
2,348
24,799
7,985
16,814
285
17,099
(736)
Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart
$ 13,643
$ 14,694
$ 16,363
Basic net income per common share:
Basic income per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations attributable to Walmart
Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart
Diluted net income per common share:
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations attributable to Walmart
Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends declared per common share
See accompanying notes.
$
4.40
—
$
4.58
—
$
5.01
0.06
$
4.40
$
4.58
$
5.07
$
4.38
—
$
4.57
—
$
4.99
0.06
$
4.38
$
4.57
$
5.05
3,101
3,112
3,207
3,217
3,230
3,243
$
2.00
$
1.96
$
1.92
36 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in millions)
Consolidated net income
Less consolidated net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
Currency translation and other
Net investment hedges
Cash flow hedges
Minimum pension liability
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
Less other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Walmart
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
$14,293
(650)
13,643
2016
$15,080
(386)
14,694
2015
$17,099
(736)
16,363
(2,882)
413
21
(397)
(2,845)
210
(2,635)
11,448
(440)
(5,220)
366
(202)
86
(4,970)
541
(4,429)
10,110
155
(4,558)
379
(470)
(69)
(4,718)
546
(4,172)
12,381
(190)
Comprehensive income attributable to Walmart
$11,008
$10,265
$12,191
See accompanying notes.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 37
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other
Total current assets
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Property under capital lease and financing obligations:
Property under capital lease and financing obligations
Less accumulated amortization
Property under capital lease and financing obligations, net
Goodwill
Other assets and deferred charges
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued income taxes
Long-term debt due within one year
Capital lease and financing obligations due within one year
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Long-term capital lease and financing obligations
Deferred income taxes and other
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Common stock
Capital in excess of par value
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Walmart shareholders’ equity
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying notes.
38 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
As of January 31,
2017
2016
$ 6,867
5,835
43,046
1,941
$ 8,705
5,624
44,469
1,441
57,689
60,239
179,492
(71,782)
176,958
(66,787)
107,710
110,171
11,637
(5,169)
6,468
17,037
9,921
11,096
(4,751)
6,345
16,695
6,131
$198,825
$199,581
$ 1,099
41,433
20,654
921
2,256
565
$ 2,708
38,487
19,607
521
2,745
551
66,928
64,619
36,015
6,003
9,344
38,214
5,816
7,321
305
2,371
89,354
(14,232)
77,798
2,737
80,535
317
1,805
90,021
(11,597)
80,546
3,065
83,611
$198,825
$199,581
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
(Amounts in millions)
Balances as of February 1, 2014
Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive loss,
net of income taxes
Cash dividends declared
($1.92 per share)
Purchase of Company stock
Purchase of redeemable
noncontrolling interest
Other
Balances as of January 31, 2015
Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive loss,
net of income taxes
Cash dividends declared
($1.96 per share)
Purchase of Company stock
Cash dividend declared to
noncontrolling interest
Other
Balances as of January 31, 2016
Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive loss,
net of income taxes
Cash dividends declared
($2.00 per share)
Purchase of Company stock
Cash dividend declared to
noncontrolling interest
Other
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
3,233
—
$323
—
$2,362
—
Retained
Earnings
$76,566
16,363
Accumulated
Other
Total
Walmart
Comprehensive Shareholders’
Loss
Equity
Nonredeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
Equity
$ (2,996)
—
$76,255
16,363
$5,084
736
$81,339
17,099
$ 1,491
—
—
—
(13)
—
8
3,228
—
—
—
(65)
—
(1)
3,162
—
—
—
(1)
—
1
323
—
—
—
(6)
—
—
317
—
—
—
(29)
—
129
2,462
—
—
(4,172)
(4,172)
(546)
(4,718)
(6,185)
(950)
—
(17)
85,777
14,694
—
—
—
—
(7,168)
—
(6,185)
(980)
—
113
81,394
14,694
—
—
(6,185)
(980)
—
(731)
4,543
386
—
(618)
(1,491)
—
85,937
15,080
—
—
(4,429)
(4,429)
(541)
(4,970)
—
(102)
—
(555)
(6,294)
(4,148)
—
(8)
—
—
—
—
(6,294)
(4,256)
—
(563)
1,805
—
90,021
13,643
(11,597)
—
80,546
13,643
—
—
(691)
(632)
3,065
650
(6,294)
(4,256)
(691)
(1,195)
83,611
14,293
—
—
—
—
(2,635)
(2,635)
(210)
(2,845)
—
(120)
—
(12)
—
(174)
(6,216)
(8,090)
—
6
—
—
—
740
—
(4)
—
—
—
—
(6,216)
(8,276)
—
736
—
—
(519)
(249)
(6,216)
(8,276)
(519)
487
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balances as of January 31, 2017
3,048
$305 $2,371
$89,354
$(14,232)
$77,798
$2,737
$80,535
$
—
See accompanying notes.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 39
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
Other operating activities
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Receivables, net
Inventories
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued income taxes
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 14,293
—
$ 15,080
—
$ 17,099
(285)
14,293
15,080
16,814
10,080
761
206
(402)
1,021
3,942
1,137
492
9,454
(672)
1,410
(19)
(703)
2,008
1,303
(472)
9,173
(503)
785
(569)
(1,229)
2,678
1,249
166
Net cash provided by operating activities
31,530
27,389
28,564
(10,619)
456
662
(1,901)
(2,463)
(122)
(13,987)
(1,673)
137
(2,055)
(6,216)
(8,298)
(479)
(90)
(255)
(11,477)
635
246
—
—
(79)
(10,675)
1,235
39
(4,432)
(6,294)
(4,112)
(719)
(1,326)
(513)
(12,174)
570
671
—
—
(192)
(11,125)
(6,288)
5,174
(3,904)
(6,185)
(1,015)
(600)
(1,844)
(409)
(18,929)
(16,122)
(15,071)
(452)
(1,838)
8,705
(1,022)
(430)
9,135
(514)
1,854
7,281
$ 6,867
$ 8,705
$ 9,135
4,507
2,351
8,111
2,540
8,169
2,433
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipment
Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment
Proceeds from the disposal of certain operations
Purchase of available for sale securities
Investment and business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payments of long-term debt
Dividends paid
Purchase of Company stock
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
Other financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
See accompanying notes.
40 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart” or the “Company”) helps people around
the world save money and live better—anytime and anywhere—in retail
stores or through the Company’s e-commerce and mobile capabilities.
Through innovation, the Company is striving to create a customer-centric
experience that seamlessly integrates digital and physical shopping
and saves time for our customers. Each week, the Company serves over
260 million customers who visit its 11,695 stores under 59 banners in
28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. The Company’s
strategy is to lead on price, invest to differentiate on access, be competitive
on assortment and deliver a great experience.
The Company’s operations comprise three reportable segments:
Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Walmart
and its subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017
(“fiscal 2017”), January 31, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”) and January 31, 2015 (“fiscal
2015”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate variable interest entities
where it has been determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary
of those entities’ operations. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates,
which are 50% or less owned and do not otherwise meet consolidation
requirements, are accounted for primarily using the equity method.
These investments are immaterial to the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are based on a fiscal
year ending on January 31 for the United States (“U.S.”) and Canadian
operations. The Company consolidates all other operations generally
using a one-month lag and based on a calendar year. There were no
significant intervening events during January 2017 that materially
affected the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 when purchased
of three months or less to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card
and electronic benefits transfer 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 and cash equivalents
totaled $1.5 billion and $3.4 billion at January 31, 2017 and 2016, respec-
tively. In addition, cash and cash equivalents included restricted cash of
$265 million and $362 million at January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively,
which was primarily related to cash collateral holdings from various
counterparties, as required by certain derivative and trust agreements.
The Company’s cash balances are held in various locations around
the world. Of the Company’s $6.9 billion and $8.7 billion of cash and cash
equivalents at January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, $5.9 billion and
$4.5 billion, respectively, were held outside of the U.S. and were generally
utilized to support liquidity needs in the Company’s non-U.S. operations.
The Company uses intercompany financing arrangements in an effort to
ensure cash can be made available in the country in which it is needed
with the minimum cost possible. Management does not believe it will be
necessary to repatriate earnings held outside of the U.S. and anticipates
the Company’s domestic liquidity needs will be met through cash flows
provided by domestic operating activities, supplemented with long-term
debt and short-term borrowings. Accordingly, the Company intends,
with only certain exceptions, to continue to indefinitely reinvest the
Company’s earnings held outside of the U.S. in our foreign operations.
When the income earned, either from operations or through intercom-
pany financing arrangements, and indefinitely reinvested outside of the
U.S. is taxed at local country tax rates, which are generally lower than the
U.S. statutory rate, the Company realizes an effective tax rate benefit. If
the Company’s intentions with respect to reinvestment were to change,
most of the amounts held within the Company’s foreign operations
could be repatriated to the U.S., although any repatriation under current
U.S. tax laws would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, less applicable
foreign tax credits. Although there can be no assurance of the impact
on the Company of potential federal tax reform in the U.S., the Company
does not expect current local laws, other existing limitations or potential
taxes on anticipated future repatriations of earnings held outside of the
U.S. to have a material effect on the Company’s overall liquidity, financial
condition or results of operations.
