Category:



  • 18Aug

    FORT SMITH, Ark., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — ABF Freight System,
    Inc.(R), is celebrating the 13th Annual National Truck Driver Appreciation
    Week, August 24-30, 2008, with a system-wide campaign called: “ABF Employees.
    Standing the Test of Time. 1923-2008.” The campaign highlights the integral
    role played by transportation industry employees in supporting the North
    American economy.

    “This campaign recognizes the professional drivers of ABF as well as the
    valuable contribution of all employees,” said ABF President and Chief
    Operating Officer Wes Kemp. “ABF people have earned a reputation as the
    safest, most conscientious, highly innovative members of our industry. We
    commend and sincerely thank our employees across North America for their
    contributions to the continued success of our company.”

    During the campaign, each ABF employee receives a special letter of
    appreciation and has the opportunity to win an HDTV, GPS unit, or Maglite
    flashlight in a special drawing in their honor. ABF service centers host
    special events such as cookouts and other forms of recognition. ABF also
    recognizes outstanding performance by its employees, particularly professional
    drivers, throughout the year. Ongoing ABF training and incentive programs for
    professional drivers are designed to help truckers maintain the highest
    standards of professionalism and become ambassadors for promoting safety and
    increasing public appreciation for the trucking industry.

    The annual campaign immediately follows the National Truck Driving
    Championships being held in Houston, Texas. The American Trucking Associations
    sponsors this safe-driving event. Drivers across the ABF system competed in
    state driving competitions, with 19 of those drivers taking first place and
    earning the right to compete in this year’s national championships. In fact,
    the ABF driving team includes five former national champions, four state grand
    champions and seven repeat champions from 2007.

    Established in 1923, ABF(R) is best-in-class for safety, security,
    technology and freight-handling. InformationWeek, CIO, InfoWorld, and BtoB
    magazines have cited ABF’s strategic use of information technology as
    exemplary. ABF is a five-time winner of the American Trucking Associations
    President’s Trophy for Safety and the only four-time winner of the Excellence
    in Security Award. ABF is the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in
    Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same
    year, which ABF accomplished twice.

    ABF provides guaranteed service for expedited or time-definite shipments
    via its TimeKeeper(R) service. Regional shipments are handled via the
    carrier’s RPM(R) Network, providing next-day and second-day shipping. The ABF
    system stretches throughout North America, with local service centers serving
    all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Guam and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier
    serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries.

    ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

    Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
    Telephone: (479) 785-8803

    SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.

  • 18Aug

    BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Columbia Records and
    Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announce today that the new AC/DC album, Black Ice, will
    be sold in the U.S. exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club retail locations
    beginning Monday, October 20. The CD also will be available online via
    http://www.walmart.com, http://www.samsclub.com and the band’s website
    http://www.acdc.com. Black Ice, AC/DC’s first album of all-new material in
    eight years, features 15 tracks and will be offered at the special price of
    $11.88.

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080818/LAM032)

    “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train,” the first single from the album, will debut on
    August 28. The video will premiere in September. In addition, the band is set
    to kick off its first world tour since 2001 in late October. Black Ice was
    produced by Brendan O’Brien at the Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC.

    As one of America’s largest music retailers, Wal-Mart will join with
    Columbia Records to launch multiple activities for fans in celebration of the
    new CD album, including new product features and promotions to come this fall
    that will bring fans closer to one of history’s greatest rock bands.

    “Like all excited fans of AC/DC, we can hardly wait for the launch of this
    album and all that will surround it,” said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart’s senior
    vice president of Entertainment. “We promise there will be a multitude of
    opportunities for fans of all ages to get involved and ‘rock again’ as we
    count down to October 20.”

    No Bull The Directors Cut, a newly edited, comprehensive DVD and of the
    band’s famed July 1996 Plaza De Toros De Las Ventas concert in Madrid, Spain,
    will be released on DVD and Blu-ray September 9, 2008.

    Starting today, http://www.walmart.com/ACDC and http://www.acdc.com will
    begin accepting pre-orders for the Black Ice CD album and No Bull DVD. Fans
    can join the countdown and access these sites for more information on the
    band, including new videos and upcoming announcements, in the coming weeks.

