By Amy Riggin
5/1/2008
Arkansas Business
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville said Thursday that it is sharing almost $1.2 billion with its U.S. hourly workers through profit-sharing and 401(k) contributions, stock purchase plan and associate merchandise discounts.
During the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, Wal-Mart said it contributed:
• $724.4 million to 838,955 hourly workers in profit-sharing and 401(k) contributions.
• $50.1 million to 764,098 hourly workers toward an associate stock purchase plan.
• $420.2 million in discounted merchandise to hourly workers and their family members.
Wal-Mart also said it gave out more than $636.4 million in bonuses earlier this year to Wal-Mart store and Sam's Club hourly workers in the U.S.
In total, the company has shared more than $1.8 billion with its hourly workers in the U.S. through the various financial incentives.
Wal-Mart contributes a certain percentage of an eligible associate's pay to the profit-sharing and 401(k) plan.
When the new Wal-Mart Supercenter opened in Columbia earlier this fall, it provided job opportunities for more than 200 people...
