12:30PM New York –Wal-Mart Stores, Inc third quarter net sales increased 8.8% and earnings rose 7.9%.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, the world''s largest retailer, reported third quarter net sales increase of 8.8% to $90.9 billion from $83.5 billion reported in the year ago quarter led by international sales.

Sales in the international unit rose 16.9% to $22.40 billion from $19.15 billion posted in the comparable period in 2006.

At Wal-Mart stores, sales gained 6.4% to $57.65 billion. In the quarter, Sam''s Club sales at $10.82 billion were up 6.1% on prior year''s $10.20 billion.

U.S. comparable-store sales were up 1.5% in the third quarter ended Oct. 31.

Wal-Mart said net income from continuing operations rose 7.9% to $2.86 billion from $1.65 billion a year earlier.

Earnings per share climbed 11.1% to 70 cents up from 62 cents. Earnings per share increased on after tax gain of $46.5 million from the sale of certain real estate properties. On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial estimated earnings of 67 cents per share for the quarter.

In the nine months to October 31, Wal-Mart reported net sales increase of 8.6% to $268.25 billion from $246.9 billion previously.

Net earnings gained 17.8% to $8.6 billion or $2.15 per share from $7.3 billion or $1.98 per share in the year ago period.

Wal-Mart estimated earnings per share from continuing operations for the fourth quarter to be between $0.99 and $1.03.

Wal-Mart estimated fiscal 2008 earnings per share between $3.13 and $3.17. The guidance includes an anticipated restructuring charge for its Japan operation, Seiyu of approximately $40 million after tax.

The company is estimating domestic comparable same-store sales to be between flat and 2% in the fourth quarter.

Analysts expect fourth quarter revenues of $106.62 billion and for the year $377.39 billion. Sales are expected to rise 7.6% in the fourth quarter and 8.2% for the year 2007.

Wal-Mart president and chief executive Lee Scott said: ""During the Christmas and holiday season, our price leadership position will benefit both our customers and the company, “We have set the stage for a successful fourth quarter.""

Wal-Mart (WMT: chart) jumped 6.5% or $2.83 at $46.15. In the last 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $42.09 and $51.44.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson have average one year price target on Wal-Mart for $52.65 in the next 12-months.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam''s Club locations in the United States. The retailer has operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.