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Target vs. Walmart

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Interpreting Financial Results: Walmart vs. Target

FIN/571

July 27, 2014

John Kushner

Abstract

Walmart and Target both are discount retail one stop monster shops, but they each cater to different customers. Walmart, which according to CBS News Money Watch in a November 2012 episode says its customers' average household income ranges from $30,000 to $60,000, hammers its low-price message and focuses on stocking basics like tee shirts and underwear along with household goods. But Target, whose customers have a median household income of $64,000 a year, is known for carrying discounted designer clothes and home decor under the same roof as detergent and dishwashing liquid. Of the two discounters, I prefer Target, I personally name this, my one hundred dollar store. No matter the trip, the minimum I spend per visit is $100 dollars. The purpose of this paper is to perform a horizontal analysis and review Walmart’s financial statements from the past three years and then interpret those results against company historical data as well as industry benchmarks as compared to its biggest competitor, Target. This paper will be interpreting financial results: Walmart vs. Target over the last three (3) years looking at Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Income Statements.

Interpreting Financial Results: Walmart vs. Target

For the first part of this assignment and review of Walmart’s finances, I will highlight the use of Solvency Ratios in order to see Walmart’s cash levels, assets and debt levels for a three year look back and then compare it to one of its major competitors, Target.

Quick Ratio: The quick ratio measures a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations with its most liquid assets. The higher the quick ratio, the better the position of the company (Parrino 2012).

Quick

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