Business Model Analysis of Wal Mart and Sears While both companies belong to the retail industry (where sales of products and services are the source of business), Sears and Wal-Mart have very different business models. Making an analysis of the profitability of the shareholder can be seen that although both companies have similar returns, the source of this return is different. As shown in the table above, both companies have returns on capital near 20%, although the source of profitability differs among them. In the case of Sears the main source of value creation is the rotation of the assets of the estate. This high turnover can be explained largely by its funding through debt, allowing the assets represent a minor portion of the assets. Wal-Mart for its part has a high turnover of assets on their sales. This product of your business model focused on selling high volumes, thus increasing the profitability of their assets. Looking at the ratio (total liabilities / assets) of both companies is evident in the case of Sears a ratio of 5.93 times, while in Wal-Mart, of 1.38 times. For the foregoing and in view of the increased risk associated with debt, the profitability required by the shareholders at Sears should be greater than that required to Wal-Mart. During fiscal 1997, Sears drew much of its operation (55% of its total sales) in selling credit cards through its own brand, creating a financial business that accounted for 48% of its operating revenues in the same year . In turn the sales of products and services grew 8% over the same period of previous year, but there was a reorientation of its premises, reducing the share of its Full Line Stores, based on its retail business (78% of the physical space available for sale), and giving way to growing its chain Home Store (offer more specialized products), which nearly tripled the footage of its stores between 1995 and 1997. In fact, during the period 1995 to 1997 shows a shift in Sears in the distribution of their premises, with a growth of the smaller premises (Home Stores) and a reduction of the largest local (Full Line Stores and Auto Stores) . The Home Stores showed a growth of 8% over the total number of premises, about 5% of the total area and 6% over total sales area. For their part, the Auto Stores and Full Line Stores showed a decrease of 6% over the total number of local, 4% of the total area and 5% on total sales area.
Lowe’s grew through strategic choice by heavily focusing on key functional areas involving research and development (R&D), marketing, and logistics. Lowe’s important R&D investments included the creation of two prototype stores. The first prototype with 147,000 square feet catered to large markets and the other with 120,000 square feet catered to smaller markets (Rouse, 2005). Lowe’s used these store prototypes to help guide their continued growth and store placement. The prototypes also aided the company in designing future stores more efficiently with respect to energy and sustainability (Lowe’s Companies, Inc., n.d.). Furthermore, Lowe’s marketing strategy concentrated on attracting new customers and enhancing current customer satisfaction. To bring new customers to the store, Lowe’s engaged in a pull marketing strategy (Wheelen & Hunger, 2012). The com...
By looking at the return on equity Hasbro is more efficient with investors money as not only did they earn more per invested dollar each year, but their efficiency increased while Mattel’s declined. By looking at the return on assets, Hasbro utilizes its assets more effectively as not only did they earn more per dollar of assets each year, but Hasbro’s ratio increased from 2015 to 2016 while Mattel’s declined. Hasbro has a higher turnover ratio than Mattel and increased from 2015 to 2016 while Mattel’s dropped. Hasbro is more efficient and is gaining efficiency while Mattel is losing it. By comparing inventory turnover ratios, Mattel’s has decreased and their days increased which means they are losing efficiency with selling their inventory. Hasbro’s is increasing meaning they are gaining efficiency. For the cash coverage ratio, Hasbro increased while Mattel fell. This means that from 2015 to 2016 Hasbro made more in cash for every dollar of interest paid while Mattel earned less per dollar from their previous year. Hasbro would be the better investment
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is averaging the opening of about two stores per week. This is part of an unprecedented two billion dollar store expansion, which is the most aggressive expansion in the company’s fifty-five year history; thus, magnifying Lowe’s locality and customer convenience in the United Sates home improvement marketplace. Lowe’s new superstores are currently the largest in the home improvement marketplace, averaging a retail space of about 150,000 square feet. (http://www.lowes.com)
Analyzing Wal-Mart's annual report provides a positive outlook on Wal-Mart's financial health. Given the specific ratios and its comparison to other companies in the same industry, Wal-Mart is leading and more than likely continue its dominance. Though Wal-Mart did not lead in all numbers, its leadership and strong presence of the market cements the ongoing success. The review of the current ratio, quick ratio, inventory turnover ratio, debt ratio, net profit margin ratio, ROI, ROE, and P/E ratio all indicate an upbeat future for the company. The current ratio, which is defined as current assets divided by current liabilities, is a measure of how much liabilities a company has compared to its assets. Wal-Mart in the year of 2007 had a current ratio of .90, and as of January 2008 it had a current ratio of .81. The quick ratio, which is defined as current assets minus inventory divided by current liabilities, is a measure of a company's ability pay short term obligations. Wal-Mart in the year of 2007 had a quick ratio of .25, and as of January 2008 it had a ratio of .21. Both the current ratio and quick ratio are a measure of liquidity. Wal-Mart is not as liquid as its competitors such as Costco or Family Dollar Stores Inc. I believe the reason why Wal-Mart is not too liquid is because they are heavily investing their profits for expansion and growth. Management claims in their financial report that holding their liquid reserves in other currencies have helped Wal-Mart hedge against inflationary pressures of the US dollar. The next ratio to look at is the inventory ratio which is defined as the cost of sales divided by average inventory. In the year of 2007, Wal-Mart’s inventory ratio was 7.68, and as of January 2008 it was 7.96. Wal-Mart has a lot of sales therefore it doesn’t have too much a problem of holding too much inventory. Its competitors have similar ratios though they don’t have as much sales as Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s ability to sell at lower prices for same quality, gives them the edge against its competition. As of the year 2007, Wal-Mart had a debt ratio of .58, and as of January 2008, it had a debt ratio of .59. The debt ratio is calculated by dividing the total debt by its total assets. Wal-Mart has a lot more assets than it does debt so Wal-Mart is not overleveraged.
