Aeropostale Raises Q1 EPS Guidance to $0.12-0.13 vs $0.08-0.10 Prior

Aeropostale, Inc.

raised its earnings guidance for the first quarter. For the first quarter of fiscal 2012 net sales increased 6% to $497.4 million, from $469.2 million in the year ago period. Comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, for the first quarter increased 2%, compared to a 5% decrease last year. Same store sales, excluding the e-commerce channel, for the first quarter were essentially flat, compared to a 7% decrease last year. Thomas P. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During the quarter we continued to make solid progress with our strategic initiatives. We infused newness into our merchandise assortment and amplified our fashion message to our consumer." Based on the better than expected performance for the quarter, the Company now expects first quarter earnings in the range of $0.12 to $0.13 per diluted share, versus its previously issued guidance range of $0.08 to $0.10 per diluted share.