Short Interest in Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) Declines By 19.3%

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 8,029,088 shares, a decline of 19.3% from the December 31st total of 9,945,744 shares. Approximately 3.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 2,467,340 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,467,340 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.3 days. Approximately 3.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Aramark Stock Up 1.6%

Shares of ARMK stock traded up $0.59 on Wednesday, hitting $38.65. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 5,257,118 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,731,827. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.09. Aramark has a fifty-two week low of $29.92 and a fifty-two week high of $44.49. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $38.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $38.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.88.

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The company reported $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.65 by ($0.08). Aramark had a return on equity of 16.39% and a net margin of 1.76%.The company had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.16 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.54 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Aramark has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.180-2.28 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Aramark will post 1.92 EPS for the current year.

Aramark Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 18th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Aramark’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.34%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aramark

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Activest Wealth Management acquired a new position in Aramark in the fourth quarter worth about $27,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Aramark in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Aramark in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Aramark in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, Torren Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Aramark during the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ARMK. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Aramark in a research note on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Aramark in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Aramark from $46.50 to $49.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on shares of Aramark from $47.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Aramark from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Aramark presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $45.83.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) is a global provider of food services, facilities management and uniform solutions, serving clients across a wide array of industries including education, healthcare, business and government. The company operates through three primary segments: Food and Support Services, Uniform and Career Apparel, and Facility Services, delivering integrated solutions designed to enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiencies and maintain safe, clean environments. Aramark’s offerings include corporate dining, patient and senior nutrition, campus dining, sports and entertainment concessions, custodial services, technical maintenance and industrial laundry.

Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Aramark has expanded its footprint to more than 20 countries, with a strong presence in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.