Major ProductsHardwareHouse-waresAuto SuppliesSmall AppliancesDomesticsGroceryCandyTobaccoPharmaceuticalsElectronicsHealth & Beauty AidsSporting GoodsToysStationary Jewelry Shoes1-hour PhotoMajor CompetitorsTargetSears Roebuck & Co.KmartCostco Wholesale Most Successful Wal-mart BrandsOl' Roy Great ValueEquate

Financial Analysis

ProfitabilityWal-mart experienced sales growth of 20% in the fiscal year of 2000. This impressive increase is a direct result of the companies expansion program. Wal-mart has also acquired a few international stores, which are doing very well and adding to the companies' profit. As the table shows wal-mart is no stranger to climbing profits, in fact wal-mart has managed to increase sales by no less than 12% (typically more) each year for 11 consecutive years.YearNet Earnings Net Sales Profitability 2000$5,377 $165,013 0.0326 1999$4,430 $137,634 0.0322 1998$3,526 $117,958 0.0299 1997$3,056 $104,859 0.0291 1996$2,740 $93,627 0.0293

LiquidityWal-marts' liquidity has been decreasing since 1996, which is a good sign from a growing company.In 2000 wal-marts liquidity dropped off drastically, this is on account of their expansion projects. They are willing to take some short-term risks, because they are very confident it will pay off down the road. A lot of wal-marts' money is being pumped into the super centers and also financing the over seas expansion.

YearCurrent AssetsShort-term DebtLiquidity2000$24,356 $25,803 0.9439 1999$21,132 $16,762 1.2607 1998$19,352 $14,460 1.3383 1997$17,331 $11,454 1.5131 1996$15,338 $9,973 1.5380

Capital Management To say wal-mart is healthy is an under statement, thriving is a bit more fitting. The company has plenty of assets to cover their overall debt. Wal-mart continues to widen the gap between total assets and overall debt, the companies leverage has been increasing for 5 years running. By keeping their assets high and debt low wal-mart is assuring increased profits and happy shareholders for years to come. YearTotal AssetsOverall DebtLeverage2000$70,349 $25,803 2.7264 1999$49,996 $16,762 2.9827 1998$45,384 $14,460 3.1386 1997$37,541 $11,454 3.2775 1996$32,819 $9,973 3.2908

Asset Management Once again wal-mart demonstrates why it is looked at as the 5th most admired company in the United States. Wal-marts' inventory ratio has been on the rise for at least five years. As wal-mart grows and gains experience it creates a very strong base for it self. It is one of the few companies today that actually learns from and builds on its mistakes.

YearCost of goods SoldTotal InventoryInventory Turnover2000$129,664 $19,973 6.4920 1999$108,725 $17,076 6.3671 1998$93,438 $16,497 5.6639 1997$83,510 $15,897 5.2532 1996$74,505 $15,989 4.6598

Marketing Analysis

Products/ServiceWal-mart is included in the general merchandise industry. Wal-marts' products cover the entire spectrum, their products include; Hard goods (hardware, house-wares, auto supplies, small appliances) soft goods/domestics, grocery, candy, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, electronics, health and beauty aids, jewelry, shoes, and 1-hour photo. Wal-marts' top performers are hard goods and soft goods/domestics. The general merchandise industry has a very large target market on account of their cornucopia of products. Wal-mart prides itself on its friendly atmosphere. Every wal-mart store has an associate in the front of the store known as a greeter. This person's sole purpose is to say hello and smile to anyone entering the store. Wal-mart also has another rule that's been in place since the company opened; it's called the Sundown Rule. The sundown rule is in place so every customer receives the best service possible. All associates are expected to handle any and all requests by the end of the day, this habit eliminates any procrastination that may take place.

PriceWal-Mart stores operate on an "Every day low price" philosophy. Wal-mart is able to maintain their low price structure through very careful expense control. Wal-mart also reduces cost by cutting back on advertising, circulars inparticular. Wal-marts' competitors run 50-100 circulars per year, wal-mart only produces 12-13 major circulars. DistributionWal-mart has over 1801 discount stores, 721 Super-Centers, and 463 Sam's Clubs, in the United States alone. Wal-mart has expanded to become an international company. Worldwide wal-mart has 2373 discount stores, 1104 Super-Centers, and 512 Sam's Clubs. Promotion and Advertising

Management AnalysisStructureWal-mart Inc. is organized into three major divisions, International, Sam's Club, and Wal-mart. Tom Coughlin runs the wal-mart division, which is the largest and the oldest of the three. Tom Grinn is in charge of the Sam's Club division, which takes second. Lastly John Menzer oversees the international division. Over seeing all the divisions and all things that go on with Wal-mart Inc. is the President and CEO, H Lee. Scott, and Chairman of the board, S. Robson Walton. Lee Scott started off working for a trucking firm that serviced wal-mart, now he is the CEO. The company is structured in such a way that there is opportunity for all employees, especially those who show a hard work ethic and tremendous leadership just like Lee Scott. Training and DevelopmentWal-mart is truly a master of their business. Any company that can increase profits over the preceding year by a large margin, and do it for 11 consecutive years must be doing something right. It all starts with the people, it is virtually impossible to run a successful business if your employees are not thoroughly trained. Wal-mart realizes this and that's why they invest so much time and money in their training program. Wal-mart holds a local and a regional training program twice a year. Top managers are required to attend. The managers that attend these seminars are expected to take what they've learned and implement it in the individual stores. Wal-mart knows that complacency will eventually kill any organization, and that is why they are 100% committed to the continued training of their ever-important associates. "The idea we drive in the company is Continuous Improvement, these two words describe what the company is all about" (Glass, David former CEO)