Icon climbs after raising full-year forecasts

After reporting second-quarter results that surpassed Wall Street's estimates, Icon said it now expects a profit of $2.46 to $2.52 per share, with revenue ranging from $870 million to $890 million. It credited strong demand for its global services in revising its forecast.

On average, analysts reporting to Thomson Financial expect a profit of $2.44 per share on $852.7 million in revenue.

The company also said its board declared a 2-for-1 stock split. Holders of record Aug. 8 will receive one new ordinary share or American Depositary Share for each share held.

The news lifted Icon shares $4.68, or 6 percent, to $82.47, and earlier it reached an all-time high of $83.66.

In December, Icon forecast a 2008 profit of $2.27 to $2.36 per share on revenue between $750 million and $770 million. After reporting its first-quarter earnings in April, it raised those expectations to $2.35 to $2.45 per share on revenue of $840 million to $860 million.