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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today reported its sales and earnings for the quarter ended Oct. 31, 2007. Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 were approximately $90.9 billion, an increase of 8.8 percent over the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $2.86 billion.
Earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.70, up from $0.62 per share in the same prior year quarter. Earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter were impacted positively $0.01 per share due to the recognition of $46.5 million in after tax gains from the sale of certain real estate properties.

    Net Sales
    Net sales were as follows (dollars in billions):

                             Three Months Ended         Nine Months Ended
                                 October 31,               October 31,
                                            Percent                    Percent
                            2007     2006   Change    2007      2006   Change
    Net Sales:
      Wal-Mart Stores      $57.651  $54.179   6.4%  $172.101  $162.067   6.2%
      Sam's Club            10.826   10.206   6.1%    32.526    30.453   6.8%
      International         22.403   19.158  16.9%    63.630    54.382  17.0%
        Total Company      $90.880  $83.543   8.8%  $268.257  $246.902   8.6%

"Our results for the third quarter reflect the improved performance of our U.S. operations. Both Wal-Mart Stores U.S. and Sam's Club increased profits faster than sales. Wal-Mart International posted a solid quarter as well," said Lee Scott, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. "Our focus on managing inventory this quarter was very positive.
"During the Christmas and holiday season, our price leadership position will benefit both our customers and the Company," Scott added. "We have set the stage for a successful fourth quarter."
Guidance
For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company estimates the comparable store sales increase in the United States to be between flat and 2 percent, according to Tom Schoewe, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. executive vice president and chief financial officer.
"We expect earnings per share from continuing operations for the fourth quarter to be between $0.99 and $1.03, resulting in the full year Company forecast for earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.13 to $3.17," said Schoewe. "This guidance includes an anticipated restructuring charge for Seiyu of approximately $40 million after tax in the fourth quarter."
For more information, visit http://www.walmartstores.com/investors.