    About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)

    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 and, through a joint venture, in India. 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 http://www.walmart.com and
    http://www.samsclub.com.

    SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

  • 16Aug

    PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss
    Arkansas Teen USA was crowned Miss Teen USA 2008 at the beautiful Atlantis
    Paradise Island Resort on August 16, 2008. The 18-year old winner is from
    Hamburg, Arkansas.

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080816/NYSA003 )

    “Days of Our Lives” star and former Miss Teen USA 2004 Shelley Hennig
    joined Seth Goldman of NBC’s “Entertainment Buzz” to emcee the pageant, and
    female R&B local sensation TaDa performed.

    The judges for this year’s competition included: Alina Shriver, Founder of
    Shriver Art; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman Farouk Systems; Heather
    Kerzner of Kerzner International; Alicia Bridgewater, Bookings Editor at Cosmo
    Girl Magazine; Duane Gazi, Director of Scouting and Development at Trump Model
    Management; Eric Parrinello, founder and owner of Bacchanalia Private Dining
    in Overland Park, Kansas; David Dzanis, Vice President of Coca Cola Client
    Services at Genesco Sports Enterprises; and Seth Mayeri, Television Talent
    Veteran.

    Throughout the event, the contestants competed in three categories:
    swimsuit, evening gown and interview, and the “Top Five” finalists were
    selected. Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007, crowned her successor at the
    conclusion of this two-hour Miss Teen USA pageant.

    Final Results:

    First Runner Up: Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA who will
    assume the duties of Miss Teen USA 2008 if for some
    reason she cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

    Second Runner Up: Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen

    Third Runner Up: Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA

    Fourth Runner Up: Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA

    Top Five: Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA
    Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA
    Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen
    Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA
    Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA

    Top Fifteen: Courtney Parker, Miss Alabama Teen USA
    Ashley Stainton, Miss Arizona Teen USA
    Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA
    Taylor Atkins, Miss California Teen USA
    Danielle Rose Scimeca, Miss Colorado Teen USA
    Jillian Leigh Wunderlich, Miss Florida Teen USA
    Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA
    Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA
    Caroline Lunny, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA
    Courtney Morgan, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA
    Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen USA
    Taylor Gorton, Miss Oklahoma Teen USA
    Elliot Griffin, Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA
    Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA
    Megan Leigh Myrehn, Miss Virginia Teen USA

    Miss Photogenic Teen USA(TM) Award: Sana, Idnani, Miss New York Teen USA.
    The general public voted at missteenusa.com for the delegate who exemplifies
    beauty through the lens of a camera.

    Miss Congeniality Teen USA(TM) Award: Elizabeth Hollomon, Miss Mississippi
    Teen USA. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate’s
    peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational
    participant.

    MISS TEEN USA 2008 CROWNED

    The MISS TEEN USA(R) 2008 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara
    created by Mikimoto valued at $15,000 dollars; a 2-year scholarship from the
    New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-
    making programs; eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; a
    trophy from Rogaska Crystal; year-long supply of Farouk Systems products,
    makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; a four-day/ three-night
    vacation for two, including airfare, at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island,
    Bahamas; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon;
    fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; consultations
    with nutritionist and creator of The F-Factor Diet(TM) Tanya Zuckerbrot;
    dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher;
    consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event
    wardrobe from leading fashion designers; access to a New York City apartment
    for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional
    representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and
    professional goals.

    About Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort, The Bahamas

    Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International.
    This unique, ocean-themed destination features a variety of accommodations,
    all built around a 97-acre waterscape. Atlantis unveiled AQUAVENTURE, a
    non-stop water experience. The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features
    oversized rooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by
    acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented
    services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and
    breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is also known as THE culinary
    destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from
    world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten,
    Bobby Flay and Angelo Elia. The resort boasts an impressive collection of
    luxury boutiques and shops and the largest conference center, meeting and
    convention facilities in The Caribbean.