As of January 31, 2017 and 2016, cash and cash equivalents of
approximately $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, may not be
freely transferable to the U.S. due to local laws or other restrictions.
Receivables
Receivables are stated at their carrying values, net of a reserve for
doubtful accounts. Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from:
• insurance companies resulting from pharmacy sales;
• banks for customer credit and debit cards and electronic bank transfers
that take in excess of seven days to process;
• consumer financing programs in certain international operations;
• suppliers for marketing or incentive programs; and
• real estate transactions.
The Walmart International segment offers a limited number of consumer
credit products, primarily through its financial institutions in select
countries. The receivable balance from consumer credit products was
$1.2 billion, net of a reserve for doubtful accounts of $79 million at
January 31, 2017, compared to a receivable balance of $1.0 billion, net of a
reserve for doubtful accounts of $70 million at January 31, 2016. These
balances are included in receivables, net, in the Company’s Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
Inventories
The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market as
determined primarily by the retail inventory method of accounting,
using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for substantially all of the
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 41
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Walmart U.S. segment’s inventories. The inventory at the Walmart
International segment is valued primarily by the retail inventory method
of accounting, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The retail
inventory method of accounting results in inventory being valued at the
lower of cost or market since permanent markdowns are immediately
recorded as a reduction of the retail value of inventory. The inventory at
the Sam’s Club segment is valued using the LIFO method. At January 31,
2017 and January 31, 2016, the Company’s inventories valued at LIFO
approximated those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO.
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. The following table summarizes the Company’s
property and equipment balances and includes the estimated useful lives
that are generally used to depreciate the assets on a straight-line basis:
The Company is often involved in the construction of its leased stores.
In certain cases, payments made for certain structural components
included in the lessor’s construction of the leased assets result in the
Company being deemed the owner of the leased assets for accounting
purposes. As a result, the payments, regardless of the significance, are
automatic indicators of ownership and require the Company to capitalize
the lessor’s total project cost with a corresponding financing obligation.
Upon completion of the lessor’s project, the Company performs a sale-
leaseback analysis to determine if these assets and the related financing
obligation can be derecognized from the Company’s Consolidated
Balance Sheets. If the Company is deemed to have “continuing
involvement,” the leased assets and the related financing obligation
remain on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally
amortized over the lease term. At the end of the lease term, including
exercise of any renewal options, the net remaining financing obligation
over the net carrying value of the fixed asset will be recognized as a
non-cash gain on sale of the property.
(Amounts in millions)
Land
Buildings and improvements
Fixtures and equipment
Transportation equipment
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Fiscal Years Ended
January 31,
2017
2016
$ 24,801 $ 25,624
96,845
47,033
2,917
4,539
98,547
48,998
2,845
4,301
Estimated
Useful Lives
N/A
3-40 years
1-30 years
3-15 years
N/A
$179,492 $176,958
(66,787)
(71,782)
Property and equipment, net
$107,710 $110,171
Leasehold improvements are depreciated or amortized over the shorter
of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining expected lease
term. Total depreciation and amortization expense for property and
equipment, property under financing obligations and property under
capital leases for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $10.0 billion, $9.4 billion
and $9.1 billion, respectively. Interest costs capitalized on construction
projects were $36 million, $39 million and $59 million in fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively.
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 dis-
cretion of the Company. The 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.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are stated at cost. Management reviews long-lived
assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in cir-
cumstances 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 or club 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 assets’ useful
lives based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the
carrying amount of the assets 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. Impairment charges of long-lived assets for fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015 were not material.
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 reporting unit 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 and 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.
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment using either a qualitative or
quantitative approach for each of the Company’s reporting units.
Generally, a qualitative assessment is first performed to determine
whether a quantitative goodwill impairment test is necessary. If man-
agement determines, after performing an assessment based on the
qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely
than not less than the carrying amount, or that a fair value of the
reporting unit substantially in excess of the carrying amount cannot
be assured, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be
required. The quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed
by determining the fair value of the related reporting units. Fair value
is measured based on the discounted cash flow method and relative
market-based approaches.
42 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company’s reporting units were evaluated using a quantitative
impairment test. Management determined the fair value of each reporting
unit is greater than the carrying amount and, accordingly, the Company
has not recorded any impairment charges related to goodwill.
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.
The following table reflects goodwill activity, by reportable segment,
for fiscal 2017 and 2016:
Walmart
(Amounts in millions)
Walmart U.S.
International Sam’s Club
Total
Balances as of
February 1, 2015 $ 461
$17,328
$313
$18,102
Changes in currency
translation and other —
—
Acquisitions(1)
(1,412)
5
—
—
(1,412)
5
Balances as of
January 31, 2016
Changes in currency
461
15,921
313
16,695
translation and other —
1,775
Acquisitions(2)
(1,433)
—
—
—
(1,433)
1,775
Balances as of
January 31, 2017 $2,236
$14,488
$313
$17,037
(1) Goodwill recorded for fiscal 2016 acquisitions relates to acquisitions that are
not significant, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(2) Goodwill recorded for fiscal 2017 Walmart U.S. acquisitions primarily relates
to Jet.com, Inc. (“jet.com”).
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are included in other assets and
deferred charges in the Company’s 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 significant impairment
charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded for fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015.
Self Insurance Reserves
The Company self-insures a number of risks, including, but not limited
to, workers’ compensation, general liability, auto liability, product liability
and certain employee-related healthcare benefits. Standard actuarial
procedures and data analysis are used to estimate the liabilities associated
with these risks as of the balance sheet date on an undiscounted basis.
The recorded liabilities reflect the ultimate cost for claims incurred but
not paid and any estimable administrative run-out expenses related to
the processing of these outstanding claim payments. On a regular basis,
claims reserve valuations are provided by independent third-party
actuaries to ensure liability estimates are appropriate. To limit exposure
to some risks, the Company maintains insurance coverage with varying
limits and retentions, including stop-loss insurance coverage for workers’
compensation, general liability and auto liability.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the balance sheet 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 (“temporary differences”). Deferred tax assets and
Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by
a valuation allowance to the extent that a portion is not more likely than
not to be realized. Many factors are considered when assessing whether
it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized,
including recent cumulative earnings, expectations of future taxable
income, carryforward periods, and other relevant quantitative and quali-
tative factors. The recoverability of the deferred tax assets is evaluated
by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all
sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted
operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources
of income rely heavily on estimates.
In determining the provision for income taxes, an annual effective
income tax rate is used based on annual income, permanent differences
between book and tax income, and statutory income tax rates. Discrete
events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in
the period in which they occur.
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 adminis-
trative expenses, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements
of Income. Refer to Note 9 for additional income tax disclosures.
Revenue Recognition
Sales
The Company recognizes sales revenue, net of sales taxes and estimated
sales returns, at the time it sells merchandise to the customer. Digital
retail sales include shipping revenue and are recorded upon delivery to
the customer.
Membership Fee Revenue
The Company recognizes membership fee revenue both in the U.S.
and internationally over the term of the membership, which is typically
12 months. The following table summarizes membership fee activity
for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Deferred membership fee revenue,
beginning of year
Cash received from members
Membership fee revenue recognized
$ 744
1,371
(1,372)
$ 759
1,333
(1,348)
$ 641
1,410
(1,292)
Deferred membership fee revenue,
end of year
$ 743
$ 744
$ 759
Membership fee revenue is included in membership and other income
in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The deferred
membership fee is included in accrued liabilities in the Company’s
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Shopping Cards
Customer purchases of shopping cards, to be utilized in our stores or on
our e-commerce websites, are not recognized as revenue until the card
is redeemed and the customer purchases merchandise using the shop-
ping card. Shopping cards in the U.S. do not carry an expiration date;
therefore, customers and members can redeem their shopping cards for
merchandise indefinitely. Shopping cards in certain foreign countries
where the Company does business may have expiration dates. A certain
number of shopping cards, both with and without expiration dates, will
not be fully redeemed. Management estimates unredeemed shopping
cards and recognizes revenue for these amounts when it is determined
the likelihood of redemption is remote. Management periodically
reviews and updates its estimates.
Financial and Other Services
The Company recognizes revenue from service transactions at the time
the service is performed. Generally, revenue from services is classified as
a component of net sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements
of Income.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes actual product cost, the cost of transportation
to the Company’s distribution facilities, stores and clubs from suppliers,
the cost of transportation from the Company’s distribution facilities to
the stores, clubs and customers and the cost of warehousing for the
Sam’s Club segment and import distribution centers. Cost of sales is
reduced by supplier payments that are not a reimbursement of specific,
incremental and identifiable costs.
