Walmart recorded solid trading in its fourth quarter. In the 13 weeks to January 25 group net sales increased by 3.9% to $127.1bn (£84.13bn). Group income from continuing operations rose 7.9% to $5.6bn (£3.71bn).

Much of the growth was driven by overseas operations. Walmart International reported a 6.9% increase in fourth-quarter sales to $37.9bn (£25.09bn). For the 2012 year as a whole, international sales were up 7.4% to $135bn (£89.36bn).