Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 13.4 percent increase in fourth-quarter profits that beat Wall Street estimates, but the world’s largest retailer also offered a cautious – and disappointing – profit outlook Tuesday as it struggles with higher interest expenses resulting from international acquisitions.

The retailer forecast first-quarter earnings per share between 58 and 62 cents and said it expected to earn from $2.88 to $2.95 for fiscal 2007, which ends next Jan. 31.