    About Miss Teen USA

    The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS
    USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal
    joint venture. Miss Teen USA spends her year building relationships with
    organizations devoted to education and action, such as Best Buddies, Girl
    Talk, Sparrow Clubs and Project Sunshine.

    SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization

  • 14Aug

    BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    (NYSE: WMT) today reported its sales and earnings for the quarter ended July
    31, 2008. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 were
    approximately $101.6 billion, an increase of 10.4 percent from $92.0 billion
    in the second quarter last year.

    Income from continuing operations for the second quarter was $3.385
    billion, an increase of 9.3 percent from $3.097 billion in the second quarter
    last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the
    second quarter of fiscal year 2009 increased to $0.86 from the previous year’s
    second quarter result of $0.75 per share (after reclassifying for discontinued
    operations, as noted below). The prior year included a net benefit of $0.04
    per share from three items: the net impact of a reduction of general liability
    and workers’ compensation claim accruals, gains from the sale of certain real
    estate properties, and charges for legal and other contingencies.

    Results of Gazeley Limited, an ASDA commercial development subsidiary that
    was sold in July 2008, have been reclassified for all periods as discontinued
    operations. The Company anticipates recording a gain from the Gazeley sale in
    the third quarter. In addition, there was a $63 million benefit to
    discontinued operations in this second quarter from the successful resolution
    of a tax contingency related to McLane Company Ltd., a former Wal-Mart
    subsidiary. The Company also reported a $153 million charge to discontinued
    operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 for a post-closing adjustment
    from the sale of its German operations in fiscal 2007.

    “The combination of solid operating performance and improved capital
    efficiency gave us record earnings this quarter and nearly $5 billion in free
    cash flow in the first half of the fiscal year,” said Lee Scott, Wal-Mart
    Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “Our underlying business
    remains sound as our associates deliver on Wal-Mart’s mission to save people
    money so they can live better.”

    Net Sales
    Net sales were as follows (dollars in billions):

    Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
    July 31, July 31,
    Percent Percent
    2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
    Net Sales:
    Walmart U.S. $64.053 $59.013 8.5% $123.126 $114.450 7.6%
    International 25.261 21.600 16.9% 49.198 41.227 19.3%
    Sam’s Club 12.284 11.377 8.0% 23.396 21.700 7.8%
    Total Company $101.598 $91.990 10.4% $195.720 $177.377 10.3%

    Price leadership, enhanced customer service and operational improvements
    remained the primary drivers of sales growth worldwide, and contributed to
    earnings and free cash flow. Wal-Mart defines free cash flow, a non-GAAP
    measure, as cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures.
    A reconciliation of free cash flow for the first half of this fiscal year to
    the most directly comparable GAAP measure for the same period also is
    available on a Form 8-K furnished today with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission and at http://www.walmartstores.com/investors.

    “We have improved customer traffic and ticket and overall sales growth in
    our markets,” Scott added. “While inflation and higher fuel costs are
    pressuring suppliers, retailers and customers worldwide, we’re confident that
    Wal-Mart is well-positioned for this economy.”

    Segment Operating Income

    Segment operating income for each operating segment, which is defined as
    income from continuing operations before net interest expense, income taxes,
    unallocated corporate overhead and minority interest, was as follows (dollars
    in billions):

    Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
    July 31, July 31,
    Percent Percent
    2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
    Operating Income:
    Walmart U.S.* $4.715 $4.256 10.8% $9.077 $8.235 10.2%
    International 1.202 1.032 16.5% 2.244 1.908 17.6%
    Sam’s Club* 0.432 0.445 -2.9% 0.818 0.815 0.4%

    * During the quarter ending July 31, 2007, the reduction of general
    liability and workers’ compensation accruals, gains from the sale of certain
    real estate properties and charges for legal and other contingencies
    contributed, on a net basis, $265 million and $16 million of segment operating
    income of Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club, respectively.

