BUZZ - Wesco's stock rises as it raises annual performance forecasts and reports better-than-expected third-quarter earnings

October 29 - ** Shares of electrical product distributor Wesco International (WCC.N) rose 4.5% to $363.10, on track for their largest single-day gain since August 3

** The company raised its full-year sales forecast to a range of $26.8 billion to $27.0 billion, up from its previous estimate of $25.9 billion to $26.3 billion

** It now expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to be between $18.00 and $18.50, higher than the prior forecast of $16.00 to $17.50

**The report showed third-quarter adjusted earnings per share reached $5.77, a record high, with revenue at $7.23 billion, both exceeding analysts' expectations—data compiled by LSEG

**Chief Executive Officer John Engel said the expansion in data center demand, as well as broad-based growth beyond that segment, supported the upward revision in full-year forecasts

** Ten analysts rate the stock as "buy" or higher, and one rates it as "hold," with a median price target of $418—data compiled by LSEG

** As of the close of the day, WCC has gained 48% year-to-date

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