Ethics - Current
Ethics - Current
Ethics
(Number PD-10)
January 1, 2005
Dear Associates:
This revised Statement of Ethics applies to all of our Associates worldwide as well as the
members of our Board of Directors. It is critical that you read this Statement of Ethics carefully.
As in the past, we ask that each of you make a special commitment to comply with the principles
and policies set forth or referred to in this Statement of Ethics.
Wal-Mart’s business was built upon a foundation of honesty, respect, fairness and
integrity. We must each strive to preserve that foundation by bringing these values to our job
every day. To that end, we must all follow the Statement of Ethics. However, because this
statement cannot possibly describe every practice or principle related to honest and ethical
conduct, it is also our responsibility to apply common sense, together with a desire simply to do
the right thing, in making business and personal decisions where no stated guideline exists.
The Open Door allows each of us to be heard on any issue. Where ethics are concerned,
our Company goes a step further. You are expected to raise any questions or concerns regarding
business ethics.
We are all privileged to work for one of the most successful companies in the world. In
order to sustain that success for future generations, it is our responsibility to preserve and
strengthen the core ethical beliefs upon which our Company was founded. We are relying on
each of you to help us fulfill this important responsibility.
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CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction........................................................................................................................ 2
Who Is Covered by the Statement of Ethics .................................................................. 2
What Law Applies ......................................................................................................... 2
Associate Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 2
Additional Responsibilities for Management Associates .............................................. 3
Discipline for Violations................................................................................................ 4
Waivers .......................................................................................................................... 4
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Antitrust.................................................................................................................. 19
USA PATRIOT Act ............................................................................................... 20
Governmental Dealings.......................................................................................... 21
Political Activities .................................................................................................. 22
OTHER POLICIES
The following Wal-Mart policies are referred to in this Statement of Ethics and are
available on the Wal-Mart “Pipeline” or “Wire” or may be obtained from your
supervisor:
Certain national or local policies correspond to the policies in the list above and any conflicts
with the listed policies are to be resolved in favor of the national or local policies. Nevertheless,
all conflicts are to be resolved in favor of this Statement of Ethics to the extent permissible under
local law.
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Using the Statement of Ethics
This Statement of Ethics introduces you to specific principles and policies covering key
ethics issues. It will identify risk areas that you may encounter in your job and help you
determine what to do if you have a question or concern. The Guiding Ethical Principles
contained at the beginning of this Statement of Ethics provide you with a general guide for
appropriate business conduct. However, no code of ethics or statement of ethical principles can
spell out the proper conduct for every situation. In the final analysis, you must rely on your own
good judgment and sense of ethical behavior to make sure that you are always doing the “right
thing.”
1. Inside the front cover is a letter from Rob Walton, our Chairman, and Lee Scott, our
President and CEO, which addresses the importance of Wal-Mart’s commitment to
ethics.
2. On the next page are our Guiding Ethical Principles, which provide a quick reference to
a set of general guidelines for appropriate behavior.
3. The Introduction section explains your responsibility to comply with this Statement of
Ethics and to report concerns about possible violations of law or policy.
4. The section entitled “When You Have an Ethics Concern” tells you how to report an
ethics matter, including a way to report a matter confidentially and anonymously. It
also describes what happens once you raise an ethics concern.
5. Several Wal-Mart policies are summarized in this Statement of Ethics. Each summary
consists of an overview of the policy and helpful hints for handling situations that may
arise. The policies are set forth in greater detail on the “Pipeline” or “Wire.”
6. This Statement of Ethics will, in many instances, refer to the applicable United States
policy. If you are an Associate working in another country, your country’s management
may adopt similar, more specific policies that relate to these issues. You must read and
familiarize yourself with your country’s specific policies that relate to your job.
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Introduction
Wal-Mart Associates and Directors. This Statement of Ethics applies to all Associates
worldwide and all members of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart. It also applies to the
Associates and Directors of all controlled subsidiaries, i.e. where Wal-Mart owns more than 50%
of the stock or equity of the subsidiary.
Third parties. Wal-Mart expects its suppliers, consultants, law firms, public relations
firms, contractors and other service providers to act ethically and in a manner consistent with this
Statement of Ethics. If you hire a service provider, you should take reasonable steps to ensure
that the service provider has a reputation for integrity and ethical conduct and that the service
provider is acting in a manner that reflects the highest ethical standards.
