Walmart 1998 Annual Report Download - page 2

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Continuous learning drives the refinements
in merchandising that keep Wal-Mart growing.
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Table of contents 1998
Annual
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
4Growth by design
With a strategy for improving returns on our
investment base, Wal-Mart focuses on customer
and shareholder value.
6Letters to Wal-Mart
Our customers don’t just shop at Wal-Mart, they also
let us know how they liked it! Here is a sampling from
our mailbox in 1997.
7Giving back to our communities
The Children’s Miracle Network is just one of the
causes that Wal-Mart associates support.
8People power!
“Our People Make the Difference” — shareholder
value and customer service built on respect for
the individual.
10 The Wal-Mart nobody knows
Only a major real estate and transportation company
could move $118 billion in product and house
825,000 people. And that company is Wal-Mart!
12 People + Product + Price = (Shareholder) VALUE!
1997 was another record-setting year for Wal-Mart,
as we lead the industry in sales and earnings.
14 Managing for results
Improvements in merchandising, asset manage-
ment, inventory control and technology keep
Wal-Mart earnings growing steadily.
16 Engine for earnings
Wal-Mart, Supercenters and SAM’S Club drive
U.S. growth — and refinements in merchandising
are revving the engine.
17 Driving force
Meet the 14 men and women who offer their
diverse business talents and experience to Wal-Mart
as members of our Board of Directors.
18 A world of opportunity
The Wal-Mart Way wins customers worldwide —
and we learn more with each country we serve.
20 Financials
39 Corporate information
UP FRONT
COVER REPORT: MAKING THE GRADE
The attributes that made Wal-Mart a
success in the United States are also lead-
ing to success in the global arena.
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