** Shares of retail giant Walmart WMT.N up 3.4% at $100.12 premarket

** Co surpasses Q1 U.S. comparable sales and adjusted EPS expectations, while net sales came in slightly below estimates, according to data compiled by LSEG

** WMT sees Q2 consolidated net sales to rise 3.5% to 4.5%, vs. expectations of 3.46% growth, but refrains from Q2 profit guidance; maintains annual sales and profit forecast

** "We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible, but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren't able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins"- CEO Doug McMillon

** Up to last close, stock has risen ~7% YTD

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)

((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))