(Adds results from other retailers, includes Wal-Mart no longer reporting monthly same-store-sales figures.)

 
   DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) smashed analysts' expectations with a 5% jump in April same-store sales as the rest of the industry followed the trend, posting results higher than analysts' dour views.

March sales were hurt by Easter moving back to April this year, and analysts say April sales are likely to benefit from the shift. Most analysts say they prefer to look at the two months together for this year and last to get an idea of Easter-season shopping trends.

But all news wasn't positive from Wal-Mart, as it expects sales for the fiscal first quarter, which ended April 30, of about $93 billion, below analysts' estimates of $96.82 billion, according to Thomson Reuters. Still, shares rose 3.6% premarket to $51.30 on the April results.

Wal-Mart also said it would no longer report monthly same-store sales, saying it will report sales data when it releases its quarterly results.

The world's largest retailer posted a 5% increase in U.S. same-store sales last month, excluding gasoline sales, with the namesake chain posting a 5.9% jump and Sam's Club reporting 0.3% growth. Analysts had been expecting a 2.9% increase overall. April's results were driven by the grocery, health and wellness, hardlines, entertainment and home segments, as well as seasonal merchandise.

Wal-Mart Vice Chairman Eduardo Castro-Wright said the company gained new customers, boosted its market share and found that when customers had more money to spend, "they spent it more often at Wal-Mart."

Rival discounters Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) and BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. (BJ) didn't fare as well. Costco posted flat same-store-sales excluding gasoline and currency fluctuations, while BJ's said same-store sales fell 4.9%, worse than analysts' expectations.

Many observers expected same-store sales industry wide last month to be little changed. But excluding Wal-Mart, separate indexes from Thomson Reuters and Retail Metrics put the drop at about 3.4%.

The results show the weak state of consumer confidence, which rose to its highest point of the year at 39.2 in April - back to the levels seen at the time of investment bank Lehman Brothers' collapse in September. The indicator was at 62.3 last April.

More retailers have beaten analysts' projections over the last several months than those that have fallen short, so another surprise may be possible despite the expected drop.

Among other retailers, Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (PLCE) posted a 4% increase in same-store sales, beating analysts' expectations.

High-flyer Buckle Inc. (BKE) again soared above its peers, reporting an 18% increase, beating analysts' expectations for an 11% gain. The company has posted double-digit growth in same-store sales for 21 straight months.

Another teen retailer, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) beat analysts' dire expectations with a 22% drop. Abercrombie has been steadfast about refusing to cut its prices, saying such a move would devalue its brand.

Other companies that beat views included department-store Stage Stores Inc. (SSI) and retailers Gap Inc. (GPS) and Ross Stores Inc. (ROST). TJX Cos. (TJX) also beat the expectations, posting a 3% increase when analysts were looking for same-store sales to fall.

Department stores Macy's Inc. (M), Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) and Saks Inc. (SKS) missed analysts' estimates with drops of 9.1%, 13% and 32%, respectively.

-By Kerry E. Grace, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5089; kerry.grace@dowjones.com