Wal-Mart has trimmed its trading outlook for this year,
citing a range of one-off costs including the closure of
some stores in China.
The world's largest retailer said profits were likely to be
at, or below, the lower end of financial forecasts.
Specifically, earnings for the current financial quarter,
ending this month, would also be at, or below,
forecasts.
The restructuring moves undertaken by Wal-Mart
included the closure of 50 stores in Brazil and China.
Also, the cost of ending some franchise agreements in
India would higher than previously anticipated, Wal-
Mart said in a statement.
Bad weather in the US, which closed several stores,
contributed significantly to poorer trading in the past
few weeks. Cuts in food stamp benefits provided by the
US government also weighed on sales.
Wal-Mart is due to report its full-year results on 20
February. Shares in the company fell 1% in early trading
on Wall Street, although that was not out of step with
the wider market.
But Wal-Mart's warning undermines how retailers are
struggling. There has been disappointing news on profits
and job cuts recently from other chains, including Best
Buy, Sears, and JC Penney.
Also on Friday, toymaker Mattel reported weak sales,
sending its shares down 10% at the start of trading.
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