Payments from Suppliers
The Company receives consideration from suppliers for various
programs, primarily volume incentives, warehouse allowances and
reimbursements for specific programs such as markdowns, margin
protection, advertising and supplier-specific fixtures. Payments from
suppliers are accounted for as a reduction of cost of sales and are
recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income
when the related inventory is sold, except in certain limited situations
when the payment is a reimbursement of specific, incremental and
identifiable costs.
Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses include all
operating costs of the Company, except cost of sales, as described above.
As a result, the majority of the cost of warehousing and occupancy
for the Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments’ distribution
facilities is included in operating, selling, general and administrative
expenses. Because the Company does not include most of the cost of its
Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments’ distribution facilities
in cost of sales, its gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net
sales 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.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, consist primarily of print,
television and digital advertisements and are recorded in operating, selling,
general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Income. In certain limited situations, reimbursements from
suppliers that are for specific, incremental and identifiable advertising costs
are recognized as a reduction of advertising costs in operating, selling,
general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs were $2.9 billion,
$2.5 billion and $2.4 billion for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Pre-Opening Costs
The cost of start-up activities, including organization costs, related
to new store openings, store remodels, relocations, expansions and
conversions are expensed as incurred and included in operating, selling,
general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Income. Pre-opening costs totaled $131 million,
$271 million and $317 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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. Related translation adjustments are recorded
as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The
income statements of all 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts
with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue
recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to
depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that
reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those
goods or services. Management continues to evaluate the impact this
ASU, the related amendments and the interpretive guidance will have on
the Company’s consolidated financial statements. While management
does not expect this ASU to materially impact the Company’s consoli-
dated net income, balance sheet or cash flows, the ASU will impact
the timing of recognition of some revenue and may impact the gross
amount of revenue presented for certain contracts. Management
expects the most significant timing change to result from the revenue
associated with the unredeemed portion of Company issued gift cards,
which will be recognized over the expected redemption period of the
gift card under the new standard rather than waiting until the likelihood
of redemption becomes remote or waiting for the gift card to expire.
Additionally, management continues to assess the guidance and the
related interpretation to determine if that guidance will impact the gross
amount of revenue presented for certain contracts. The Company is
planning to adopt this ASU on February 1, 2018 under the modified
retrospective approach, which will result in a cumulative adjustment
to retained earnings.
44 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Leases
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). FASB
issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among
organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the bal-
ance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements.
Certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required, as well
as a retrospective recognition and measurement of impacted leases.
The Company is planning to adopt the ASU on February 1, 2019.
Management is evaluating this ASU and currently expects it to have a
material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
Management is still evaluating the effect on consolidated net income,
cash flows and disclosures.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments–Overall
(Topic 825). ASU 2016-01 updates certain aspects of recognition, mea-
surement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU
2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.
Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on
the Company’s consolidated net income, balance sheet and disclosures.
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit
Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 modifies the measurement of expected
credit losses of certain financial instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective
for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after
December 15, 2019. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to
determine its impact on the Company’s consolidated net income,
balance sheet, cash flows and disclosures.
Stock Compensation
In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation–Stock
Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 includes new guidance on stock
compensation, which is intended to simplify accounting for share-based
payment transactions. The guidance will change several aspects of
the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including
accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax
withholding requirements. Management has determined that the
Company will adopt ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of the year ended
January 31, 2018 (“fiscal 2018”). Management has evaluated this ASU and
determined that, upon adoption, it will have an immaterial retrospective
impact on the classification of cash flows between operating and
financing activities.
2. Net Income Per Common Share
Basic income per common share from continuing operations attributable
to Walmart is based on the weighted-average common shares out-
standing during the relevant period. Diluted income per common share
from continuing operations attributable to Walmart is based on the
weighted-average common shares outstanding during the relevant
period adjusted for the dilutive effect of share-based awards. The
Company did not have significant share-based awards outstanding that
were antidilutive and not included in the calculation of diluted income
per common share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart
for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and
denominators used to determine basic and diluted income per common
share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart:
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
2017
2016
2015
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Numerator
Income from continuing operations
Income from continuing operations
attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Income from continuing operations
$14,293 $15,080 $16,814
(650)
(386)
(632)
attributable to Walmart
$13,643 $14,694 $16,182
Denominator
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding, basic
3,101
3,207
3,230
Dilutive impact of stock options
and other share-based awards
11
10
13
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding, diluted
3,112
3,217
3,243
Income per common share from
continuing operations
attributable to Walmart
Basic
Diluted
$ 4.40 $ 4.58 $ 5.01
4.99
4.38
4.57
3. Shareholders’ Equity
Share-Based Compensation
The Company has awarded share-based compensation to associates
and nonemployee directors of the Company. The compensation expense
recognized for all plans was $596 million, $448 million and $462 million
for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Share-based compensation
expense is included in operating, selling, general and administrative
expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation
was $212 million, $151 million and $173 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s
share-based compensation expense by award type:
(Amounts in millions)
Restricted stock and performance
share units
Restricted stock units
Other
Share-based compensation
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$237
332
27
$134
292
22
$157
277
28
expense
$596
$448
$462
The Company’s shareholder-approved Stock Incentive Plan of 2015
(the “Plan”) became effective June 5, 2015 and amended and restated the
Company’s Stock Incentive Plan of 2010. The Plan was established to grant
stock options, restricted (non-vested) stock, performance share units and
other equity compensation awards 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.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Plan’s award types are summarized as follows:
• Restricted Stock and Performance Share Units. Restricted stock awards are
for shares that vest based on the passage of time and include restrictions
related to employment. Performance share units vest based on the
passage of time and achievement of performance criteria and may
range from 0% to 150% of the original award amount. Vesting periods
for these awards are generally between one and three years. Restricted
stock and performance share units may be settled or deferred in stock
and are accounted for as equity in the Company’s Consolidated Balance
Sheets. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined on the
date of grant and is expensed ratably over the vesting period. The fair
value of performance share units is determined on the date of grant
using the Company’s stock price discounted for the expected dividend
yield through the vesting period and is recognized over the vesting
period. The weighted-average discount for the dividend yield used to
determine the fair value of performance share units in fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015 was 8.3%, 7.4% and 7.1%, respectively.
• Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units provide rights to Company
stock after a specified service period; generally 50% vest three years
from the grant date and the remaining 50% vest five years from the
grant date. The fair value of each restricted stock unit 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 expected dividend yield is based on the
anticipated dividends over the vesting period. The weighted-average
discount for the dividend yield used to determine the fair value of
restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 9.0%,
8.7% and 9.5%, respectively.
In addition to the Plan, the Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom
has stock option plans for certain colleagues which generally vest over
three years. The stock option share-based compensation expense is
included in the Other line in the table above.
The following table shows the activity for restricted stock and performance share units and restricted stock units during fiscal 2017:
(Shares in thousands)
Outstanding at February 1, 2016
Granted
Vested/exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding at January 31, 2017
Restricted Stock and
Performance Share Units (1)
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
$72.23
64.09
71.99
71.58
$68.61
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
$65.67
63.71
60.54
65.95
Shares
17,591
12,696
(4,332)
(1,679)
24,276(2)
$65.52
Shares
8,259
4,102
(2,073)
(1,211)
9,077
(1) Assumes payout rate at 100% for Performance Share Units.
(2) Includes 3.6 million restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2017 outside of the Plan in conjunction with the acquisition of jet.com.
The following table includes additional information related to restricted
stock and performance share units and restricted stock units:
(Amounts in millions)
Fair value of restricted stock and
performance share units vested
Fair value of restricted stock units vested
Unrecognized compensation cost
for restricted stock and
performance share units
Unrecognized compensation cost
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$149
261
$142
237
$156
218
211
133
154
for restricted stock units
986
628
570
Weighted average remaining period
to expense for restricted stock and
performance share units (years)
Weighted average remaining period
to expense for restricted stock
units (years)
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.9
1.7
1.7
Share Repurchase Program
From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its common stock
under share repurchase programs authorized by the Board of Directors.
The current $20.0 billion share repurchase program, as authorized by the
Board of Directors on October 13, 2015, has no expiration date or other
restrictions limiting the period over which the Company can make share
repurchases. At January 31, 2017, authorization for $9.2 billion of share
repurchases remained under the current share repurchase program.
Any repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to an
unissued status.
