WAL MART STORES INC | 2013 | FY | 3


Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $2.3 billion for both fiscal 2013 and 2012, and $2.5 billion for fiscal 2011. Advertising costs consist primarily of print, television and digital advertisements and are recorded in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. Advertising reimbursements received from suppliers are generally accounted for as a reduction of cost of sales and recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income when the related inventory is sold. When advertising reimbursements are directly related to specific advertising activities, they are recognized as a reduction of advertising expenses in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses.