Wal-Mart Issues 2008 Annual Report & Proxy to Shareholders

Electronic Voting Available

BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) today issued its 2008 annual report and proxy statement for its Annual Shareholders' Meeting, which will be held on June 6 at the University of Arkansas' Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. As part of the company's growing sustainability efforts, the annual report contains fewer pages than in past years, is printed on lighter, recycled paper and directs shareholders to the company's website for additional information and to vote their proxy ballots.

"We are very proud of Wal-Mart's sustainability efforts and we're glad that an increasing number of our shareholders worldwide have joined us in that effort by receiving our annual report online and by filing their proxy ballots electronically," said Charles Holley, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. executive vice president, finance and treasurer. "By developing an interactive annual report online, we can print fewer, smaller reports, save tons of paper -- and reduce the cost and energy used to mail ballots."

Wal-Mart's annual report is posted on the company's website at http://www.walmartstores.com/investors. The website contains topics historically covered in previous annual reports, including diversity, community involvement, sourcing and sustainability. The annual report also includes an invitation for shareholders to receive future annual reports and proxy materials electronically.

Within the annual report, in his letter to shareholders, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Lee Scott credits Wal-Mart's two million associates for repositioning the company's businesses in a challenging economic and competitive environment.

"What brought it all together was Wal-Mart living the mission of saving people money so they can live better," he wrote. "And with the economic environment unlikely to change this year, the same opportunity is continuing to present itself."

Wal-Mart completed its 2008 fiscal year on Jan. 31, 2008, marking an 8.6-percent increase in net sales over 2007, to $375 billion. "We added about $30 billion in sales, which is equal to adding the annual sales of a Fortune 75 business," Scott wrote. "Even more impressive, Wal-Mart exceeded $100 billion in sales during the fourth quarter -- a first for any global retailer. And, we accomplished this during a quarter when most of retail was going in the other direction."

Wal-Mart's earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $3.16 per share, and the company returned more than $11 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. In addition, Scott noted, Wal-Mart implemented a new capital efficiency model that sets more precise criteria for building new stores and clubs to provide additional shareholder value.

Scott mentioned Wal-Mart's accomplishments -- and its role -- on numerous societal issues, including sustainability, energy consumption, health care and diversity. "It is important for a company like Wal-Mart to step up to make a difference in our communities," he wrote. "Even if governments can't or won't address key issues, it is critical for corporations to take the lead. Our associates and our customers expect nothing less."

Scott concluded that, as a result of the past year, Wal-Mart is now better positioned to deliver on its mission.

"I am optimistic about our future because I know that customers everywhere will continue to depend on Wal-Mart," he said. "Our price leadership position helps those willing to improve their lives through hard work move up the economic ladder."

Wal-Mart's 2008 annual meeting materials -- including the annual report and proxy -- are being sent electronically to shareholders who requested electronic delivery. The printed materials began mailing today.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartstores.com/. Online merchandise sales are available at
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: mike.beckstead@wal-mart.com

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Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: media, John Simley, 1-800-331-0085, or Investor Relations,
+1-479-273-8446, or Carol Schumacher, +1-479-277-1498, all of Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc.

Web site: http://www.walmartstores.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: In a separate news release today, Wal-Mart also announced the nomination of two new members to its board and the retirement from the board of two long-serving members.

2008-04-22 19:21:36 0342642 PRNEWSWIRE