The Company considers several factors in determining when to execute
share repurchases, including, among other things, current cash needs,
capacity for leverage, cost of borrowings, its results of operations and the
market price of its common stock. The following table provides, on a
settlement date basis, the number of shares repurchased, average price
paid per share and total cash paid for share repurchases for fiscal 2017,
2016 and 2015:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
2017
2016
2015
Total number of shares repurchased
Average price paid per share
Total cash paid for share repurchases
119.9
$69.18
$8,298
62.4
$65.90
$4,112
13.4
$75.82
$1,015
46 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table provides changes in the composition of total accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(Amounts in millions and net of income taxes)
Balances as of January 31, 2014
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Balances as of January 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Balances as of January 31, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Balances as of January 31, 2017
Currency Translation
and Other
Net Investment
Hedges
Cash Flow
Hedges
Minimum
Pension Liability
Total
$ (2,999)
(4,012)
$ 277
379
$ 336
(496)
$ (610)
(58)
$ (2,996)
(4,187)
—
(7,011)
(4,679)
—
(11,690)
(2,672)
—
656
366
—
1,022
413
26
(134)
(217)
15
(336)
(22)
—
$(14,362)
—
$1,435
43
$(315)
(11)
(679)
96
(10)
(593)
(389)
(8)
15
(7,168)
(4,434)
5
(11,597)
(2,670)
35
$(990)
$(14,232)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for derivative instruments are recorded in interest, net, in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income, and the amounts for the minimum pension liability are recorded in operating, selling, general and administrative
expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
5. Accrued Liabilities
The Company’s accrued liabilities consist of the following:
(Amounts in millions)
Accrued wages and benefits(1)
Self-insurance(2)
Accrued non-income taxes(3)
Other(4)
Total accrued liabilities
As of January 31,
2017
$ 6,105
3,922
2,816
7,811
$20,654
2016
$ 5,814
3,414
2,544
7,835
$19,607
(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, auto liability, product liability and certain employee-related
healthcare benefits.
(3) Accrued non-income taxes include accrued payroll, value added, sales and miscellaneous other taxes.
(4) Other accrued liabilities consist of various items such as maintenance, utilities, advertising and interest.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 47
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
Short-term borrowings consist of commercial paper and lines of credit. Short-term borrowings outstanding at January 31, 2017 and 2016 were
$1.1 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively, with weighted-average interest rates of 6.2% and 2.3%, respectively.
The Company has various committed lines of credit, committed with 23 financial institutions, totaling $12.5 billion and $15.0 billion as of January 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. The committed lines of credit are summarized in the following table:
(Amounts in millions)
Five-year credit facility(1)
364-day revolving credit facility(1)
Total
2017
Drawn
$ —
—
$ —
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Undrawn
$ 5,000
7,500
$12,500
Available
$ 6,000
9,000
$15,000
Available
$ 5,000
7,500
$12,500
2016
Drawn
$ —
—
$ —
Undrawn
$ 6,000
9,000
$15,000
(1) In June 2016, the Company renewed and extended its existing five-year credit facility and its existing 364-day revolving credit facility, both of which are used to support its
commercial paper program.
The committed lines of credit mature at various times between May 2017 and June 2021, carry interest rates generally ranging between LIBOR
plus 10 basis points and LIBOR plus 75 basis points, and incur commitment fees ranging between 1.5 and 4.0 basis points. In conjunction with the lines
of credit listed in the table above, the Company has agreed to observe certain covenants, the most restrictive of which relates to the maximum
amount of secured debt.
Apart from the committed lines of credit, the Company has trade and stand-by letters of credit totaling $3.6 billion and $4.5 billion at January 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively. These letters of credit are utilized in normal business activities.
The Company’s long-term debt, which includes the fair value instruments further discussed in Note 8, consists of the following:
January 31, 2017
January 31, 2016
(Amounts in millions)
Unsecured debt
Fixed
Variable
Total U.S. dollar denominated
Fixed
Variable
Total Euro denominated
Fixed
Variable
Total Sterling denominated
Fixed
Variable
Total Yen denominated
Total unsecured debt
Total other debt (in USD)(2)
Total debt
Less amounts due within one year
Long-term debt
Maturity Dates
By Fiscal Year
2018-2045
2018
2023-2030
2031-2039
2021
Amount
$30,500
500
31,000
2,674
—
2,674
4,370
—
4,370
88
—
88
38,132
139
38,271
(2,256)
$36,015
Average
Rate (1)
4.7%
5.5%
3.3%
5.3%
1.6%
Average
Rate (1)
4.5%
5.3%
3.3%
5.3%
1.6%
Amount
$32,500
500
33,000
2,708
—
2,708
4,985
—
4,985
83
—
83
40,776
183
40,959
(2,745)
$38,214
(1) The average rate represents the weighted-average stated rate for each corresponding debt category, based on year-end balances and year-end interest rates. Interest costs
are also impacted by certain derivative financial instruments described in Note 8.
(2) A portion of other debt at January 31, 2017 and 2016 includes secured debt in the amount of $14 million and $13 million, respectively, which was collateralized by property
that had an aggregate carrying amount of approximately $82 million and $131 million, respectively.
48 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
At January 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $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. Accordingly, this issuance has been classified as long-term debt due within one year in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Annual maturities of long-term debt during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
Fiscal Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Annual
Maturities
$ 2,256
3,497
542
3,311
1,083
27,582
$38,271
Debt Issuances
The Company did not have any material long-term debt issuances during fiscal 2017 or 2016, but received proceeds from a number of small,
immaterial long-term debt issuances by several of its non-U.S. operations.
Maturities
During fiscal 2017, the following long-term debt matured and was repaid:
(Amounts in millions)
Maturity Date
April 11, 2016
April 15, 2016
Principal Amount
Fixed vs. Floating
Interest Rate
Repayment
1,000 USD
1,000 USD
Fixed
Fixed
0.600%
2.800%
$1,000
1,000
$2,000
During fiscal 2016, the following long-term debt matured and was repaid:
(Amounts in millions)
Maturity Date
April 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
July 8, 2015
July 28, 2015
July 28, 2015
October 25, 2015
Principal Amount
Fixed vs. Floating
Interest Rate
Repayment
750 USD
750 USD
750 USD
30,000 JPY
60,000 JPY
1,250 USD
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Floating
Fixed
Fixed
2.875%
4.500%
2.250%
Floating
0.940%
1.500%
$ 750
750
750
243
487
1,250
$4,230
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company also repaid other, smaller long-term debt as it matured in several of its non-U.S. operations.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 49
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7. Fair Value Measurements
The Company records and discloses certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The fair value of an asset is the price at which
the asset could be sold in an ordinary transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. The fair
value of a liability is 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 the fair value hierarchy, which
prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
• 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 for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company holds derivative instruments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values are the estimated
amounts the Company would receive or pay upon termination of the related derivative agreements as of the reporting dates. The fair values have
been measured using the income approach and Level 2 inputs, which include the relevant interest rate and foreign currency forward curves.
As of January 31, 2017 and 2016, the notional amounts and fair values of these derivatives were as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
Receive fixed-rate, pay variable-rate interest rate swaps
designated as fair value hedges
Receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency swaps
designated as net investment hedges
Receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency swaps
designated as cash flow hedges
Total
January 31, 2017
January 31, 2016
Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount
Fair Value
$ 5,000
$
(4)
$ 5,000
$ 173
2,250
471
1,250
319
3,957
(618)
4,132
$11,207
$(151)
$10,382
(609)
$(117)
Additionally, the Company has available-for-sale securities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis using Level 1 inputs. Changes in fair value
are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company’s assets and liabilities, such as goodwill, other
indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets, and investments, are also subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements. Generally, assets are recorded
at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges. The Company did not record any significant impairment charges to assets
measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017 or 2016.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
The Company records cash and cash equivalents and short-term borrowings at cost. The carrying values of these instruments approximate their
fair value due to their short-term maturities.
The Company’s long-term debt is also recorded at cost. The fair value is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on the Company’s current incremental
borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of January 31, 2017
and 2016, are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
January 31, 2017
January 31, 2016
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Long-term debt, including amounts due within one year
$38,271
$44,602
$40,959
$46,965
50 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8. 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 variable-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 financial instrument will change. In a hedging relationship,
the change in the value of the derivative financial instrument is offset to
a great extent by the change in the value of the underlying hedged item.
Credit risk related to a derivative financial instrument 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 requir-
ing collateral (generally cash) from the counterparty when appropriate.
The Company only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties
rated “A-” or better by nationally recognized credit rating agencies.
Subsequent to entering into derivative transactions, the Company regu-
larly monitors the credit ratings of its counterparties. In connection with
various derivative agreements, including master netting arrangements,
the Company held cash collateral from counterparties of $242 million
and $345 million at January 31, 2017 and January 31, 2016, respectively.
The Company records cash collateral received as amounts due to the
counterparties exclusive of any derivative asset. Furthermore, as part of
the master netting arrangements with each of these counterparties,
the Company is also required to post collateral with a counterparty if the
Company’s net derivative liability position exceeds $150 million with
such counterparties. The Company did not have any cash collateral
posted with counterparties at January 31, 2017, and had an insignificant
amount of cash collateral posted with counterparties at January 31, 2016.
The Company records cash collateral it posts with counterparties as amounts
receivable from those counterparties exclusive of any derivative liability.
