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Walmart: Financial Analysis
In: Business and Management
Walmart: Financial Analysis
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The evolution of the largest retailer in the world, Walmart, has involved both success and controversy. It is a source of cost-savings for millions around the world, but it also seen as responsible for the destruction of its neighboring communities. In its forty year history, the company has dealt with allegations of discrimination, harassment and poor labor relations. The former general store has expanded into several arenas and has made its owners, the Waltons, some of the richest individuals in the world. Despite this, the chain continues to faces large obstacles on its quest to increase profits, improve efficiencies and maximize its customers’ savings.
In 2006, Walmart Stores Inc had sales of over $312,000 billion and 1.7 million employees, making it the world’s largest employer (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2008). The concept evolved from a chain of variety stores owned by Sam Walton in the 1950s; Walton intensely studied discount-retailing and was convinced that Americans would benefit from this new type of store. As a result, he and wife, Helen put up ninety-five percent of the capital for the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas.
Five years after opening, Walmart had evolved into twenty-four additional locations in Arkansas. Looking to expand into other parts of the nation, in 1972, Walton listed the growing chain on the New York Stock Exchange to raise additional capital. What resulted was the widespread growth of the company to 276 stores in eleven states by the end of the decade (Walmart Stores, Inc- History Timeline, 2008).
The 1980’s became a decade of rapid growth for Walmart Stores, Inc; its business model split into two...