Wal-Mart?s Comps Rose 4.3 Percent in December

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said sales at U.S. stores open at least a year rose 4.3 percent in December, beating Wall Street analysts’ estimates by 1 percent.

With less than a month left until its fiscal fourth quarter ends on Jan. 31, Wal-Mart said earnings are tracking near the low end of its projections of 63 cents to 65 cents a share for the period. Wal-Mart predicted January same-store sales would rise 3 percent to 5 percent.

During the five-week period ending January 2, same-store sales at the company’s flagship Wal-Mart stores rose 3.9 percent, driven by strong sales of food, pharmacy, infants, girls apparel and toys categories. Sales of boys and ladies apparel and housewares was weak, Wal-Mart said.

Same-store sales at its Sam’s Club unit rose 6.1 percent, with particular strength seen in the pharmacy, furniture and seasonal categories.