WMT's Q1 EPS Beats Guidance And Street View

Wal-Mart Stores Inc (NYSE: WMT) reported its Q1 earnings at $0.88 a share, beating the company's latest guidance and the consensus of $0.85 a share. WMT’s net sales for the quarter appreciated by 6% to $99.1 billion.
Net sales of ‘Walmart International’ climbed over 21% on a reported basis and almost 9% on a constant currency basis, making it WMT’s fastest growing segment again. The company’s Q1 consolidated operating income stood at $5.8 billion, up over 10% on a yearly basis driven by substantial contribution from ‘Walmart US.’ The retail giant recorded a 19.1% return on investment for the trailing 12 months ended April 30, 2010, up from 18.7% in the year ago period.

Mike Duke, WMT’s president and CEO said, "Walmart kicked off the fiscal year with record first quarter net sales and earnings, and I'm pleased that earnings exceeded guidance. Our teams around the world delivered on our commitment to the productivity loop. We leveraged operating expenses for the second consecutive quarter and improved the profitability of our business.” “Our customers, particularly in the United States, are still concerned about their personal finances and unemployment, as well as higher fuel prices. Our commitment to reducing prices and managing expenses positions us well across the retail landscape," he added.

WMT’s shares rose 1.33% in the pre-market trading session.

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