Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) Cut to “Hold” at Zacks Research

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) was downgraded by research analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Zacks reports.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on ARMK. Citigroup increased their target price on Aramark from $74.00 to $75.50 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Aramark from $55.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 13th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Aramark from $62.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Aramark from $63.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Aramark in a report on Tuesday, September 8th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $69.25.

Aramark Trading Down 4.1%

ARMK opened at $52.36 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.28. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $55.77 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.25. Aramark has a one year low of $35.07 and a one year high of $62.65. The stock has a market cap of $13.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.62, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.10.

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.04. Aramark had a return on equity of 17.68% and a net margin of 1.93%. The firm had revenue of $5.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.94 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.40 EPS. Aramark’s quarterly revenue was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Aramark has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.180-2.280 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Aramark will post 2.27 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Aramark

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ARMK. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in Aramark in the second quarter worth approximately $1,411,586,000. Jupiter Topco LLC bought a new stake in Aramark during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,041,407,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in Aramark during the 2nd quarter valued at $140,853,000. Bank of America Corp DE bought a new stake in Aramark during the 2nd quarter valued at $137,742,000. Finally, PointState Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of Aramark in the 2nd quarter valued at $135,077,000.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) is a global provider of food services and facilities management. The company serves businesses, schools and universities, hospitals, sports and entertainment venues, correctional facilities, and other organizations through contracted service arrangements.

Aramark’s food services include dining programs, catering, concessions, retail food operations, and hospitality services. Its facilities management activities include building operations, housekeeping, custodial services, maintenance, energy management, and related workplace support.