Weight Watchers lifts lower end of 2008 income outlook range

NEW YORK—Weight Watchers International Inc., which provides weight-loss products and services, on Monday raised the low end of its full-year earnings guidance range by 5 cents per share.

The company now expects earnings between $2.85 and $3 per share, excluding expenses related to staring up a China joint venture.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expect a profit of $2.90 per share.

Weight Watchers also reported first-quarter profit below analyst expectations, and shares fell $2.97, or 6.4 percent, to $43.80 in aftermarket activity. The stock, which has ranged from $41.49 to $58.24 over the past year, earlier fell 7 cents to close at $46.77.