2 Dividend Aristocrat Retailers Have Room for Growth

Wal-Mart (WMT) a Dow stock and Dividend Aristocrat, has retail units in 15 countries with more than 2 million employees worldwide. Sales for the FY2011 (ending January 2011) were $419 billion, an increase of 3.4%, with EPS of $4.18 and adjusted EPS of $3.66. Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $4.07. WMT has a 4-point plan to improve performance in US stores with $260 billion sales (operating profits were up 3% last year): Price leadership - WMT will deliver consistent every day low price on a basket of goods. Broadest assortment possible - work with suppliers to deliver the broadest assortment at the lowest price. Improve remodel program - improve store remodel efficiency and return to right size square footage. Multi-channel initiatives - increase access for customers so they can shop on their own terms. Sales at Sam's Club, with almost 600 clubs, reached almost $50 billion which improved every... Read more