Walmart 2015 Annual Report Download - page 5

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2015 Annual Report
technology, assortment and supply chain. The investments
in our global technology platform provide a foundation that
strengthens usability and conversion across our e-commerce
websites and mobile apps. We’re also investing in more fulfillment
centers around the world to enable faster delivery of merchandise
to customers. Each of our business segments continues to
increase the integration of e-commerce and mobile assets with
our stores and clubs. For example, we’re testing Click & Collect
pickup points in many of our key markets. Asda already has
Click & Collect capabilities in all stores.
Investing in customer relevance
As we invest to expand our global e-commerce capabilities and
build more stores, we keep customer expectations at the forefront.
The type of store format or fulfillment center we build, the location
of where we put a club, or the functionality of a website are all
predicated on how we can better serve our customers. And, as
we make these choices, we’re striving to balance sales growth
and profitability. We’re being thoughtful with our investments,
ensuring we have the infrastructure in place for sustainable
growth. Walmart’s strong balance sheet and robust cash flow
provide a solid foundation to support these investments. While
we grow, we remain focused on expense management and EDLC.
When we operate and grow efficiently, we’ll generate increased
value for shareholders.
Engaged associates fuel our success
Highly motivated and engaged associates are essential to providing
customers with excellent service. And, it’s only through associates
who are merchant-minded that we’ll continue to connect custom-
ers with new items that they want and need. Although technology
has transformed our business, retail is still a people business.
Walmart has always provided a ladder of opportunity – one that
today is available to our 2.2 million associates globally. Regardless
of your background, Walmart will give you the opportunity to
grow a career as far as your ability and hard work will take you. I
am one of many leaders in our company who benefited from this
opportunity to begin as an hourly associate and grow into roles
with increased responsibility.
Talent is the essential enabler to reach our objectives. I’m excited
by the new initiatives we’ve put in place around the world to
better train and equip our associates for success. For example, the
steps we’ve taken in the U.S., China and Mexico to strengthen
compensation structures and increase training opportunities give
associates more ownership and accountability, so they can react
faster to customers’ needs. Adding new talent is also important as
we work to grow digital retail and fully align our organization with
a changing retail environment. Some of the brightest minds in retail
are joining Walmart because they know this is an organization that’s
embracing innovation to deliver a better future for customers.
Committed to a better world
We’re not only thinking differently about retail, we’re thinking differently
about the world. Walmart is a powerful change agent, and we’re
committed to global responsibility initiatives that make our world
better. I’m proud of our work to advance environmental sustainability,
to support women’s economic empowerment, and to offer healthier
food choices for our customers. We continue to look for more ways
to lead and have an even greater impact on the communities that
we serve. We’ll also remain steadfast in our commitment to compli-
ance, ethics and doing business the right way. I’m pleased with the
enhancements we’ve made, including better technology, to
strengthen these organizations and build world-class compliance.
My career at Walmart began more than three decades ago, and I’ve
never been more excited about our future than I am today. Walmart
has a great purpose – to save people money so they can live better.
We’re embracing change so we can deliver that promise more effec-
tively. As I look back over this past year, we’ve made great strides
towards our goals. We know where our customers’ expectations
are going, and we’re ideally positioned to deliver for them. Walmart
has great assets and capabilities, but there’s more we must do. We’re
continuing to build a Walmart that excels globally at the integration
of digital and physical retail, providing our customers with a seam-
less experience to shop whenever, wherever and however they want.
It’s a great opportunity. I’m excited about the next steps in our journey.
Sincerely,
16%
Fiscal 2015 total
shareholder return
$486B
Consolidated scal
2015 revenue