The Company uses derivative financial instruments for the purpose of
hedging its exposure to interest and currency exchange rate risks and,
accordingly, the contractual 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
financial instrument is recorded using hedge accounting, 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 loss until the hedged item is recog-
nized in earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized
in earnings. The Company’s net investment and cash flow instruments
are highly effective hedges and the ineffective portion has not been,
and is not expected to be, significant. Instruments that do not meet the
criteria for hedge accounting, or contracts for which the Company has
not elected hedge accounting, are recorded at fair value with unrealized
gains or losses reported in earnings during the period of the change.
Fair Value Instruments
The Company is a party to receive fixed-rate, pay variable-rate interest
rate swaps that the Company uses to hedge the fair value of fixed-rate
debt. The notional amounts are used to measure interest to be paid or
received and do not represent the Company’s exposure due to credit
loss. The Company’s interest rate swaps that receive fixed-interest rate
payments and pay variable-interest rate payments are designated as fair
value hedges. As the specific terms and notional amounts of the deriva-
tive instruments match those of the fixed-rate debt being hedged, the
derivative instruments are assumed to be perfectly effective hedges.
Changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments are recorded in
earnings, but are offset by corresponding changes in the fair values of
the hedged items, also recorded in earnings, and, accordingly, do not
impact the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. These fair
value instruments will mature on dates ranging from October 2020 to
April 2024.
Net Investment Instruments
The Company is a party to cross-currency interest rate swaps that the
Company uses to hedge its net investments. The agreements are con-
tracts 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 loss,
offsetting the currency translation adjustment of the related investment
that is also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
These instruments will mature on dates ranging from July 2020 to
February 2030.
The Company has issued foreign-currency-denominated long-term
debt as hedges of net investments of certain of its foreign operations.
These foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt issuances are des-
ignated and qualify as nonderivative hedging instruments. Accordingly,
the foreign currency translation of these debt instruments is recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive loss, offsetting the foreign currency
translation adjustment of the related net investments that is also
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. At January 31, 2017
and January 31, 2016, the Company had ¥10.0 billion of outstanding
long-term debt designated as a hedge of its net investment in Japan, as
well as outstanding long-term debt of £2.5 billion at January 31, 2017
and January 31, 2016 that was designated as a hedge of its net investment
in the United Kingdom. These nonderivative net investment hedges will
mature on dates ranging from July 2020 to January 2039.
Cash Flow Instruments
The Company is a 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 certain 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. The
effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated
as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk is recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings
in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
The hedged items are recognized foreign currency-denominated liabilities
that are re-measured at spot exchange rates each period, and the
assessment of effectiveness (and measurement of any ineffectiveness)
is based on total changes in the related derivative’s cash flows. As a
result, the amount reclassified into earnings each period includes an
amount that offsets the related transaction gain or loss arising from
that re-measurement and the adjustment to earnings for the period’s
allocable portion of the initial spot-forward difference associated with
the hedging instrument. These cash flow instruments will mature on
dates ranging from April 2022 to March 2034.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 51
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Presentation
Although subject to master netting arrangements, the Company does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities in its Consolidated Balance
Sheets. Derivative instruments with an unrealized gain are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as either current or non-current
assets, based on maturity date, and those hedging instruments with an unrealized loss are recorded as either current or non-current liabilities, based
on maturity date. Refer to Note 7 for the net presentation of the Company’s derivative instruments.
The Company’s derivative instruments, as well as its nonderivative debt instruments designated and qualifying as net investment hedges, were classified
as follows in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(Amounts in millions)
Derivative instruments
Derivative assets:
Other assets and deferred charges
Derivative liabilities:
Deferred income taxes and other
Nonderivative hedging instruments
Long-term debt
January 31, 2017
January 31, 2016
Fair Value
Instruments
Net Investment
Instruments
Cash Flow
Instruments
Fair Value
Instruments
Net Investment
Instruments
Cash Flow
Instruments
$ 8
$ 471
$ —
$173
$ 319
$129
12
—
—
3,209
618
—
—
—
—
3,644
738
—
Gains and losses related to the Company’s derivatives primarily relate to interest rate hedges, which are recorded in interest, net, in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts related to the Company’s derivatives expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
loss to net income during the next 12 months are not significant.
9. Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations
The components of income from continuing operations before income
taxes are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$15,680 $16,685 $18,610
6,189
4,817
4,953
Total income from continuing
operations before income taxes $20,497 $21,638 $24,799
A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows:
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The Company’s effective income tax rate is typically lower than the U.S.
statutory tax rate primarily because of benefits from lower-taxed global
operations, including the use of global funding structures and certain
U.S. tax credits as further discussed in the “Cash and Cash Equivalents”
section of the Company’s significant accounting policies in Note 1. The
Company’s non-U.S. income is generally subject to local country tax rates
that are below the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate. Certain non-U.S. earnings
have been indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. and are not subject to
current U.S. income tax. 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,
2017
2016
2015
35.0%
35.0%
35.0%
1.7%
(4.5)%
1.8%
(4.0)%
1.8%
(2.7)%
(1.0)%
(0.9)%
0.1%
(2.6)%
(1.5)%
(0.4)%
(Amounts in millions)
Current:
U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
International
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$3,454
495
1,510
$ 5,562
622
1,400
$6,165
810
1,529
U.S. statutory tax rate
U.S. state income taxes, net of
federal income tax benefit
Income taxed outside the U.S.
Net impact of repatriated
international earnings
Other, net
Total current tax provision
5,459
7,584
8,504
Effective income tax rate
30.3%
30.3%
32.2%
Deferred:
U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
International
1,054
51
(360)
(704)
(106)
(216)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)
745
(1,026)
(387)
(55)
(77)
(519)
Total provision for income taxes
$6,204
$ 6,558
$7,985
52 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred Taxes
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax account
balances are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Loss and tax credit carryforwards
Accrued liabilities
Share-based compensation
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowances
Deferred tax assets, net of
valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
Inventories
Other
January 31,
2017
2016
$ 3,633
3,437
309
1,474
$ 3,313
3,763
192
1,390
8,853
(1,494)
8,658
(1,456)
7,359
7,202
6,435
1,808
1,884
5,813
1,790
1,452
9,055
Total deferred tax liabilities
10,127
Net deferred tax liabilities
$ 2,768
$ 1,853
The deferred taxes noted above are classified as follows in the Company’s
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(Amounts in millions)
Balance Sheet classification
Assets:
Other assets and deferred charges
Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes and other
Net deferred tax liabilities
January 31,
2017
2016
$1,565
$1,504
4,333
3,357
$2,768
$1,853
Unremitted Earnings
U.S. income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but
undistributed earnings of the Company’s international subsidiaries of
approximately $26.6 billion and $26.1 billion as of January 31, 2017 and
2016, respectively, as the Company intends to permanently reinvest
these amounts outside of the U.S. 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 unrecog-
nized deferred tax liability related to these undistributed earnings is not
practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation.
The Company provides deferred or current income taxes on earnings of
international subsidiaries in the period that the Company determines it
will remit those earnings.
Net Operating Losses, Tax Credit Carryforwards
and Valuation Allowances
At January 31, 2017, the Company had net operating loss and capital loss
carryforwards totaling approximately $6.1 billion. Of these carryforwards,
approximately $3.6 billion will expire, if not utilized, in various years
through 2037. The remaining carryforwards have no expiration. At
January 31, 2017, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of
approximately $1.9 billion, which will expire in various years through
2027 if not utilized.
The recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits is evaluated
by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from
all sources, including taxable income in prior carryback years, reversal
of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and
available tax planning strategies. To the extent the Company does not
consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered,
a valuation allowance is established. To the extent that a valuation
allowance has been established and it is subsequently determined that
it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be recovered,
the valuation allowance will be released.
The Company had valuation allowances of approximately $1.5 billion
as of January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, on deferred tax assets
associated primarily with net operating loss carryforwards for which
management has determined it is more likely than not that the deferred
tax asset will not be realized. Net activity in the valuation allowance
during fiscal 2017 related to releases arising from the use of deferred tax
assets, changes in judgment regarding the future realization of deferred
tax assets, increases from certain net operating losses and deductible
temporary differences arising in fiscal 2017, decreases due to operating loss
expirations 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 the Company’s
Consolidated 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, 2017 and 2016, the amount of unrecognized tax
benefits related to continuing operations was $1.1 billion and $607 million,
respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would
affect the Company’s effective income tax rate was $703 million and
$522 million for January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits from continuing operations
is as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits,
beginning of year
Increases related to prior year
tax positions
Decreases related to prior year
tax positions
Increases related to current year
tax positions
Settlements during the period
Lapse in statutes of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefits,
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 607
$ 838
$763
388
164
7
(32)
(446)
(17)
145
(46)
(12)
119
(25)
(43)
174
(89)
—
end of year
$1,050
$ 607
$838
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 2017, 2016 and 2015,
the Company recognized interest expense related to uncertain tax
positions of $35 million, $5 million and $18 million, respectively. As of
January 31, 2017 and 2016, accrued interest related to uncertain tax
positions of $72 million and $60 million, respectively, was recorded in
the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not have
any accrued penalties recorded for income taxes as of January 31, 2017
or 2016.