Wal-Mart conducts business in many countries around the world. Our Associates are
citizens of many countries and, as a result, our operations are subject to many different laws,
customs and cultures.
Wal-Mart is committed to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of our business
worldwide as set forth in the Guiding Ethical Principles. The number of laws and regulations
around the world affecting Wal-Mart increases and becomes more complex each year. To the
extent feasible, this Statement of Ethics will be modified to conform to changes in laws and
customs. In some instances the laws of two or more countries will conflict. When you
encounter a conflict, you should consult with Wal-Mart’s Ethics Office (or, for countries other
than the U.S., the local Wal-Mart Ethics Committee) to understand how to resolve that conflict.
If any requirement of this Statement of Ethics violates or conflicts with the laws
of a particular country, the requirement shall not apply in that country.
Associate Responsibilities
• Follow the law at all times! If you see any other Associate violating the law, or if you are
asked to do something by another Associate that does, or you believe may, violate the
law, report it immediately.
• Read and understand the Guiding Ethical Principles and apply them in your job every
day.
• Learn the policies that apply to your job. No one expects you to memorize every policy.
But, you should have a basic understanding of issues covered by each policy, and you
should learn which policies apply to your job. Check the Wal-Mart “Pipeline” or “Wire”
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or ask your supervisor for the complete and latest text of the policies that relate to your
job.
• Seek assistance from your supervisor, the Ethics Office, or other Wal-Mart resources
when you have questions about the application of this Statement of Ethics or other
policies.
• Immediately raise any concern that you or others may have about possible violations of
this Statement of Ethics or any Wal-Mart policy, or about a possible request or act that
you believe might violate this Statement of Ethics or a Wal-Mart policy.
• Understand the ways to raise ethics concerns. You may raise them with a Wal-Mart
supervisor, or, if you prefer, through a confidential, anonymous hotline or by contacting
the Ethics Office directly. The ways to raise concerns are described in more detail below.
If you raise an ethics concern and the issue is not resolved, you should raise it through
another channel.
• Cooperate with Wal-Mart investigations into concerns about violations of this Statement
of Ethics or a Wal-Mart policy.
If you are a management Associate, you should monitor ethics compliance. Supervision
of ethics is as important as supervision of performance. You should do the following to ensure
that our Company maintains the highest ethical standards:
• When an ethics issue comes to your attention, you are encouraged to contact the Ethics
Office for assistance.
• Meet with your direct reports as a group periodically to review the Guiding Ethical
Principles and this Statement of Ethics.
• Where there is a conflict between ethics and business objectives, ethics must always
come first.
• Lead by example and train your Associates to be ethical in all dealings and to avoid even
the appearance of unethical conduct.
• If an ethics issue arises with one of your Associates, make sure other Associates are not
making the same mistake.
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• Encourage self-reporting of ethics violations. If an Associate voluntarily reports that he
or she was involved in an ethics violation, such self-reporting may be considered when
determining the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
• Never cover up or ignore an ethics problem. Address ethics matters in a timely manner
and seek guidance if necessary.
• Never retaliate against anyone for raising an ethics issue, assisting in an ethics
investigation or participating or assisting in any proceeding relating to an alleged
violation of any applicable government regulations, laws or rules or an alleged fraud
against shareholders.
Also, anyone who knowingly makes a false report of an alleged ethics violation could be
subject to disciplinary action.
Waivers
Any Associate (other than executive officers) may request from the Ethics Office a
waiver of the applicability of this Statement of Ethics. Ethics waiver requests must be submitted
in writing to the Ethics Office by the Associate and must set forth the relevant facts and
circumstances supporting the requested waiver. The Ethics Office will respond in writing to the
Associate.
For members of the Board of Directors and executive officers, requests for waivers of the
Statement of Ethics will only be considered by the Audit Committee or by the full Board of
Directors, as the Board of Directors determines. Members of the Board of Directors and the
Chief Executive Officer must submit their own waiver requests in writing. Written requests must
set forth the relevant facts and circumstances supporting the waiver. After receipt and review of
the request, the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors will respond in writing to the
requester. Any waivers of this Statement of Ethics granted in favor of members of the Board of
Directors or executive officers will be promptly disclosed to shareholders.
All waiver requests must be approved in advance of the conduct for which approval is
sought.