    Comparable Store Sales

    The Company reports comparable store sales in this earnings release based
    on the calendar months in the quarters that ended July 31, 2008 and 2007.
    Comparable store sales for the United States were as follows:

    Without Fuel With Fuel Fuel Impact
    Three Months Three Months Three Months
    Ended Ended Ended
    July 31, July 31, July 31,
    2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007

    Walmart U.S. 4.6% 1.2% 4.6% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0%
    Sam’s Club 3.7% 5.9% 7.2% 6.5% 3.5% 0.6%
    Total U.S. 4.5% 1.9% 5.0% 2.0% 0.5% 0.1%

    Without Fuel With Fuel Fuel Impact
    Six Months Six Months Six Months
    Ended Ended Ended
    July 31, July 31, July 31,
    2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007

    Walmart U.S. 3.7% 0.6% 3.7% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0%
    Sam’s Club 3.7% 5.3% 6.9% 5.4% 3.2% 0.1%
    Total U.S. 3.7% 1.3% 4.2% 1.3% 0.5% 0.0%

    Guidance

    “For the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, we estimate the Company’s
    comparable store sales increase in the United States to be between one and two
    percent, which continues to reflect some sales volatility from week to week,”
    said Tom Schoewe, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. executive vice president and chief
    financial officer. “We expect the Company’s earnings per share from continuing
    operations for the third quarter to be between $0.73 and $0.76 and are raising
    our current forecast for earnings from continuing operations for the full
    fiscal year to a range of $3.43 to $3.50 per share.”

    After this earnings release has been furnished to the SEC, a pre-recorded
    call offering additional comments on the quarter will be available to all
    investors. Callers may listen to this call by dialing 203-369-1090. The
    information included in this release and the pre-recorded phone call are
    available in the investor information area on the Company’s Web site at
    http://www.walmartstores.com/investors.

    Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Walmart 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 and, through a joint venture, in India. The Company’s common stock is
    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 http://www.walmart.com and
    http://www.samsclub.com.

    Ed. Note: The terms “Wal-Mart” and “Wal-Mart Stores” refer to the
    corporate entity. “Walmart,” expressed as one word and without hyphenation,
    refers to the brand name of the Company’s U.S. operations. This distinction
    came after the Company announced the introduction of a new logo for its U.S.
    store operations in June.

    This release contains statements as to our management’s expectation
    regarding recording a gain from the sale of Gazeley Limited in the third
    quarter of fiscal year 2009, our management’s belief that the Company is
    well-positioned for this economy, our management’s expectations regarding the
    comparable store sales increase in the United States in the third quarter of
    fiscal year 2009 and the Company’s expectations for its diluted earnings per
    share from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 and
    for all of fiscal year 2009 that Wal-Mart believes are “forward-looking
    statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
    of 1995, as amended. These statements are intended to enjoy the protection of
    the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that Act. These
    statements can be identified by the use of the word “anticipates,” “estimate,”
    “expect,” “well-positioned” or “forecast” in the statements. These
    forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other
    factors, domestically and internationally, including, the cost of goods,
    competitive pressures, geopolitical events and conditions, general economic
    conditions, consumer credit availability, inflation, consumer spending
    patterns and debt levels, currency exchange fluctuations, trade restrictions,
    changes in tariff and freight rates, changes in the costs of gasoline, diesel
    fuel, other energy, transportation, utilities, labor and health care, accident
    costs, casualty and other insurance costs, interest rate fluctuations, capital
    market conditions, weather conditions, damage to the Company’s facilities from
    natural disasters, regulatory matters and other risks. The Company discusses
    certain of these factors more fully in its additional filings with the SEC,
    including its last annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and this
    release should be read in conjunction with that annual report on Form 10-K,
    together with all of the Company’s other filings, including current reports on
    Form 8-K, made with the SEC through the date of this release. The Company
    urges you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors
    carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this
    release. As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not
    being realized or other circumstances, the Company’s actual results may differ
    materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking
    statements contained in this release. The forward-looking statements made in
    this release are made only as of the date of this release, and the Company
    undertakes no obligation to update them to reflect subsequent events or
    circumstances.