During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that tax
audit resolutions could reduce unrecognized tax benefits by between
$50 million and $300 million, either because the tax positions are sus-
tained on audit or because the Company agrees to their disallowance.
The Company is focused on resolving tax audits as expeditiously as
possible. As a result of these efforts, unrecognized tax benefits could
potentially be reduced beyond the provided range during the next
twelve months. The Company does not expect any change to have
a significant impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company remains subject to income tax examinations for its U.S.
federal income taxes generally for fiscal 2013 through 2017. The Company
also remains subject to income tax examinations for international
income taxes for fiscal 2000 through 2017, and for U.S. state and local
income taxes generally for the fiscal years ended 2011 through 2017.
Other Taxes
The Company is subject to tax examinations for value added, sales-based,
payroll and other non-income taxes. A number of these examinations
are ongoing in various jurisdictions. In certain cases, the Company has
received assessments from the respective taxing authorities in connection
with these examinations. Unless otherwise indicated, the possible losses
or range of possible losses associated with these matters are individually
immaterial, but a group of related matters, if decided adversely to the
Company, could result in a liability material to the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In particular, Brazil federal, state and local laws are complex and subject
to varying interpretations, and the Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil are
party to a large number of non-income tax assessments. One of these
interpretations common to the retail industry in Brazil relates to whether
credits received from suppliers should be treated as a reduction of cost
for purposes of calculating certain indirect taxes. The Company believes
credits received from suppliers are reductions in cost and that it has
substantial legal defenses in this matter and intends to defend this
matter vigorously. As such, the Company has not accrued for this matter,
although the Company may be required to deposit funds in escrow or
secure financial guarantees to continue the judicial process in defending
this matter in Brazil.
10. Contingencies
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, a liability is not probable or the amount cannot be
reasonably estimated and therefore an accrual has not been made.
However, where a liability is reasonably possible and may be 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 and its shareholders.
Unless stated otherwise, 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 a liability material to the
Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
54 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
ASDA Equal Value Claims
ASDA Stores, Ltd. (“ASDA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
is a defendant in over 10,000 “equal value” claims that are proceeding
before an Employment Tribunal in Manchester (the “Employment
Tribunal”) in the United Kingdom (“UK”) on behalf of current and former
ASDA store employees, who allege that the work performed by female
employees in ASDA’s retail stores is of equal value in terms of, among
other things, the demands of their jobs to that of male employees
working in ASDA’s warehouse and distribution facilities, and that the
disparity in pay between these different job positions is not objectively
justified. Claimants are requesting differential back pay based on higher
wage rates in the warehouse and distribution facilities and those higher
wage rates on a prospective basis as part of these equal value proceedings.
ASDA believes that further claims may be asserted in the future.
On March 23, 2015, ASDA asked the Employment Tribunal to stay all
proceedings and to “strike out” substantially all of the claims. On July 23,
2015, the Employment Tribunal denied ASDA’s requests. Following
additional proceedings, the Employment Appeal Tribunal agreed to
review the “strike out” issue and the Court of Appeals agreed to review
the stay issue. On May 26, 2016, the Court of Appeals denied ASDA’s
appeal of the stay issue. On October 14, 2016, following a preliminary
hearing, the Employment Tribunal ruled that claimants could compare
their positions in ASDA’s retail stores with those of employees in ASDA’s
warehouse and distribution facilities. Claimants will now proceed to the
next phase of their claims. That phase will determine whether the work
performed by the claimants is of equal value to the work performed by
employees in ASDA’s warehouse and distribution facilities. On November 23,
2016, ASDA filed a request with the Employment Appeal Tribunal to hear
an appeal of the October 14, 2016 ruling, which was granted on January 11,
2017. At present, the Company cannot predict the number of such claims
that may be filed, and cannot reasonably estimate any loss or range of
loss that may arise from these proceedings. The Company believes it has
substantial factual and legal defenses to these claims, and intends to
defend the claims vigorously.
FCPA Investigation and Related Matters
The Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Board of Directors
of the Company has been conducting an internal investigation into,
among other things, alleged violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act (“FCPA”) and other alleged crimes or misconduct in
connection with foreign subsidiaries, including Wal-Mart de México,
S.A.B. de C.V. (“Walmex”), and whether prior allegations of such violations
and/or misconduct were appropriately handled by the Company. The
Audit Committee and the Company have engaged outside counsel
from a number of law firms and other advisors who are assisting in the
on-going investigation of these matters.
The Company has also been conducting a voluntary global review of its
policies, practices and internal controls for anti-corruption compliance.
The Company is engaged in strengthening its global anti-corruption
compliance program through appropriate remedial anti-corruption
measures. In November 2011, the Company voluntarily disclosed that
investigative activity to the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Since the imple-
mentation of the global review and the enhanced anti-corruption
compliance program, the Audit Committee and the Company have
identified or been made aware of additional allegations regarding
potential violations of the FCPA. When such allegations have been
reported or identified, the Audit Committee and the Company, together
with their third party advisors, have conducted inquiries and when
warranted based on those inquiries, opened investigations. Inquiries or
investigations regarding allegations of potential FCPA violations were
commenced in a number of foreign markets where the Company
operates, including, but not limited to, Brazil, China and India.
As previously disclosed, the Company is under investigation by the DOJ
and the SEC regarding possible violations of the FCPA. The Company has
been cooperating with the agencies and discussions have begun with
them regarding the resolution of these matters. As these discussions
are preliminary, the Company cannot currently predict the timing, the
outcome or the impact of a possible resolution of these matters.
A number of federal and local government agencies in Mexico have
also initiated investigations of these matters. Walmex is cooperating with
the Mexican governmental agencies conducting these investigations.
Furthermore, lawsuits relating to the matters under investigation have
been filed by several of the Company’s shareholders against it, certain of
its current directors, certain of its former directors, certain of its current
and former officers and certain of Walmex’s current and former officers.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 55
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company could be exposed to a variety of negative consequences
as a result of the matters noted above. There could be one or more
enforcement actions in respect of the matters that are the subject of
some or all of the on-going government investigations, and such
actions, if brought, may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties,
injunctions, cease and desist orders, debarment or other relief, criminal
convictions and/or penalties and the shareholder lawsuits referenced
above may result in judgments against the Company and its current and
former directors and officers named in those proceedings. The Company
expects that there will be on-going media and governmental interest,
including additional news articles from media publications on these
matters, which could impact the perception among certain audiences
of the Company’s role as a corporate citizen.
In addition, the Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur
costs in responding to requests for information or subpoenas seeking
documents, testimony and other information in connection with the
government investigations, in defending the shareholder lawsuits, and in
conducting the review and investigations. These costs will be expensed
as incurred. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
the Company incurred the following third-party expenses in connection
with the FCPA investigation and related matters:
(Amounts in millions)
Ongoing inquiries and investigations
Global compliance program and
organizational enhancements
Total
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2017
2016
2015
$80
$ 95
$121
19
$99
31
52
$126
$173
While the Company believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss
from these matters, given the on-going nature and complexity of the
review, inquiries and investigations, the Company cannot yet reasonably
estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the conclusion of
these matters. Although the Company does not presently believe that
these matters will have a material adverse effect on its business, given
the inherent uncertainties in such situations, the Company can provide
no assurance that these matters will not be material to its business in
the future.
11. Commitments
The Company has 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 $2.6 billion, $2.5 billion and
$2.8 billion in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Aggregate minimum annual rentals at January 31, 2017, under
non-cancelable leases are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
Fiscal Year
Operating
Leases(1)
Capital Lease and
Financial Obligations
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total minimum rentals
Less estimated executory costs
$ 2,270
1,787
1,679
1,524
1,342
9,537
$18,139
Net minimum lease payments
Noncash gain on future termination
of financing obligation
Less imputed interest
Present value of minimum lease payments
$ 894
838
786
743
652
4,996
$8,909
30
8,879
1,061
(3,372)
$6,568
(1) Represents minimum contractual obligation for non-cancelable leases with initial
or remaining terms greater than 12 months as of January 31, 2017.
Certain of the Company’s leases provide for the payment of contingent
rentals based on a percentage of sales. Such contingent rentals were not
material for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015. Substantially all of the Company’s
store leases have renewal options, some of which may trigger an
escalation in rentals.
56 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12. Retirement-Related Benefits
The Company offers a 401(k) plan for associates in the U.S. under which
eligible associates can begin contributing to the plan immediately upon
hire. The Company also offers a 401(k) type plan for associates in Puerto
Rico under which associates can begin to contribute generally after one
year of employment. Under these plans, after one year of employment,
the Company matches 100% of participant contributions up to 6% of
annual eligible earnings. The matching contributions 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.
Associates in international countries who are not U.S. citizens are covered
by various defined contribution post-employment benefit arrangements.
These plans are administered based upon the legislative and tax
requirements in the countries in which they are established.
