BENTONVILLE, Ark., August 16, 2005 -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. reported record second quarter sales and earnings for the quarter ended July 31, 2005. Net sales were $76.8 billion, an increase of 10.2 percent over the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Net income for the quarter was $2.8 billion, an increase of 5.8 percent from $2.7 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Earnings per share were $0.67, up from $0.62 per share in the same prior year quarter.
Net sales for the six months ended July 31, 2005, were $147.7 billion, an increase of 9.8 percent over the first six months of fiscal 2005. Net income for the six months ended July 31, 2005, increased 9.3 percent to a record $5.3 billion, up from $4.8 billion in the same prior year period. Diluted earnings per share for the six months ended July 31, 2005, were $1.25, up from $1.12 in the same prior year period. Net income for the six months ended July 31, 2005, was favorably impacted by two items totaling $145 million after tax or $0.03 per share: an increase due to favorable tax resolutions of $77 million and positive legal developments of $68 million after-tax.
Lee Scott, President and CEO, said, “I am proud that the hard work of our associates allowed us to report another record quarter. Early in the quarter, our results were disappointing; however, July came in stronger than expected. Wal-Mart Stores did miss their plan as our customer continues to be impacted by higher gas prices and it is difficult to improve our expense leverage in the current environment.”
