This paper analyzes key financial data drawn from Walmart's consolidated balance sheet and income statement for fiscal years ending January 31, 2010–2012. It addresses total assets, cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, net revenues across three annual periods, and changes in consolidated net income. The paper also discusses why these figures matter to different stakeholders — including potential investors, current employees, and lenders — and presents the full income statement and balance sheet data to support each finding. The analysis draws on quarterly cash flow data to contextualize Walmart's financial position during a period of mild economic recession.
Analyzing a company's balance sheet and income statement provides critical insight into its financial health. For Walmart (WMT), reviewing these documents across multiple reporting periods reveals trends in asset growth, profitability, and liquidity that are relevant to a wide range of stakeholders. This analysis draws on Walmart's consolidated financial statements for fiscal years ending January 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, as well as quarterly cash flow data through mid-2013.
The income statement and balance sheet together tell investors whether a company is profitable, how rapidly it is growing, and whether it can meet its financial obligations. For a company as large as Walmart, these figures also serve as a barometer of broader economic conditions — particularly during periods of recession, when investors are especially attentive to risk.
Total assets at the end of the most recent annual reporting period: $56.26 billion (third quarter of 2012). This figure is important because potential investors and shareholders use it to decide whether to invest — or continue investing — in the company, and to determine how much capital to allocate relative to their broader diversification portfolio.
The total assets figure tells investors whether the company is growing and, if so, by how much. Reviewed alongside prior periods and competitor data, it provides a historical picture of the company's trajectory. During a recession, for example, investors may wish to confirm that Walmart is weathering economic conditions well and that continued investment carries minimal risk. For Walmart itself, tracking net income over time supports internal decision-making: management can identify what drove success in strong periods and address weaknesses in weaker ones. Walmart earned slightly more in the year preceding the most recent period, though income dipped in 2011, and the 2012 figure broadly reflects the company's recent average.
Total assets at the end of the previous annual reporting period: $57.28 billion (second quarter of 2012).
Total current assets (most recent annual reporting period): $56.26 billion (third quarter of 2012).
Total current assets (previous annual reporting period): $57.28 billion (second quarter of 2012).
According to the consolidated balance sheet for fiscal year ended January 31, 2012, Walmart's total current assets were $54,975 million, compared to $52,012 million in the prior year. Total assets were $193,406 million in 2012 and $180,782 million in 2011.
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the most recent annual reporting period: As of July 31, 2012 (FQ2 2013), Walmart recorded a net change in cash of –$328 million, indicating a net cash outflow for that quarter. The balance sheet for fiscal year ended January 31, 2012, shows cash and cash equivalents of $6,550 million, down from $7,395 million the prior year.
The quarterly cash flow statement (all values in millions USD) is summarized below:
Cash from Operating Activities — For FQ2 2013 (period ending 7/31/2012): Net Income $4,016; Depreciation & Amortization $2,127; Other Non-Cash Adjustments $144; Changes in Non-Cash Capital –$272; Cash from Operations: $6,015. For comparison, FQ1 2013 (4/30/2012): $5,434; FQ4 2012 (1/31/2012): $11,341; FQ3 2012 (10/31/2011): $3,206; FQ2 2012 (7/31/2011): $7,734.
Cash from Investing Activities — FQ2 2013: Disposal of Fixed Assets $108; Capital Expenditures –$3,147; Other Investing Activities –$223; Total: –$3,262. Prior quarters ranged from –$2,436 (FQ1 2013) to –$7,023 (FQ2 2012).
Cash from Financing Activities — FQ2 2013: Dividends Paid –$1,346; Change in Short-Term Borrowings $298; Increase in Long-Term Borrowings $145; Decrease in Long-Term Borrowings –$44; Decrease in Capital Stocks –$1,840; Other Financing Activities –$294; Total: –$3,081.
Net Change in Cash: FQ2 2013: –$328; FQ1 2013: $1,567; FQ4 2012: –$513; FQ3 2012: –$1,039; FQ2 2012: –$1,298.
Accounts payable at the end of the most recent annual reporting period (January 31, 2012): $36,608 million. Walmart's accounts payable increased from 2010 to 2011 and again from 2011 to 2012.
"Accounts payable figures for 2011 and 2012"
"Revenue and income trends from 2010 to 2012"
"Why these metrics matter to investors, employees, and lenders"
"Full income statement and balance sheet data tables"
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