Retailer’s earnings rise

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. today reported a 9.5 percent rise in earnings for its fourth fiscal quarter, matching Wall Street expectations.

The Bentonville-based retailer earned $2.19 billion, or 49 cents a share, for the three months ended Jan. 31, up from $2 billion, or 45 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

The results matched the consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial/First Call.

Revenue rose to $64.8 billion from $57.1 billion a year ago.

That included sales of $64.2 billion at its stores, which include Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs. Sales at stores open at least a year -- a measure considered a good indicator of retail health -- were up 6.9 percent.

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