Wal-Mart Stores monthly sales up 8.7 percent

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

"We estimate U.S. comparable-store sales, excluding fuel, for the September five-week period to be between 2 percent and 3 percent," said Tom Schoewe, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Our value proposition and the underlying business remain strong."