Shares of UniFirst Corp., which makes and rents uniforms for U.S. workers, rose on Wednesday after an analyst said the company is gaining market share despite the weak economy and raised his rating on the stock.

THE SPARK: UniFirst, based in Wilmington, Mass., said Tuesday that its fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose 4 percent to 90 cents per share, topping the 85 cents per share that analysts expected. Its revenue rose 14 percent to $290.9 million for the quarter that ended Aug. 27 and beat Wall Street's average estimate for $283.1 million.

On Wednesday, Baird Equity Research analyst Andrew J. Wittman said the company is outperforming its competitors and its shares could rise in value if the company buys some back or makes other acquisitions.

THE BIG PICTURE: UniFirst has combatted persistently high U.S. employment and high costs for cotton and other raw materials used to make uniforms by focusing on its rental and laundry business, which it said accounted for most of its revenue.

But headwinds persist. President and CEO Ronald Croatti said fabric prices are expected continue high in fiscal 2012 and put pressure on the company's profit margin.