Wal-Mart’s competitive environment is quite unique. Although Wal-Mart’s primary competition comes from general merchandise retailers, warehouse clubs and supermarket retailers also present competitive pressure. The discount retail industry is substantial in size and is constantly experiencing growth and change. The top competitors compete both nationally and internationally. There is extensive competition on pricing, location, store size, layout and environment, merchandise mix, technology and innovation, and overall image. The market is definitely characterized by economies of scale. Top retailers vertically integrate many functions, such as purchasing, manufacturing, advertising, and shipping. Large scale functions such as these give the top competitors a significant cost advantage over small-scale competition.
Another thing to consider is a statement made on CNNmoney.com in regards to Dollar Generals consistent store growth that they are only "cannibalizing sales at their other stores and eroding their profits"
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is in the discount, variety stores industry. It was founded in 1945, Bentonville in Arkansas which is also the headquarters of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart operates locally as well as worldwide. It operated 1209 discount stores, 1980 super centers, and 567 Sam’s Club by January 31, 2006. It has also extended its operations to many international countries. It runs its retail stores in two forms: Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart Stores. The Sam’s Club sells assorted product lines such as hardwares, electronics, jewelry, and to mention a few. The Wal-Mart stores also offer similar products in addition to the following: health and beauty products, apparel for women, men and children, household appliances etc (www.yahoo.finance.com). The Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Values and Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance: Directors, Executive Management, Committees and Stakeholder will be the key elements that will discussed in this report as it relates to Wal-Mart. In addition to that, the major trends in the general/macro environment and industry will be analyzed.
customer service while Wal Mart is the almost the opposite. Wal Mart has a negative atmosphere
delivered a 3.1 percent increase in net sales to $288 billion. Comp sales growth of 0.6 percent
Should Kmart and Sears keep their own identities and have unique competitive strategies, or should they be combined in some way with a new overall corporate competitive strategy? Please defend your answer.
Profitability ratios express ability of the company to produce profit. This shows how well a company is performing in a given period of time. To compare the profitability for the companies, the investors use profitability ratios that are return on equity, profit margin, asset turnover, gross profit, earning per share. Return on asset indicates overall profitability of assets. It is the relationship between net income and average total assets. GM has 0.034 and Ford has 0.036. This indicates Ford is more profitable. Profit margin is how much of every dollar of sales the company keeps. Computing profit margin, net income divided by net sales. This indicates higher profit margin is more profitable and it has better control. Thus, GM’s profit margin is 3.4 percentages and Ford’s is 4.9 percentages. This indicates Ford has better control profitably compared to GM. Next ratio is gross profit rate. It is how much of every dollar is left over after paying costs of goods sold. Assets turnover represents how efficiency a company uses its assets to sales. This ratio is relationship between net sales and average total assets. GM’s is 0.98 and Ford’s is 0.75. This result represents GM is using its assets more efficiently. Gross profit margin is dividing gross profit, which is equal to net sales less cost of gods sold, by net sales. This ratio indicates ability to maintain selling price above its cost of goods sold. GM’s gross profit rate is 11.6 percentages. Ford’s is 5.7 percentages. GM is higher ratio, and it indicates strong net income. Also, it indicates the company has to spend lower operating expenses and the company is able to spend left money for covering fixed costs. Earnings per share indicate the company’s net earnings to each share common stock. This ratio shows margin between selling price and cost of goods sold. From these companies’ income statement, GM is $2.71 and Ford is $1.82. Because GM’s value is higher relative to Ford’s,
Sears began as a small retailer but as the years have gone by, they have become
Sears Holdings is a struggling discount retailer and is detaching from other stores in order to boost its financial position. Almost a dozen Sears and Kmart stores have been sold over the past year and...
Walmart was created by a man named Sam Walton in 1962. Walmart was founded on the belief to offer reasonable prices and great service in one place. The employees are nicknamed “Walmartians” which makes them stands apart from any other company. This culture is accountable for a company of this magnitude to be able to endure an innovative spirit decade after decade. Walmart has been connected with the achievement of other companies over the years. They also have many lawsuits, overtime policies violations, and been held accountable for thrashing other companies.
With the shareholders, whose focus is to see profit, Wal-Mart ranks number one, 2008 per Fortune 500 magazine and listed as the 13th most profitable company with $11.3 billion dollars in earnings for 2006. Shareholders equity is over $64 million dollars. 1 (Fortune 500, 2008, CNNMoney.com)