Wal-Mart Walmex reports 8% sales increase

Walmex, Wal-Mart’s Mexican unit, has reported net profit of MXN4.92 billion (USD440 million) for the October-December 2008 period. This is an increase from the MXN4.72 billion (USD431 million) it posted for the same period in 2007. Walmex said sales rose 8% to MXN72.67 billion (USD6.64 billion), while operating profit rose 6% to MXN6.69 billion (USD611.7 million). Ebitda rose 6% to MXN7.75 billion (USD708.6 million). The company described 2008 as a challenging year marked by a drop in disposable income and consumer confidence, however, it said it grew its number of customers by 12.1% last year. Operating expenses rose to 13.2% of sales, from 12.7% a year ago. The company attributed this increase primarily to Banco Wal-Mart, the decision to continue store remodelling with a medium-long-term view and a 32% increase in utility costs.

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