July 29 (Reuters) - Real estate investment trust BXP

, formerly known as Boston Properties, on Tuesday raised

its full-year outlook after reporting better-than-expected

second-quarter results, driven by strong leasing activity and

gains from asset sales.

Shares of the company, which operates in six major U.S.

markets, including New York and San Francisco, rose 1.5% in

after-market trading.

The largest publicly traded developer of premier workplaces

in the United States is seeing steady demand for high-quality

office space in major urban markets, helped by a growing trend

of companies requiring employees to return to the office.

BXP now expects full-year profit of $1.74 to $1.82 per

share, up from its prior forecast of $1.60 to $1.72.

The company reported funds from operations (FFO) - a key

measure of a REIT's performance - at $1.71 per share for the

quarter ended June 30, beating analysts' average estimate of

$1.67, according to LSEG data.

It also raised its FFO outlook to $6.84 to $6.94 per share,

slightly above its earlier range of $6.80 to $6.92.

The company's revenue rose 2.1% to $865.8 million in the

quarter, beating analysts' average estimate of $857.8 million.