Wal-Mart earnings beat expectations; shares up

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc reported slightly stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings on Tuesday as it booked its fifth straight gain in U.S. same-store sales, sending its shares up nearly 3 percent. Wal-Mart's earnings have been under pressure from costs from boosting entry-level wages, although the company says those investments are translating into better customer service and helping to lift sales. Greg Foran, head of the U.S. operations, said in a prerecorded call that the company had