Wal-Mart Stores monthly sales up 8.7%

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores reported that net sales for the four-week period ended Aug. 29 increased 8.7% to $30.7 billion from $28 billion for the same period last year. Total comparable-store sales for the month increased 3% (excluding fuel).

                                "We estimate U.S. comparable-store sales, excluding fuel, for the September five-week period to be between 2% and 3%," said Tom Schoewe, evp and cfo. "Our value proposition and the underlying business remain strong."