Additionally, the Company’s subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and
Japan have sponsored defined benefit pension plans. The plan in the
United Kingdom was underfunded by $129 million at January 31, 2017
and overfunded by $106 million at January 31, 2016. The plan in Japan
was underfunded by $203 million and $205 million at January 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively. Overfunded amounts are recorded as assets
in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in other assets and
deferred charges. Underfunded amounts are recorded as liabilities in
the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in deferred income taxes
and other. Certain other international operations also have defined
benefit arrangements that are not significant.
The following table summarizes the contribution expense related to the
Company’s retirement-related benefits for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Defined contribution plans:
U.S.
International
Defined benefit plans:
International
$1,064
173
$ 967
179
$ 898
167
7
6
5
Total contribution expense for
retirement-related benefits
$1,244
$1,152
$1,070
13. Acquisitions, Disposals and Related Items
The Company completed the following transaction that impacts the
operations of the Company’s Walmart U.S. segment:
Jet.com, Inc.
In September 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of jet.com,
a U.S.-based e-commerce company. The integration of jet.com into
the Walmart U.S. e-commerce business will build upon the current
e-commerce foundation, allowing for synergies from talent, logistical
operations and access to a broader customer base. The total purchase
price for the acquisition was $2.4 billion, net of cash acquired. The
preliminary allocation of the purchase price includes $1.7 billion in
goodwill and $0.6 billion in intangible assets. As part of the transaction,
the Company will pay additional compensation of approximately
$0.8 billion over a five year period.
The Company completed the following transactions that impact the
operations of the Company’s Walmart International segment:
Suburbia
In August 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a
definitive agreement to sell Suburbia, the apparel retail division in
Mexico, for approximately $1.0 billion in total consideration, resulting in
$634 million in current assets held for sale and $180 million in current
liabilities held for sale as of January 31, 2017. The transaction has received
regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2018.
Yihaodian and JD.com, Inc. (“JD”)
In June 2016, the Company sold certain assets relating to Yihaodian,
our e-commerce operations in China, including the Yihaodian brand,
website and application, to JD in exchange for Class A ordinary shares of
JD representing approximately five percent of JD’s outstanding ordinary
shares on a fully diluted basis. The $1.5 billion investment in JD is carried
at cost and is included in other assets and deferred charges in the
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale resulted in the
recognition of a $535 million noncash gain, which gain is included in
membership and other income in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Income. Subsequently, during fiscal 2017, the Company
purchased $1.9 billion of additional JD shares classified as available
for sale securities, representing an incremental ownership percentage
of approximately five percent, for a total ownership of approximately
ten percent of JD’s outstanding ordinary shares.
In fiscal 2016, the Company completed the purchase of all of the
remaining noncontrolling interest in Yihaodian for approximately
$760 million, using existing cash to complete this transaction.
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Walmart Chile
In fiscal 2014, the redeemable noncontrolling interest shareholders
exercised put options that required the Company to purchase their
shares in Walmart Chile. In February 2014, the Company completed
this transaction for approximately $1.5 billion using existing cash of
the Company, increasing its ownership interest in Walmart Chile to
99.7 percent. In March 2014, the Company completed a tender offer
for most of the remaining noncontrolling interest shares at the same
value per share as was paid to the redeemable noncontrolling interest
shareholders. As a result of completing these transactions, the Company
owns substantially all of Walmart Chile.
Vips Restaurant Business in Mexico
In fiscal 2014, Walmex, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company,
entered into a definitive agreement with Alsea S.A.B. de C.V. to sell
the Vips restaurant business (“Vips”) in Mexico. The sale of Vips was
completed on May 12, 2014. The Company received $671 million of
cash and recognized a net gain of $262 million in discontinued
operations at the time of the sale.
14. Segments
The Company is engaged in the operation of retail, wholesale and
other units located in the U.S., Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Central
America, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
The Company’s operations are conducted in three business segments:
Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club. The Company
defines its segments as those operations whose 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
revenues for each of these individual products and services.
The Walmart U.S. segment includes the Company’s mass merchant
concept in the U.S. operating under the “Walmart” or “Wal-Mart” brands,
as well as retail websites such as walmart.com and jet.com. The Walmart
International segment consists of the Company’s operations outside
of the U.S., including various retail websites. The Sam’s Club segment
includes the warehouse membership clubs in the U.S., as well as
samsclub.com. Corporate and support consists of corporate overhead
and other items not allocated to any of the Company’s segments.
The Company measures the results of its segments using, among other
measures, each segment’s net sales and 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 determined by
the information regularly reviewed by its CODM. When the measure-
ment of a segment changes, previous period amounts and balances are
reclassified to be comparable to the current period’s presentation.
Information for the Company’s segments, as well as for Corporate and
support, including the reconciliation to income from continuing
operations before income taxes, is provided in the following table:
Walmart U.S.
Walmart
International
Sam’s Club
Corporate
and support
Consolidated
(Amounts in millions)
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2017
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2016
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2015
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense, net
$307,833
17,745
$116,119
5,758
$57,365
1,671
$
—
(2,410)
$104,262
3,298
6,090
$ 74,508
2,629
2,697
$14,125
487
639
$ 5,930
3,666
1,193
$ 298,378
19,087
$ 123,408
5,346
$ 56,828
1,820
$
—
(2,148)
$ 103,109
2,800
6,728
$ 73,720
2,549
2,930
$ 13,998
472
695
$ 8,754
3,633
1,124
$ 288,049
21,336
$ 136,160
6,171
$ 58,020
1,976
$
—
(2,336)
$481,317
22,764
(2,267)
$ 20,497
$198,825
10,080
10,619
$ 478,614
24,105
(2,467)
$ 21,638
$ 199,581
9,454
11,477
$ 482,229
27,147
(2,348)
$ 24,799
$ 203,490
9,173
12,174
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
$ 101,381
2,665
6,286
$ 80,505
2,665
3,936
$ 13,995
473
753
$ 7,609
3,370
1,199
58 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
15. Subsequent Event
Dividends Declared
On February 21, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the fiscal 2018
annual dividend at $2.04 per share, an increase over the fiscal 2017 dividend
of $2.00 per share. For fiscal 2018, the annual dividend will be paid in
four quarterly installments of $0.51 per share, according to the following
record and payable dates:
Record Date
March 10, 2017
May 12, 2017
August 11, 2017
December 8, 2017
Payable Date
April 3, 2017
June 5, 2017
September 5, 2017
January 2, 2018
Total revenues, consisting of net sales and membership and other
income, and long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and
equipment, net, aggregated by the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S.
operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:
(Amounts in millions)
2017
2016
2015
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
Total revenues
U.S. operations
Non-U.S. operations
$367,784
118,089
$357,559
124,571
$348,227
137,424
Total revenues
$485,873
$482,130
$485,651
Long-lived assets
U.S. operations
Non-U.S. operations
$ 82,746
31,432
$ 82,475
34,041
$ 80,879
35,776
Total long-lived assets
$114,178
$116,516
$116,655
No individual country outside of the U.S. had total revenues or
long-lived assets that were material to the consolidated totals.
Additionally, the Company did not generate material total revenues
from any single customer.
16. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2017
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Total
Total revenues
Net sales
Cost of sales
Consolidated net income
Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart
Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart
Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart(1)
$115,904
114,986
86,544
3,216
3,079
0.98
0.98
$120,854
119,405
89,485
3,889
3,773
1.21
1.21
$118,179
117,176
87,484
3,202
3,034
0.98
0.98
$130,936
129,750
97,743
3,986
3,757
1.23
1.22
$485,873
481,317
361,256
14,293
13,643
4.40
4.38
Total revenues
Net sales
Cost of sales
Consolidated net income
Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart
Basic net income per common share attributable to Walmart
Diluted net income per common share attributable to Walmart
(1) The sum of quarterly amounts may not agree to annual amount due to rounding.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2016
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Total
$114,826
114,002
86,483
3,283
3,341
1.03
1.03
$120,229
119,330
90,056
3,635
3,475
1.08
1.08
$117,408
116,598
87,446
3,414
3,304
1.03
1.03
$129,667
128,684
96,999
4,748
4,574
1.44
1.43
$482,130
478,614
360,984
15,080
14,694
4.58
4.57
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 59
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, 2017 and 2016, and the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’
equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2017. 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, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended January 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
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, 2017,
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 31, 2017
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Rogers, Arkansas
March 31, 2017
60 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
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, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (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 Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
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, 2017,
based on the COSO criteria.
As indicated in the accompanying Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include
the internal controls of Jet.com, which is included in the fiscal year
2017 consolidated financial statements of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and
represented 1.3% and 0.1% of the Company’s consolidated total assets
and consolidated net sales, respectively, as of and for the year ended
January 31, 2017. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal
control over financial reporting of Jet.com.
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, 2017 and 2016,
and related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
shareholders’ equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2017 and
our report dated March 31, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Rogers, Arkansas
March 31, 2017
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 61
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 con-
tained 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 is 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 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 regularly, 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, 2017. These certifications are attached as exhibits to our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2017.
