LaBarge says preliminary 3Q results exceeded guidance

LaBarge now expects third-quarter earnings per share to total 27 cents, a 50 percent increase above the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Net sales are expected to total $75.4 million, a 27 percent increase from the prior-year period.

In March, the company raised its outlook to third-quarter earnings of 23 cents to 24 cents per share on sales of $70 million to $72 million.

"Third-quarter results were better than we had previously anticipated due to some customers accelerating deliveries and broad-based strength in our end markets," said President and Chief Executive Craig LaBarge. "That strength is continuing and we anticipate fourth-quarter results will be comparable to the preliminary third-quarter results announced today."

LaBarge plans to announce its full third-quarter results on May 1.