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When You Have an Ethics Concern
One of the most important responsibilities Wal-Mart Associates have is the obligation to
raise a concern about a possible violation of Wal-Mart policy or the law. If you are reluctant to
raise these concerns, you should remember that you can cause harm to our Company and our
fellow Associates if you remain silent when you have an ethics or policy concern. In fact, all
Associates are required to report any known or suspected violations of the law, applicable
regulations or this Statement of Ethics or any other Wal-Mart policy.
You may report ethics concerns or possible violations of this Statement of Ethics or other
Wal-Mart policies by any of the following methods:
Î Use the Open Door. The Open Door is the most direct way to voice any concern
to a supervisor. If you believe your immediate supervisor is involved in
misconduct, report the misconduct to the next level of management believed not
to be involved or use one of the other reporting channels described below.
-or-
• Email. [email protected].
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What Happens When an Ethics Concern is Raised
The Ethics Office has oversight responsibility for possible ethics violations which are
reported through the Ethics Hotline or which are otherwise forwarded to the Ethics Office. If the
reported matter relates to a systemic accounting issue, the Ethics Office will forward the matter
to the Internal Audit Department, which will coordinate and oversee the investigation and
resolution of the matter. The Ethics Office and Internal Audit Department will operate under the
review and supervision of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Guidance on
resolution of ethics matters will be sought from the Wal-Mart Legal Department, as necessary.
The Ethics Office and Internal Audit Department will maintain logs of ethics matters under their
supervision that track the receipt, investigation and resolution of each matter, and will prepare
periodic summary reports for senior management and the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors.
The following diagram outlines the process for handling an ethics concern:
Ethics Hotline forwards (and Supervisor Ethics Hotline forwards (and supervisor
encouraged to forward) report to encouraged to forward) report to
Ethics Office Ethics Office
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Company Policies
Duties to Shareholders
Financial Integrity
Wal-Mart requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of financial information
in order to make responsible business decisions. All financial books, records and accounts must
accurately reflect transactions and events and conform to generally accepted accounting
principles and to Wal-Mart’s system of internal controls. No Wal-Mart document or record may
be falsified for any reason, and no undisclosed or unrecorded accounts of Wal-Mart’s funds or
assets may be established for any purpose.
Wal-Mart has a separate “Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers” that
imposes additional responsibilities on those persons regarding financial integrity. Any
amendments or waivers with respect to such code of ethics may only be approved by the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors and will be promptly disclosed to shareholders as required
by applicable securities laws.
Things to Remember!
• Watch for financial results that seem inconsistent with underlying performance or
transactions with no clear business purpose.
• Answer all inquiries from Wal-Mart’s management, internal and external auditors
and internal investigators accurately and completely. Do not suppress or withhold
relevant information.
• Retain documents in accordance with applicable laws, regulations or court orders
and in compliance with all internal retention policies and directives.
• Wal-Mart is required by law to retain all complaints received regarding accounting,
internal audit controls, or auditing matters. Complaints regarding these subjects
must be forwarded immediately to the Internal Audit Department.
• Never sign a document that you believe to be inaccurate or untruthful.
• Be alert for any attempts to circumvent internal controls.
• Follow Wal-Mart directions and guidelines for product pricing, markups and
markdowns.
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Conflicts of Interest
You have a responsibility to avoid situations and relationships that involve actual or
possible conflicts of interest. The appearance of a conflict may be just as damaging to Wal-
Mart’s reputation as an actual conflict. A conflict situation can arise if you take actions or have
interests that are inconsistent with the interests of Wal-Mart or that may interfere with your
ability to perform your job effectively on behalf of the Company. Situations or transactions that
create the appearance or perception that you cannot carry out your duties and responsibilities
with integrity and impartiality should be avoided.
You are responsible for advancing Wal-Mart’s business interests when the opportunity to
do so arises. You may not take any opportunities or use any confidential information for your
benefit, or for the benefit of your immediate family members, that you discover or obtain
through your employment with Wal-Mart. Immediate family members include (whether by
birth, adoption, marriage or Domestic Partnership or Civil Union, if recognized by your state or
other local law) your spouse, children, parents, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, sons and
daughters-in-law and brothers and sisters-in-law. Refer to the Conflicts of Interest Policy, PD-
13, for specific state information.
