Conn's Gains on Outlook, 4Q Profit

Conn's forecast fiscal 2009 earnings between $1.85 and $1.95 per share, excluding the impact of potential fair value adjustments.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, who typically exclude one-time items from their estimate, have forecast profit between $1.27 and $2.13 per share, with the average at $1.85 per share.

Separately, Conn's said a 6 percent rise in sales and lower delinquencies in its credit portfolio boosted its fourth-quarter profit.

Shares of Conn's advanced $1.28, or 8.5 percent, to $16.35 in premarket trading, following a $15.07 finish on Wednesday.