Wal-Mart's income for the second quarter that ended July 31totaled $3.11 billion, an increase of 4.1% from $2.9 billion in thesecond quarter of last fiscal year, and its per-share earnings roseto 76 cents from 72 cents in the same quarter the previous year.Net sales for the second quarter were nearly $92 billion, anincrease of 8.8% on a year-to-year basis. It reported a UScomparable store sales increase of 1.9%, which was composed of a5.9% increase in Sam's Club stores and a 1.2% increase at Wal-MartStores. Nonetheless, Wal-Mart president and CEO Lee Scott said thatthe quarter's results were "not what we expect of ourselves."

"For the remainder of this year, our management team is focusedon inventory improvements, delivering quality products at lowprices and store execution at the highest standards," Scott said.He pointed out that consumers "continue to be under pressureeconomically," one of the factors affecting Wal-Mart'sfortunes.

"The top concerns among our customers are economic," Scott said.He said specific concerns include the increase in the cost ofliving and gas prices, adding that, "Many customers are running outof money toward the end of the month."