Goldman Sachs Comments On Wal-Mart 1Q EPS

According to Goldman Sachs, Wal-Mart Stores WMT reported 1Q operating EPS of $0.98, ahead of its estimate and consensus of $0.97 and $0.95. Goldman Sachs said that better revenues and expense control more than offset declines in the gross margin rate. “Below the EBIT line, higher interest expense and share count were offset by lower minority interest and taxes. Management issued 2Q EPS guidance of $1.05-$1.10, vs. our estimate and consensus of $1.11 and $1.08.” Wal-Mart Stores closed yesterday at $56.06.