OREANDA-NEWS.  In preparation for its upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today issued its 2013 Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Global Responsibility Report. The comprehensive package provides shareholders with expanded reports that summarize Walmart's achievements in the last fiscal year, priorities for this year and progress toward the company's long-term goals.

This year's materials are available online at http://stock.walmart.com/annual-reports and through Walmart's updated Investor Relations application on the iPad®, iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices. The app update, version 3.0, includes U.S. and U.K. virtual store tours, a financial fact book, and an interactive global footprint of stores and clubs.

“Walmart is only getting stronger as the world’s healthiest and best-positioned global retailer,” said Walmart President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Duke in his letter to shareholders. “I’m pleased with our business and financial performance last year. But what gives me the most confidence is the changing landscape of retail around the world, and how our people, our strategies and the customers we know and care about fit in. Whether it’s everyday low prices, a seamless shopping experience, the most talented team of associates or our model for making a difference, we are on the right path.”

Duke detailed Walmart’s strategic focus areas:
Making sure the company has the best retail talent at every level of the organization by recruiting, developing and retaining the best associates;
Delivering on the productivity loop that enables Walmart to operate for less so the company can drive prices even lower for its customers
Being even more disciplined about operating expenses and capital spending;
Investing to serve more customers globally and accelerating the vision of anytime, anywhere access by bringing together best-in-class online, mobile and social capabilities and our more than 10,700 stores; and
Benefiting our communities and having a world class compliance organization.

Rob Walton, chairman of the board of directors, commented in his letter to shareholders about the strength of the board’s commitment to corporate governance principles. In addition, he recognized the service of three directors who are not standing for reelection to the board. Walmart’s directors are elected annually.

“We are guided by strong governance principles in our service to shareholders, and in making decisions that strengthen our ability to serve customers,” said Walton. “This year, we have three directors rotating off our board, in accordance with our corporate governance guidelines. Jim Breyer and Michele Burns have each served our shareholders more than a decade, while Arne Sorenson is leaving the board after five years to focus on his increased responsibilities as CEO of Marriott International, Inc. They have been exceptional contributors and we thank them for their dedicated service.”

Shareholders will vote to elect as directors 14 nominees, who are listed in the company’s proxy statement, as well as three other company proposals. There are four shareholder proposals listed in this year’s proxy statement. Walmart's proxy materials can be read online at http://stock.walmart.com/annual-reports . These proxy materials offer shareholders the opportunity to cast their vote via proxy in a timely manner. Shareholders unable to attend the 2013 Annual Shareholders' Meeting in person may view a live webcast at http://stock.walmart.com/annual-reports.

The company also began distributing its proxy statement today with details of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 7 a.m. (CDT) in Bud Walton Arena on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, Ark. Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 11, 2013, the record date for the meeting, are entitled to vote at the 2013 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

The 2013 Global Responsibility Report, the company's sixth update, includes information on Walmart’s progress on initiatives including sustainability, women’s empowerment, charitable contributions, compliance, safety, benefits, diversity and governance.