You may also not use your position with Wal-Mart or any of Wal-Mart’s resources,
property or information for your, or your immediate family members’, personal gain or benefit.
Finally, you may not compete with Wal-Mart in any way during your employment with
Wal-Mart.
Things to Remember!
Certain Wal-Mart senior officers are subject to an additional conflicts of interest policy
known as the “Transaction Review Policy.”
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Gifts and Gratuities
You may not request, encourage or accept a gift or gratuity from a supplier, potential
supplier or any person who you believe may seek to influence any business decision or
transaction involving Wal-Mart. The same rule applies to Departments. Suppliers may not
donate items to Wal-Mart for the purpose of raising funds for charities or non-profit
organizations. Also, Associates may not accept a gift or gratuity from a customer for work
performed by the Associate in a store or club, except as allowed by local or national policy.
Things to Remember!
• Any gift or gratuity received from a supplier must be returned with an explanation of
this policy.
• Where return is impractical, any gift that is not returned becomes the property of
Wal-Mart.
• Any offer of a gift or gratuity must be reported to your supervisor.
Confidential Information
Your position within Wal-Mart may give you access to confidential information about
our business, customers, suppliers and other organizations with which we do business.
Associates must always keep this information strictly confidential. You should consider all
information gained through your employment as confidential Wal-Mart information. Accessing
or attempting to access confidential or personal information for non-business related purposes is
strictly prohibited. You must return all confidential Wal-Mart information (if in physical form)
to Wal-Mart along with any other Wal-Mart property in your possession upon termination of
employment.
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Things to Remember!
• Do not disclose confidential information to anyone outside the Company without the
express written approval of the People Department (in the case of information about
an Associate) or the Legal Department (in all other cases).
• Disclose confidential information to other Associates only for legitimate business
purposes.
• Handle all confidential information with care to avoid inadvertent or careless
disclosure.
• Secure or password protect all files or records containing confidential information as
necessary to protect the confidentiality of that information.
• For information regarding protected health information refer to Wal-Mart’s HIPAA
Privacy Policy, PD-59, or the corresponding national or local policy.
Trade Secrets
Things to Remember!
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Insider Trading
It is illegal to buy or sell stock or other securities on the basis of material, nonpublic (i.e.
inside) information. It is also illegal to communicate (or “tip”) inside information to others so
that they may buy or sell stock or other securities. If you are aware of material, nonpublic
information about Wal-Mart or any other company, including our suppliers or business partners,
you are prohibited from trading (directly or indirectly) or tipping others to trade in the stock or
other securities of that company. These same restrictions apply to any person who lives in your
household or who is financially dependent upon you.
Things to Remember!
• Never buy or sell the stock or other securities of any company while you have inside
information about that company.
• Never recommend that anyone buy or sell the stock or other securities of any
company while you have inside information about that company.
• Do not disclose inside information about Wal-Mart to anyone outside of Wal-Mart
(including your family members), unless such disclosure has been approved by the
Legal Department, and only after the Legal Department has informed you that
adequate steps have been taken to prevent misuse of the information.
• Disclose inside information within Wal-Mart only on a “need-to-know” basis.
• For more information, refer to the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, CR-01.
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Wal-Mart Assets
Wal-Mart property should be used only for Wal-Mart business and should not be used for
any type of personal gain. You are responsible for maintaining Wal-Mart property under your
control and should take reasonable steps to protect Wal-Mart property from theft, misuse, loss,
damage or sabotage.
Things to Remember!
• You should only use Wal-Mart communication tools in accordance with the policies
listed below.
• Do not connect a modem to any computer in Wal-Mart’s Home Office without the
approval of an Information Systems Division Vice President.
• Do not use Wal-Mart letterhead when writing letters regarding personal or non-
business matters.
• Safeguard all physical, financial, and other company assets. Do not use a company
vehicle for unauthorized personal use without reimbursing Wal-Mart for the expense.
For more information, refer to the following, or the corresponding national or local policies:
Media Statements
You may not make any statement (written or verbal) on behalf of Wal-Mart to media,
news publications, trade publications or any other source without prior approval from the
Corporate Affairs Department (and, with respect to statements about financial matters, the
Finance Department). For more information, see Wal-Mart’s Public Relations Policy, CA-10.
Things to Remember!
• Direct any request to make any statement on Wal-Mart’s behalf to the Corporate
Affairs Department.
