United States: Walmart has posted a 5.9% increase in full-year sales to $443.9bn. Sales in its international business rose 15.2% to $125.9bn, with sales in Sam’s Club up 8.8% to $53.8bn. “Today, every segment of our business is stronger than it was a year ago, and we’re in a great position for fiscal year 2013,” said Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke. “Walmart International delivered strong growth through both like-for-like store sales and a record number of new units.”

Thailand: Tesco was due to open subscriptions for its Tesco Lotus Property Fund yesterday. It is floating 17 shopping centres anchored by Tesco Lotus stores to allow it “invest in further innovation and growth”. Tesco Lotus set the indicative range at THB9.65-THB10.40 per unit this week, which would help it raise around £370m. The final initial public offer price will be set on 5 March.

United States: Kraft Foods has unveiled a robust hike in sales in the final set of annual results before the group’s split in two later this year. Sales were up 10.5% to $54.4bn (£34.4bn), or up 6.6% on an organic basis - with most of the increase driven by price hikes. In Europe, net revenues were up almost 15% for the year, while reduced costs from the integration of Cadbury contributing to profits improving by more than a quarter.

Denmark: Carlsberg has reported a fall in profits for 2011, as the Danish brewer wrestled with rising costs and falling share in Russia. Sales for the year rose by 6% to DKK63.6bn (£7.1bn), thanks to price hikes and continued growth in Asia. But heavy promotional activity and increased marketing spend took their toll on profits, down 4% to DKK9.8bn. “Our Northern & Western European and Asian regions continued to perform well,” said CEO Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen.

India: Metro Cash & Carry has laid out plans to open depots in 40 Indian cities. Speaking at the opening of the German wholesaler’s 10th depot in the country and its first in Delhi this week, Metro Cash & Carry India MD Rajeev Bakshi told the Indian press: “We are looking for a 40-city presence. As long as the fmcg growth story continues, we will continue to grow.” The wholesaler would open a further seven or eight depots this year, he added.

Australia: Costco has ramped up its investment in Australia, committing a further AUS$140m to the country. The wholesaler currently has three depots in Australia, but is eyeing openings in Sydney and Queensland. “We would like to do two stores in calendar 2013 ideally,” Costco Australia MD Patrick Noone told the Australian press.