"There is a 'new normal' in which people want to save money and are getting smarter about saving money. ... So let me be clear, and people ask me about this all the time: our customers will stay with us when this economy turns around," he said.
Duke is referencing skepticism on the Street that Wal-Mart will be able to retain higher end customers who were forced to trade down to Wal-Mart due to tough times. Skeptics argue when they have the means to shop elsewhere, they will. But Dana Telsey, of Telsey Advisory Group isn't worried. She tells Fast Money, “I think the word value is here to stay and that means Wal-Mart.”
As a testament to recent success, Wal-Mart announced it would launch a new $15 billion share buyback. The program replaces a $15 billion program begun in 2007 that $3.4 billion of remaining authorization.
Chief Financial Officer Tom Schoewe told shareholders that the company was increasing sales and profits faster than its competitors. He noted that Wal-Mart forecast earnings per share for fiscal 2008 of between $3.30 and $3.43.
The meeting also featured Wal-Mart's customary celebrity appearances. Miley Cyrus, who has a new apparel line with Wal-Mart, performed, as did American Idol winner Kris Allen, who is from Arkansas. Basketball legend Michael Jordan also spoke briefly.
Even entertainer Ben Stiller, the host of the meeting, took the opportunity to take a jab at Target.
"You guys get up early," said Stiller, referring to the 7 a.m start of the meeting. "I hear they are still sleeping over at Target."
It’s also worth noting that Wal-Mart intends to move forward with an aggressive remodeling of its stores, which includes a better display of electronics and lower shelves to help shoppers navigate the store more easily. The company plans to remodel 500 of its more than 3,600 stores in the U.S. this year.
The company is also launching more exclusive launches in apparel and home furnishings that should help shoppers buy more than just detergent and groceries. This week, the company launched a new fashion line with teen star Cyrus and BCBG designer Max Azria for the critical back-to-school shopping season.
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Trader disclosure: On June 5th, 2009, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s Fast Money were owned by the Fast Money traders; Adami Owns (AGU), (C), (GS), (MSFT), (NUE), (BTU); Finerman's Firm Owns (PBR), (PM), (TBT); Finerman's Firm Is Short (IJR), (MDY), (SPY), (IWM), (USO), (XRT); Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (BAC) Preferred Shares And Are Short (BAC); Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (WFC) Preferred Shares, Finerman's Firm Is Short (WFC); Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (FLS); Finerman's Firm Owns (MSFT), (RSH), (FLIR), (CSCO), (NOK); Seymour Owns (AAPL), (BAC), (F); Terranova Owns (TER), (ABT), (XBI);
Terranova Owns (BTU) And Is Short (BTU) Calls; Terranova Owns (RIMM) And Is Short (RIMM) Calls; Terranova Owns (GENZ) And Is Short (GENZ) Calls ; Terranova Owns (X) And Is Short (X) Calls; Terranova Owns (MS) And Is Short (M)S Calls; Terranova Owns (JPM) And Is Short (JPM) Calls; Terranova Owns (POT) And Is Short (POT) Calls; Terranova Owns (BRCM) And Is Short (BRCM) Calls; Terranova Owns (HES) And Is Short (HES) Calls ; Terranova Owns (IBM) And Is Short (IBM) Calls; Terranova Is Short (XOM) Call Spreads ; Terranova Owns (DIS) Call Spreads; Terranova Is Short (FCX) And (FCX) Puts
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