Aeropostale sales jump; raises earnings estimate

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Teen clothing retailer Aeropostale Inc (ARO.N) reported a greater-than-expected increase in December same-store sales on Thursday and raised its fourth-quarter earnings estimate.

Aeropostale, which had broad discounts in the month, said sales at stores open at least a year rose 12.2 percent in December, far exceeding analysts' average estimate of 3.6 percent, according to Reuters Estimates.

Total net sales rose 17.5 percent to $313.5 for the five weeks ended January 5.

The company said it now expects fourth-quarter operating earnings of 87 cents per share, up from its prior forecast of 82 cents to 84 cents per share.

Including a benefit related to the settlement of a dispute, the company expects 91 cents per share.

(Reporting by Martinne Geller; editing by John Wallace)