World largest retailer 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 company associates allowed us to report another record quarter. Early in the quarter, results were disappointing; however, July came in stronger than expected. Wal-Mart Stores did miss their plan as customer continues to be impacted by higher gas prices and it is difficult to improve expense leverage in the current environment."