ARKANSAS, Feb 19: Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s biggest grocer, said Tuesday its net profit surged 9.2 per cent to a record high in the 3 months to Jan 31.

Net profit rose to 2.189 billion dollars in the quarter from 2.004 billion dollars in the same period a year earlier.

Sales leapt 13.5 per cent to a record 64.211 billion dollars.

“We had a good ending to a difficult year,” Wal-Mart president and chief executive Lee Scott said.

“Thanks to our associates, we were able to increase sales and earnings while expanding market share and delivering great value to our customers,” he said.—AFP