Wal-Mart lowers profit expectations

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart (WMT) says its fourth-quarter and full-year adjusted earnings from continuing operations may come in at or slightly below the low end of its prior forecasts.

The latest forecast for the world's biggest retailer reflects accounting for some Brazil-related charges and other items.

Its stock fell more than 1 percent in Friday premarket trading.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. also revised its fourth-quarter guidance for a key sales metric. It now expects sales -- excluding fuel -- at Walmart and Sam's Club locations in the U.S. open at least a year to be slightly below its prior forecasts.

The Arkansas-based retailer previously projected fourth-quarter adjusted earnings from continuing operations between $1.60 and $1.70 per share. Its 2014 guidance was for $5.11 to $5.21 per share.

Analysts predict fourth-quarter earnings of $1.65 per share and full-year earnings of $5.16 per share.