American Eagle Outfitters Inc. posted third-quarter results that outpaced expectations and raised its outlook as the apparel chain pivots quickly from weakness earlier this year.

Comparable sales are expected to rise in the low single digits for the full fiscal year, the company said in a statement, up from its previous view that they’d be flat. Revenue and earnings per share for the third quarter also surpassed the average of analyst estimates.

Shares in American Eagle rose as much as 15% in premarket trading in New York on Wednesday. The stock has risen 25% so far this year through Tuesday’s close.

Chief Executive Officer Jay Schottenstein said stronger trends were the result of “decisive steps from merchandising to marketing to operations.” He added that the momentum has continued in

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