** Shares of apparel maker American Eagle Outfitters AEO.N up ~4% at $16.81 premarket
** Co expects Q4 operating profit to be about $135 mln, up from prior forecast range of $125 mln to $130 mln
** AEO says fourth quarter-to-date comparable sales through Jan. 4 are up in low single digits, tracking ahead of recent forecast of 1% rise, owing to positive trends across American Eagle and Aerie brands
** AEO fell about 21% in 2024
(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru)
((AnujaBharat.Mistry@thomsonreuters.com))