Wall- Mart Sales Soar

The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said same store sales in June rose 2.4 percent excluding fuel sales. They soared past the average analyst estimate of 0.8 percent. The company also maintained its second quarter earnings guidance, saying its target range is achievable. Total sales for the five weeks ended July 6, rose 9.4 percent to $35.81 billion from $32.74 billion with the namesake Wal-Mart stores chains posting a 7.1 percent sales gain to $22.94 billion. Sales at Sam's Club also rose.