Ahead Of The Bell: Wal-Mart Shareholders' Meeting

Investors will also want to get an update on plans for new store openings and will want to hear more details about its international business, which now accounts for almost 25 percent of total sales.

At the same time, Wal-Mart will likely offer more about how it wants to play a larger role in addressing the financial challenges Americans face. Executives used last year's shareholders' meeting and other public forums to talk about its goals for sustainability and its health care plans for its store clinics and discounted prescription program.

Wal-Mart, which had been under relentless attack by union-backed groups on a variety of issues from labor infractions to lack of environmental awareness, has found those criticisms diminish as the company has worked hard to improve its image and make changes to its business.