Wal-Mart Q3 profit climbs 9.8% at $3.13 bn

Global retail giant Wal-Mart Stores today posted a 9.8 per cent growth in net income at $3.13 billion for the third quarter ended October 31, as compared to the year-ago period.

The retailer had a net income of $2.85 billion for the corresponding period last year, Wal-Mart said in a statement.

Net sales of the company rose to $97.63 billion for the quarter under review, a 7.4 per cent growth as compared to $90.82 for the same quarter a year ago.

"Despite economic difficulties around the world, we achieved solid sales and earnings growth and we are optimistic about the upcoming holidays.

At a time when our customer is feeling the pressure of a tough economy, Wal-Marts price leadership is more important than ever,"  Wal-Mart's President and Chief Executive Officer Lee Scott said.

"Improved operating performance and capital efficiency contributed to stronger earnings...," Scott added.

However, Wal-Mart has said that its fourth quarter results would be adversely impacted by the currency fluctuations. "The rapid changes in currency exchange rates during the last few weeks are projected to negatively affect this years fourth-quarter results by about six cents per share.

In US dollar terms, strong operating performance in International may be overshadowed by these currency fluctuations," Tom Schoewe, Wal-Mart's  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer said.

In fourth quarter, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $1.03 to $1.07.

"For the full year, ending January 31, we have tightened and modestly reduced our guidance and now forecast diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to be within a range of $3.42 to $3.46, Schoewe added.