• Do not respond to an inquiry yourself without prior approval from the Corporate
Affairs Department.
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Responsibilities to Our Fellow Associates
Dignity and Respect
Wal-Mart Associates should treat each other with dignity and respect. We should be fair
and courteous in all of our interactions in the workplace. The policies in this section are an
extension of Sam Walton’s basic belief of “Respect for the Individual.”
Non-Discrimination
Wal-Mart is committed to ensuring that our Associates represent the diversity of our
customers and the communities we serve. Wal-Mart will not tolerate discrimination in
employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity,
national origin, veteran status, marital status or any other legally-protected status. Any such
discrimination against a customer or supplier is also strictly prohibited.
Things to Remember!
• Review your own decisions to ensure that merit and business considerations,
instead of prejudice, stereotyping or bias, drive your actions.
• Do not allow race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity,
national origin, veteran status or marital status to be a factor in hiring, evaluation,
promotion, compensation or other employment-related decisions.
• Immediately report any suspected acts of discrimination by or against any
Associate, customer or supplier.
Verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature is inappropriate in the work place
and may be unlawful sexual harassment. Examples include:
• Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, foul language, off-color jokes, remarks
about a person’s body or sexual activities;
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• Inappropriate touching.
Additionally, Wal-Mart will not tolerate violent acts or threats of violence on Wal-Mart
property or while engaged in Wal-Mart business.
Things to Remember!
It is a violation of law and Wal-Mart policy for you to work without compensation or for
a supervisor (hourly or salaried) to request that you work without compensation. You should
never perform any work for Wal-Mart without compensation.
Things to Remember!
If you are an hourly Associate, you must clock in prior to beginning work and clock
out for meal periods and at the end of your scheduled shift when you are no longer
performing work for Wal-Mart.
Immediately report any request by any supervisor that you or another Associate work
without compensation.
For additional information, refer to the Working Off the Clock Policy, PD-43, or the
corresponding national or local policy.
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Immigration
You may not hire, recruit, or refer for a fee, anyone not legally authorized to work in the
country in which employment is sought. Wal-Mart is required to inspect, verify, and document
the identity and employment authorization of every new Associate.
Things to Remember!
• All persons hired by Wal-Mart, must provide proper documentation and verification of
their authorization to work in the country where they are to be employed.
• In complying with immigration laws, it is important to follow Wal-Mart's prohibition
against employment discrimination on the basis of national origin or possible citizenship
status.
• Wal-Mart requires that all employment agencies, contractors and others doing business
with Wal-Mart fully comply with all immigration laws.
Privacy
Things to Remember!
• If you are asked by any outside person, group or agency to provide access to records
maintained by Wal-Mart, you must first discuss the request with the Legal Department.
• If you are in a Wal-Mart business subject to special privacy rules or procedures (e.g.,
pharmacy or vision centers, Wal-Mart.com or benefits administration), read and
understand the current Wal-Mart privacy policies or procedures for your business and
understand how it applies to your job.
• Wal-Mart maintains a privacy policy for our customers and members which is located on
our corporate website at www.wal-martstores.com.
• Additional information regarding health information privacy issues is available in the
Wal-Mart HIPAA Privacy Policy, PD-59, or the corresponding national or local policy.
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Fraternization
Wal-Mart is committed to a drug and alcohol free work environment and maintains a
strict Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy.
Where permitted by law, Wal-Mart requires all job applicants to be drug screened as part
of the post-offer hiring process. Any applicant who tests positive for illegal drug use will not be
hired. Where permitted by law, you may also be required to submit to drug testing prior to
promotion to a management position, following certain on-the-job injuries or if there is a
reasonable basis to suspect you are under the influence of drugs.
Things to Remember!
• Seek professional help if you have a problem with substance abuse before it adversely
affects you personally or professionally.
• For additional information refer to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy, PD-16, or the
corresponding national or local policy.
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Responsibilities to Suppliers, Competitors, Customers, Communities and
Governmental Authorities
Wal-Mart bases its relationships with suppliers on lawful, efficient and fair business
practices. The selection of suppliers must be made on the basis of objective criteria, including
quality, price, delivery, adherence to schedules, product suitability, maintenance of adequate
sources of supply and Wal-Mart’s purchasing practices and procedures. You must treat Wal-
Mart suppliers with respect, fairness and honesty and not take undue advantage of a supplier by
using Wal-Mart’s business influence. We also expect our suppliers to follow all applicable legal
requirements in their business practices.
