UPDATE: Aramark Posts Upbeat FQ3 Profit, Lifts Full-Year Outlook

Shares of Aramark Holdings

jumped more than 5% in pre-market trading after the company reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter profit and raised its earnings forecast for the fiscal year. For the current fiscal year, Aramark now expects earnings of $1.45 to $1.50 per share, versus its earlier forecast of $1.35 to $1.45 per share. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company posted quarterly earnings of $46.9 million, or $0.19 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $27.7 million, or $0.13 per share. Excluding special items, Aramark's earnings climbed to $0.32 per share from $0.28 per share. Its revenue gained 3.7% to $3.62 billion. However, analysts were projecting earnings of $0.26 per share on revenue of $3.63 billion. Aramark's sales in North America food and support services climbed 4% to $2.5 billion, while sales in international food and support services gained 5% to $765.2 million. The company's sales in uniform apparel business also surged 3% to $367.1 million. "I am pleased to report another quarter of strong business results achieved within a challenging consumer and economic environment," said Eric J. Foss, President and Chief Executive Officer. Aramark shares jumped 5.05% to $27.89 in pre-market trading.