Talbots affirms 2008 earnings outlook

NEW YORK (AP) _ Women's clothing retailer Talbots Inc. affirmed its 2008 earnings per share outlook on Wednesday, while announcing a proposed $50 million credit facility.

Talbots President and Chief Executive said the company is experiencing improving sales trends at both of the company's brands and remains on track to meet its full-year guidance.

Last month, the company predicted fiscal 2008 earnings between 47 and 52 cents per share, excluding its Talbots Kids, Mens and U.K. noncore operations and closing costs for those businesses.

The company estimated a total loss of 17 cents to 7 cents per share.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, who generally exclude one-time items, forecast fiscal 2008 profit of 41 cents per share.