Jewelry retailer Finlay Enterprises Inc., New York, said on Wednesday it expected earnings for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended Feb. 2 to beat its previous guidance because of stronger-than-expected sales and cost controls, Reuters reported.

The company, the largest operator of leased fine-jewelry departments in department stores, said it now expects earnings in the fourth quarter of $2.40 to $2.45 a share, with earnings of $1.75 to $1.80 a share for the full year, Reuters reported.

In November, the company forecast fourth-quarter earnings of $2.05 to $2.25 a share. The company plans to release its results on March 21.

JCK