Albertsons Cos. raised its adjusted earnings outlook for the full year, a positive sign for the grocer seeking to pave a new path after its proposed deal with Kroger Co. fell apart. The nation’s second-largest supermarket operator now expects adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.25 to $2.31, up from as much as $2.30 previously.

Shares of grocery retailer Albertsons (ACI) rose Wednesday morning after the company reported better third-quarter earnings than analysts had expected, while sales fell just short of estimates. Albertsons recorded $400.

Albertsons Cos. Inc.’s stock rose 3.6% early Wednesday, after the grocery chain beat profit estimates for its fiscal third quarter, offsetting a small revenue miss.

Albertsons missed third-quarter sales expectations on Wednesday, as intense competition from bigger retailers such as Walmart and Kroger offering heavy discounts and promotions hurt demand.