UPDATE: Aeropostale Posts 3.5% Rise In Q3 Profit, Issues Downbeat Q4 Forecast

Aeropostale ARO reported a 3.5% rise in its fiscal third-quarter earnings and issued downbeat forecast for the current quarter. Aeropostale expects current quarter earnings of $0.36 to $0.41 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.54 per share. Aeropostale's quarterly profit increased to $24.9 million, or $0.31 per share, from $24.1 million, or $0.30 per share, in the year-ago period. The company in August expected earnings of $0.25 to $0.30 per share. Its net sales climbed 1.6% to $605.9 million, versus analysts' estimates of $600.4 million. Aeropostale's gross margin rose to 27.9% from 27.1%. Aeropostale shares dropped 7.58% to $13.05 in after-hours trading.