You should not approach a supplier or potential supplier about providing employment for
your immediate family members. Immediate family members include (whether by birth,
adoption, marriage or Domestic Partnership or Civil Union, if recognized by your state or other
local law) your spouse, children, parents, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law and brothers and
sisters-in-law.
Wal-Mart will not do business with former Associates for a period of five (5) years after
the Associate's separation from Wal-Mart if a conflict of interest exists between the Associate's
former position at Wal-Mart and the Associate’s new position with a supplier. For example, if
you leave the employment of Wal-Mart and go to work for a supplier, you may not be allowed to
work on or service the Wal-Mart account on behalf of the supplier during this five-year restricted
period. The People Director for each Division will review inquiries and determine whether a
conflict exists when a former Associate proposes to go, or has gone, to work for a supplier.
Things to Remember!
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Improper Payments
You should not offer anything of value, directly or through third persons, to anyone
(including governmental authorities) to obtain an improper advantage in selling goods and
services, conducting financial transactions, or presenting the Company’s interests. All countries
prohibit bribery of their own public officials, and many also prohibit the bribery of officials of
other countries. Wal-Mart’s policy goes beyond these legal requirements and prohibits improper
payments in all activities, both with governments and in the private sector.
Things to Remember!
Never give, offer, or authorize the offer of anything of value to a customer, supplier
or government official to obtain any improper advantage.
Never offer a business courtesy (such as a gift, contribution or entertainment) in
circumstances that would create an appearance of impropriety.
Gifts to foreign officials are covered under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
(see the International Business Practices Section of this Statement of Ethics) and
corresponding laws in most other countries where Wal-Mart has operations.
Wal-Mart is committed to the health, safety and the protection of the environment and to
conducting our business in compliance with all environmental health and safety laws. Our
policy is to conduct our business in a socially responsible and ethical manner that protects the
environment and the health and safety of our customers and Associates.
• Always comply with all relevant environmental, health and safety laws.
• Respect the environmental rights and interests of our neighbors and the
communities in which our stores and clubs are located.
• Avoid unsafe activities and conditions, including blocking fire exits, improper
shelving of inventory and obstructing aisles.
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• Follow all company policies and directives relating to the environment and the
health and safety of our customers and Associates.
Things to Remember!
• Follow all company directives, policies and procedures related to compliance with
environmental, health and safety laws.
• Immediately report any suspected violations of environmental law or health and
safety laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”), which is
applicable to U.S. Associates.
• OSHA guidelines and procedures can be found in Wal-Mart’s Risk Control
Resource Manual and on the “Pipeline” or “Wire.” Where the “Pipeline” or “Wire”
is not available, the applicable environmental and health and safety laws may be
obtained from the Legal Department.
Antitrust
Antitrust laws protect free enterprise by ensuring vigorous competition. These laws
prohibit activities that restrain trade. Wal-Mart is committed to doing its part to preserve free
enterprise by requiring that all Associates follow all applicable antitrust laws.
• Agreements or other conduct that has the purpose or effect of excluding Wal-Mart
or our competitors, customers, or suppliers from a market or a part of a market.
The following are examples of activities that should be avoided under the antitrust laws:
• Agreements with competitors with respect to price, terms of sale, costs, profits,
profit margins or the division or allocation of markets, territories, or customers;
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offer the same goods at a lower price and you express that belief to the supplier
(without specifically identifying the other supplier or the amount it is likely to bid);
• Tie-in sales, where the supplier refuses to sell product A to Wal-Mart unless Wal-
Mart also buys product B, are illegal. Exclusive agreements to sell particular items
may also be illegal in some circumstances; and
• Agreements to boycott a third party. It is not illegal for Wal-Mart to decide that it
will not do business with other companies, but you should never discuss with others
Wal-Mart’s intention to do or not do business with such companies.
Various laws may also prohibit other types of activities, such as selling below cost,
refusals to deal and certain trade association activities. For more information, see the
Company’s Competition Policy, OP-13.
Things to Remember!
Develop Wal-Mart strategies and make all business decisions independently, without
consultation with any Wal-Mart competitor.
