Wal-Mart outlines goals as it positions itself for growth

Summary box: Wal-Mart looks to grow, plans to hire

WAL-MART’S MESSAGE: Wal-Mart’s CEO Mike Duke told shareholders that it’s positioning itself for 20 years of worldwide growth and that it plans to hire a half-million employees over the next five years.

BEHIND THE TALK: Wal-Mart had been in the sweet spot of the Great Recession, but now it’s finding itself being left behind in the slow economic recovery as it struggles to hold onto customers at its U.S namesake business.

STOCK BUYBACK: The company unveiled a new $15 billion share repurchase plan.