Profit fell to $3.79 billion, or 96 cents per share, for its fiscal fourth quarter that ended January 31, from $4.096 billion, or $1.02 share, a year ago.

The company said earnings per share excluding a 7 cent charge for the settlement of class action lawsuits was $1.03 per share. Analysts, on average, had been expecting it to earn 99 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates.

Last month, Wal-Mart forecast earnings per share from continuing operations of 91 to 94 cents, down from an original view of $1.03 to $1.07. It said results would be hurt by a stronger U.S. dollar, a settlement for class action lawsuits and weaker-than-expected sales in certain divisions.

It also said that for the new fiscal year it expects first quarter earnings of 72 to 77 cents per share, with full-year earnings of $3.45 and $3.60.

Wal-Mart shares rose nearly 1 percent in premarket trading from its close of $46.53 on Friday.

(Reporting by Nicole Maestri, editing by Maureen Bavdek)

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