    WAL-MART STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions except per share data)

    SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION
    Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
    July 31, July 31,
    2008 2007 2008 2007
    Revenues:
    Net sales $101,598 $91,990 $195,720 $177,377
    Membership and other income 1,069 1,009 2,241 2,000
    102,667 92,999 197,961 179,377

    Costs and expenses:
    Cost of sales 77,642 70,589 149,528 135,900
    Operating, selling, general and
    administrative expenses 19,228 17,127 37,328 33,371
    Operating income 5,797 5,283 11,105 10,106

    Interest:
    Debt 450 446 938 852
    Capital leases 77 42 149 111
    Interest income (71) (84) (135) (169)
    Interest, net 456 404 952 794

    Income from continuing operations
    before income taxes and minority
    interest 5,341 4,879 10,153 9,312

    Provision for income taxes 1,826 1,676 3,496 3,208
    Income from continuing operations
    before minority interest 3,515 3,203 6,657 6,104
    Minority interest (130) (106) (252) (206)
    Income from continuing operations 3,385 3,097 6,405 5,898
    Income (loss) from discontinued
    operations, net of tax 64 (145) 66 (120)
    Net income $3,449 $2,952 $6,471 $5,778

    Net income per common share:
    Basic income per common share from
    continuing operations $0.86 $0.75 $1.62 $1.43
    Basic income (loss) per common
    share from discontinued operations 0.01 (0.03) 0.02 (0.02)
    Basic net income per common share $0.87 $0.72 $1.64 $1.41

    Diluted income per common share
    from continuing operations $0.86 $0.75 $1.62 $1.43
    Diluted income (loss) per common
    share from discontinued operations 0.01 (0.03) 0.01 (0.03)
    Diluted net income per common share $0.87 $0.72 $1.63 $1.40

    Weighted-average number of common
    shares:
    Basic 3,945 4,102 3,951 4,112
    Diluted 3,958 4,108 3,962 4,118

    Dividends declared per common share $- $- $0.95 $0.88

    WAL-MART STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions)

    SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION July 31, July 31, January 31,
    2008 2007 2008
    ASSETS
    Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents $6,907 $6,073 $5,499
    Receivables 3,226 2,767 3,654
    Inventories 35,382 34,184 35,180
    Prepaid expenses and other 3,311 2,915 2,760
    Current assets of discontinued
    operations 708 448 492
    Total current assets 49,534 46,387 47,585

    Property and equipment, at cost 126,698 116,648 122,642
    Less accumulated depreciation (31,591) (26,771) (28,771)
    Property and equipment, net 95,107 89,877 93,871

    Property under capital leases 5,740 5,515 5,736
    Less accumulated amortization (2,645) (2,448) (2,594)
    Property under capital leases, net 3,095 3,067 3,142

    Goodwill 16,400 14,655 16,071
    Other assets and deferred charges 2,755 2,959 2,841
    Non-current assets of discontinued
    operations 4 4 4
    Total assets $166,895 $156,949 $163,514

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
    Commercial paper $4,347 $8,117 $5,040
    Accounts payable 29,933 27,748 30,370
    Dividends payable 1,927 1,794 -
    Accrued liabilities 15,607 14,025 15,724
    Accrued income taxes 555 168 1,000
    Long-term debt due within one year 2,180 3,176 5,913
    Obligations under capital leases due
    within one year 324 189 316
    Current liabilities of discontinued
    operations 31 33 91
    Total current liabilities 54,904 55,250 58,454

    Long-term debt 34,168 27,966 29,799
    Long-term obligations under capital
    leases 3,544 3,594 3,603
    Deferred income taxes and other 5,410 5,449 5,111
    Minority interest 2,076 2,404 1,939

    Commitments and contingencies

    Shareholders’ equity:
    Common stock and capital in excess of
    par value 3,986 3,412 3,425
    Retained earnings 57,883 55,414 57,319
    Accumulated other comprehensive
    income 4,924 3,460 3,864
    Total shareholders’ equity 66,793 62,286 64,608
    Total liabilities and shareholders’
    equity $166,895 $156,949 $163,514

