Wal-Mart's Strong International Sales Boost Profits

WSJ--Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported today a 6.9% rise in profit for its fiscal first quarter, helped by strong international sales and a tighter grip on inventories and markdowns.

International sales jumped 22%, pushing operating income up 16%. Wal-Mart's expansions into international markets such as Brazil and China are yielding fruit, analysts have said, and the company saw solid sales growth in the U.K.