UPDATE: Express Posts 6.8% Rise In Q2 Profit, Lifts Full-Year Outlook

Express

reported a 6.8% rise in its fiscal second-quarter profit and lifted its full-year earnings forecast. Express now expects full-year earnings of $1.52 to $1.60 per share, versus its May outlook of $1.48 to $1.58 per share. Express posted its quarterly profit of $16.9 million, or $0.20 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $15.8 million, or $0.18 per share. Express in May expected earnings of $0.17 to $0.21 per share. Its sales climbed 6.9% to $486.2 million, versus analysts' estimates of $485 million. Its same-store sales rose 6%. Express shares surged 8.33% to $21.45 in pre-market trading.