Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Wal-Mart Profit Increases 9.8% on Holiday Discounts

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, said fourth-quarter profit rose 9.8 percent, exceeding analysts' estimates as the company discounted toys and consumer electronics to attract holiday shoppers.

Net income in the three months ended Jan. 31 rose to $3.94 billion, or 95 cents a share, including a 2-cent tax benefit, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said today in a statement. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg estimated 90 cents.

Fourth-quarter sales at stores open at least a year gained 1.6 percent as Wal-Mart cut prices on items ranging from generic drugs to groceries. Chief Executive Officer H. Lee Scott re-emphasized the company's "low-price'' message after failing to lure consumers with exclusive lines of clothing

Read more at Bloomberg.com

No comments: