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

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

Aramark Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE ARMK traded up $0.59 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $38.65. The company had a trading volume of 5,257,118 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,731,827. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $38.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $38.80. The company 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. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. Aramark has a 1 year low of $29.92 and a 1 year high of $44.49.

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The company reported $0.57 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.16 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business 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. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Aramark will post 1.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Aramark Dividend Announcement

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

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aramark

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Activest Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Aramark in the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in Aramark in the third quarter valued at $28,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Aramark during the third quarter valued at about $35,000. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Aramark during the second quarter worth about $40,000. Finally, Torren Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Aramark in the 4th quarter worth about $43,000.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently weighed in on ARMK. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Aramark from $46.50 to $49.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. UBS Group restated a “buy” rating on shares of Aramark in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Aramark from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Robert W. Baird cut their price objective on Aramark from $47.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $44.00 target price on Aramark in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $45.83.

Aramark Company Profile

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.