If you are in a situation where others discuss topics that raise antitrust concerns,
explain that Wal-Mart does not engage in such conversations.
If the discussion continues, remove yourself from the conversation and immediately
report the incident.
Avoid giving to, accepting from or discussing with a competitor any unpublished
information concerning prices, terms and conditions of sale or any other competitive
information.
Antitrust violations can have severe consequences for individuals, including
imprisonment, and can result in major financial penalties and embarrassment for Wal-
Mart.
If you have questions about any of the issues discussed in this section of the
Statement of Ethics, you should contact the Legal Department.
Wal-Mart is committed to complying fully with all applicable money laundering laws
throughout the world, including the USA PATRIOT Act. You must comply with all applicable
laws prohibiting money laundering and that require reporting of cash or other suspicious
transactions.
• The types of payments that have become associated with money laundering (e.g.,
multiple money orders, travelers checks, or large amounts of cash);
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• A customer or other third party who is reluctant to provide complete information,
provides false or suspicious information, or is anxious to avoid reporting or record-
keeping requirements;
Things to Remember!
Be on the look-out for warning signs or suspicious activities that might indicate
money laundering.
Follow Wal-Mart’s rules concerning acceptable forms of payment, including, if
applicable to your job, all procedures related to compliance with the USA PATRIOT
Act and similar legislation in other countries. For further guidance on this topic,
please consult with your local Legal Department.
Governmental Dealings
You may not enter into any contract with any federal governmental entity involving the
sale of products or services without written approval from the General Counsel and a member of
the Executive Committee of Wal-Mart. Outside of the U.S., government contracts require prior
review by the local Legal Department and the appropriate level of senior management.
Things to Remember!
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Political Activities
Wal-Mart encourages you to participate in the political process outside of work and
during non-work time. You may use your money to make lawful contributions to political
parties, candidates or political action committees. Under no circumstances may Wal-Mart
reimburse you for political activities.
Things to Remember!
Except as required by law or allowed by Wal-Mart policy, Associates may not use their
work time or other Associates’ work time for political activities.
Wal-Mart will not reimburse Associates for tickets for personal attendance at any
political fundraising event, even if business is discussed at the event.
Except as required by law, you should not use your job title or Wal-Mart affiliation in
connection with the support, endorsement or testimonial of a political candidate or
organization without approval from the Government Relations Department.
For additional information refer to the Government Relations Policy, CA-15, or the
corresponding national or local policy.
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Responsibilities Regarding International Business Practices
Wal-Mart is subject to several international anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act, which seek to curb dishonesty in international dealings. Due to the nature
and number of possible international ethical concerns, Associates who conduct Wal-Mart
business internationally should have an understanding of the laws governing international trade
beyond the principles found in this Statement of Ethics and should fully comply with the laws
applicable to their job.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, other U.S. laws, and similar laws of other
countries, prohibit you, on behalf of Wal-Mart, from directly or indirectly making, promising,
authorizing or offering anything of value to a government official or employee, political party, or
any candidate for political office. A governmental official includes any person acting in an
official capacity on behalf of a government, agency, department or instrumentality, such as a
business with government ownership (e.g., a national oil company).
Things to Remember!
• Local practice or custom in a foreign country does not excuse compliance with the
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If you have questions, contact the Legal
Department before you act.
• For additional information see the International Anti-Corruption Policy, CR-01.
International Trade
Many countries regulate international trade restrictions, such as imports, exports and
international financial transactions. For example, all goods imported into the United States must
pass through Customs where a duty must be paid, unless an exemption applies. Most other
countries may have similar requirements.
• Prices that do not reflect the full value of imported goods or the amounts of any
payments to or for the benefit of an exporter;
• Transfer prices between related parties that fail to cover all costs and profits;
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• Inaccurate or incomplete invoice description of imported goods or the country of
origin; and
• Entry of goods under a preferential duty program (e.g., NAFTA) without supportive
procedures that assure compliance with program requirements.
Things to Remember!
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Restrictive Trade Practices & Boycotts
Wal-Mart will not participate in any activity intended to restrain trade or promote a
boycott of customers or suppliers located in a particular country where such boycott would be in
violation of applicable law. If you learn of a boycott request or a related information request,
you must report it immediately to the Legal Department.
Things to Remember!
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RESOURCE FOR ETHICS REPORTING OR QUESTIONS
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