UPDATE: Towers Watson Posts Upbeat Q3 Profit, Lifts 2012 Forecast

Towers Watson and Co

posted stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings and lifted its full-year profit forecast. Towers Watson's quarterly earnings came in at $68.2 million, or $0.95 per share, versus $69.2 million, or $0.94 per share, in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, it earned $1.39 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $1.35 per share. Towers Watson now projects 2012 earnings of $5.14 to $5.19 per share, versus its earlier forecast of $5.05 to $5.15 per share. Towers Watson shares closed at $65.35 on Friday.