    WAL-MART STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions)
    Six Months Ended
    SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION July 31,
    2008 2007
    Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income $6,471 $5,778
    (Income) loss from discontinued
    operations, net of tax (66) 120
    Income from continuing operations 6,405 5,898
    Adjustments to reconcile income from
    continuing operations to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization 3,366 3,060
    Other 315 101
    Changes in certain assets and
    liabilities, net of effects of
    acquisitions:
    Decrease in accounts receivable 578 255
    Decrease (increase) in inventories 95 (64)
    Decrease in accounts payable (150) (1,134)
    Decrease in accrued liabilities (626) (1,918)
    Net cash provided by operating
    activities 9,983 6,198

    Cash flows from investing activities:
    Payments for property and equipment (5,074) (6,971)
    Proceeds from disposal of property
    and equipment 492 319
    Investment in international
    operations, net of cash acquired (74) (467)
    Other investing activities 129 (61)
    Net cash used in investing activities (4,527) (7,180)

    Cash flows from financing activities:
    (Decrease) increase in commercial paper (639) 5,487
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 4,648 3,818
    Payment of long-term debt (4,061) (5,435)
    Dividends paid (1,878) (1,811)
    Purchase of Company stock (2,184) (2,484)
    Other financing activities (85) (435)
    Net cash used in financing activities (4,199) (860)

    Effect of exchange rates on cash 115 169
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and
    cash equivalents 1,372 (1,673)
    Cash and cash equivalents at
    beginning of year (1) 5,569 7,767
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of
    period (2) $6,941 $6,094

    (1) Includes cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations of $70
    million and $49 million at January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
    (2) Includes cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations of $34
    million and $21 million at July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

    SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

  • 13Aug

    DENVER, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Denver based Furniture Row is pleased to
    announce the exciting new interior of the Furniture Row Shopping Center in
    Springdale, created by JGA, one of the nation’s leading retail design and
    architectural firms.

    As with all Furniture Row Shopping Centers, separate store fronts allow
    customers to pinpoint their destination and shop for the products they need.
    The Center was remodeled with fresh, innovative, and inviting outlays which
    can be a useful tool for shoppers.

    “Our goal was simple: To make the consumer experience effortless, allowing
    them to see, comprehend and purchase from Furniture Row’s extensive array of
    high quality merchandise,” said Kathi McWilliams, JGA creative director.

    This was accomplished by incorporating “visual vignettes” at the
    transition between brands and at key places within the environment. These
    vignettes allow Furniture Row to display the latest furniture fashion trends
    while giving consumers a visual interpretation of how the furniture will feel
    in their home. Additionally, environmental graphics were developed within the
    stores.

    In celebration of the new interior customers can register in any of the
    Springdale stores for a chance to win a Samsung 42″ flat screen plasma HDTV
    August 14th through September 17th.

    About the Furniture Row Companies:

    Headquartered in Denver since 1974, Furniture Row operates over 330 stores
    in 31 states. Furniture Row Shopping Centers, Furniture Row Outlets and
    Furniture Row specialty stores offer outstanding values on hundreds of
    top-quality name brand furnishings. Several U.S.-based manufacturing
    operations, including one of the busiest mattress plants in the world, also
    supply Furniture Row stores with quality custom mattresses and furnishings at
    factory-direct prices.

    About Furniture Row Shopping Centers — Four Specialty Stores in One
    Destination

    Furniture Row Shopping Centers are home to four Furniture Row specialty
    stores: Oak Express, Bedroom Expressions, Denver Mattress and Sofa Mart. Each
    store focuses on a particular category and each is managed and staffed with
    people who are extremely knowledgeable about their specific lines. That means
    a higher standard of service. Separate entrances to each Furniture Row
    Shopping Center specialty store provide time-strapped customers direct access
    to the products they need. And, best of all, Furniture Row guarantees the
    lowest prices on a variety of name-brand home furnishings. For more
    information please visit http://www.FurnitureRow.com

    CONTACT: Andrea Terrones

    Furniture Row Marketing
    (303)454-1621

    SOURCE Furniture Row Companies

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