Gap Q1 profit beats Street

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. said Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 was flat compared with the year-ago period, but its results beat Wall Street forecasts and prompted the retailer to raise its outlook for the year.



Gap reported a profit of $233 million for the first quarter. Revenue rose 6% to $3.49 billion, beating analysts’ estimated $3.46 billion in revenue, and same-store sales rose 4%.



“During the quarter, we improved sales, grew earnings per share, and continued investing in the business to drive performance,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc. “We’re pleased with the progress we’re making against our 2012 priorities in both our domestic business and global growth initiatives.”



The company said it expects net openings of about 15 company-operated stores and about 50 to 75 franchise stores during fiscal year 2012.