date:May 16, 2014
Wal-Mart Stores Inc forecast a profit for the current quarter that fell short of analyst expectations after quarterly sales grew at their slowest pace in nearly five years.
The company, whose shares were down 2.5 percent in afternoon trading, said the forecast mainly reflected higher costs for employee healthcare and the need to keep prices low as customers struggle with a sharp cut in food stamp benefits.
One in five of Wal-Mart's customers relies on government food stamps, which can be used