Northwest Arkansas Business Journal - NWABusinessJournal.com

Wal-Mart's 4Q Net Income Falls 14.7%

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, saw fourth-quarter profit drop despite increased sales as it continues its push to be a low-price leader. Reporting before the markets opened Tuesday, the Bentonville-based retailer posted net income of $5.16 billion, or $1.50 per share, for the quarter that ended Jan. 31, compared to $6.06 billion, or $1.70 per share, in the same period a year ago. Still, the company beat the average earnings estimate of $1.45 per share from 25 analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters. Revenue rose 5.9 percent to $123.17 billion. Wal-Mart, has seen its revenue increase for four straight quarters, but net income has fallen in the last two as it continues to cut prices. "Our price leadership is making a difference across the United States, as many families are... [ MORE ]