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 state-
ments 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,
2017. 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 (2013).
Management concluded that based on its assessment, Walmart’s internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2017. The
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2017,
has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP as stated in their report which
appears in this Annual Report to Shareholders.
Under guidelines established by the SEC, companies are allowed to
exclude acquisitions from their first assessment of internal control
over financial reporting following the date of acquisition. Based on
those guidelines, management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting excluded
62 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Jet.com, Inc. (“jet.com”), a U.S.-based e-commerce company, which the
Company acquired in fiscal 2017. Jet.com represented 1.3% and 0.1% of
the Company’s consolidated total assets and consolidated net sales,
respectively, as of and for the year ended January 31, 2017. The Company’s
acquisition of jet.com is discussed in Note 13 to its Consolidated Financial
Statements for fiscal 2017.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to
provide reasonable assurance that information, which is 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, 2017, 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.
Report on Ethical Standards
Our Company was founded on the belief that open communication
and the highest ethical standards 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. 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 and compliance office which oversees and
administers several reporting mechanisms, including an ethics helpline.
The ethics helpline provides a channel for associates to ask questions
and make confidential complaints regarding potential violations of our
statements of ethics, including violations related to financial or accounting
matters. These contacts may be made anonymously.
/s/ C. Douglas McMillon
C. Douglas McMillon
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ M. Brett Biggs
M. Brett Biggs
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Unit Counts as of January 31, 2017
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
United States
The Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club segments comprise the Company’s operations in the U.S. As of January 31, 2017, unit counts for Walmart U.S. and
Sam’s Club are summarized by format for each state and territory as follows:
Walmart U.S.
Sam’s Club
Walmart U.S.
Sam’s Club
State or Territory
Supercenters
Neighborhood
Markets and
other small
formats
Discount
Stores
Grand
Total
Clubs
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
101
7
82
76
135
69
12
6
229
153
—
23
139
96
57
58
79
88
19
29
27
89
65
64
111
13
35
29
19
28
35
80
142
14
138
81
28
116
5
83
15
117
379
1
2
2
7
78
5
21
3
9
2
10
—
17
8
3
2
8
2
3
18
22
4
5
4
9
—
—
2
8
34
2
18
6
—
7
9
7
22
4
—
—
2
20
30
—
28
38
68
20
1
—
88
37
—
3
6
11
—
15
10
32
—
—
—
—
—
8
16
—
7
11
—
—
9
2
46
—
—
33
9
—
—
25
—
20
102
14
3
16
8
33
17
3
1
49
24
2
1
33
16
9
9
9
15
3
12
1
25
14
7
19
2
5
7
4
10
7
16
24
3
29
13
—
24
—
13
2
16
84
146
12
128
129
314
111
37
10
375
216
12
27
195
131
69
84
106
137
25
59
50
118
84
83
155
15
47
49
31
72
53
116
218
17
174
136
44
162
9
121
17
155
585
State or Territory
Supercenters
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington D.C.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Puerto Rico
41
3
107
52
3
38
82
12
13
Neighborhood
Markets and
other small
formats
Discount
Stores
Grand
Total
Clubs
—
3
6
10
—
—
5
—
5
10
—
23
5
—
1
2
—
19
8
—
17
3
—
5
12
2
11
59
6
153
70
3
44
101
14
48
U.S. total
3,522
415
735
660 5,332
International
The Walmart International segment comprises the Company’s
operations outside of the U.S. and is represented in three major
brand categories. Unit counts(1) as of January 31, 2017 for Walmart
International are summarized by brand category for each
geographic market as follows:
Geographic Market
Retail
Wholesale
Other (2)
Total
Africa(3)
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
Central America(4)
Chile
China
India
Japan
Mexico
United Kingdom
International total
326
107
413
410
731
359
424
—
341
2,241
610
5,962
86
—
71
—
—
4
15
20
—
160
—
356
—
—
14
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
21
45
412
107
498
410
731
363
439
20
341
2,411
631
6,363
(1) Walmart International unit counts, with the exception of Canada, are stated as
of December 31, 2016, to correspond with the balance sheet date of the related
geographic market. Canada unit counts are stated as of January 31, 2017.
(2) “Other” includes drug stores and convenience stores operating under
varying banners.
(3) Africa unit counts by country are Botswana (11), Ghana (1), Kenya (1), Lesotho (3),
Malawi (2), Mozambique (5), Namibia (4), Nigeria (5), South Africa (373),
Swaziland (1), Tanzania (1), Uganda (1) and Zambia (4).
(4) Central America unit counts by country are Costa Rica (234), El Salvador (90),
Guatemala (220), Honduras (95) and Nicaragua (92).
Walmart 2017 Annual Report 63
Corporate and Stock Information
Listing
New York Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol: WMT
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
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017,
at 8:00 a.m. (Central Time) in the 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.stock.walmart.com.
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
• Annual Shareholders’ Meeting Proxy Statement
• Global Responsibility Report
• Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Report
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
5417 Pinnacle Point Dr., Suite 501
Rogers, AR 72758
Market Price of Common Stock
The high and low market price per share for the Company’s common
stock in fiscal 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017
2016
High
Low
High
Low
$70.08
74.35
75.19
72.48
$62.35
62.72
67.07
65.28
$88.00
79.94
73.69
66.53
$77.55
70.36
57.16
56.30
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
The high and low market price per share for the Company’s common
stock for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, were as follows:
2018
High
Low
$72.80
$66.04
1st Quarter(1)
(1) Through March 29, 2017.
64 Walmart 2017 Annual Report
Dividends Payable Per Share
For fiscal 2018, dividends will be paid based on the following schedule:
April 3, 2017
June 5, 2017
September 5, 2017
January 2, 2018
$0.51
$0.51
$0.51
$0.51
Dividends Paid Per Share
For fiscal 2017, dividends were paid based on the following schedule:
$0.50
April 4, 2016
$0.50
June 6, 2016
$0.50
September 6, 2016
$0.50
January 3, 2017
For fiscal 2016, dividends were paid based on the following schedule:
$0.49
April 6, 2015
$0.49
June 1, 2015
$0.49
September 8, 2015
$0.49
January 4, 2016
Stock Performance Chart
This graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on
Walmart’s common stock during the five fiscal years ending with fiscal
2017 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, 2012, in shares of our common stock and in each of the
indices shown and assumes that all of the dividends were reinvested.
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and S&P 500 Retailing Index
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Retailing Index
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$ 50
$ 0
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2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Fiscal Years
*Assumes $100 Invested on February 1, 2012
Assumes Dividends Reinvested
Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2017
Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
$100.00 $116.79 $127.76 $149.00 $119.58 $123.77
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
S&P 500 Index
100.00 116.78 141.91 162.09 161.01 193.28
S&P 500 Retailing Index 100.00 129.13 163.90 196.72 230.49 272.44
Shareholders
As of March 29, 2017, there were 236,471 holders of record of Walmart’s
common stock.
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Walmart’s investor
relations app:
anytime, anywhere
access to financial
and company news
Our IR app offers shareholders an array of investor
resources in a user-friendly format. With the app, you
can access quarterly results, stock price, financial
presentations and company news at any time from
your mobile device. It’s available for the iPad, iPhone,
Android or Microsoft device. Download the free app
from iTunes, Google Play or by scanning this QR code.
Global Responsibility
The work we do to help people live better extends far
beyond the walls of our stores. We’re committed to making
a difference by working to create economic opportunity,
enhance the sustainability of our operations as well as the
systems we operate in, and strengthen local communities.
From supporting the development of our associates, suppliers
and women entrepreneurs to pursuing a more affordable,
secure food supply chain, to helping to build resiliency in
the face of disasters, Walmart seeks to create value for
stakeholders across business and society, because shared
value enhances the quality and viability of solutions. To learn
more about these initiatives and others, read our GRR by
visiting corporate.walmart.com/2017GRR.
The minimized environmental footprint of this report is the result of an extensive, collaborative effort of Walmart and our supply chain
partners. The environmental and social impact continues to be an important consideration. It is printed on paper from well-managed
forests containing recycled PCW fiber that is Elementally Chlorine Free (ECF). It is printed using 100 percent renewable wind power (RECs),
along with environmental manufacturing principles that were utilized in the printing process. These practices include environmentally
responsible procurement, lean manufacturing, green chemistry principles, the recycling of residual materials and reduced volatile
organic compound inks and coatings.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
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Supplied by Community Energy
Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM
SmartWood Program Labeling Guidelines
Moving with speed to win the
future of retail—it’s in our DNA. Innovating
to serve customers better is how Walmart became
the company it is today. Now, we’re transforming
to make every day easier for busy families.
As associates, we all play a role in creating
an even better Walmart that saves customers
time and money.
2017 Annual Report
Learn more about how Walmart is
moving with speed
with our enhanced digital annual report at
stock.walmart.com
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
702 S.W. 8th Street
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716 USA
479-273-4000
walmart.com
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