Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, posted a modest 3.8 percent in profit growth Monday, but said it expected electronics and other general merchandise to propel it to a healthy holiday season.

Income rose to $2.4 billion, or 57 cents per share, for the quarter ended Oct. 31 from $2.3 billion, or 54 cents per share, a year ago. Earnings in the latest quarter included three items, including hurricane related costs, which reduced results by $80 million, or 2 cents per share.