BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Geo Group Inc., which provides correctional, detention and mental-health services, said Monday its third-quarter earnings jumped 21 percent on strong demand in its markets.

Net income rose to $19.3 million, or 37 cents per share, from $15.9 million, or 31 cents per share, last year. Analysts expected, on average, earnings of 35 cents per share, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

Revenue jumped 16 percent to $294.9 million, beating estimates of $277.5 million.

George C. Zoley, chairman and CEO, said GEO Group is "well-positioned to take advantage of the robust demand" for correctional, detention and residential treatment beds in the company's markets.

The Boca Raton, Fla., company said it still expects a profit of about 39 cents per share in the fourth quarter. The outlook excludes 8 cents per share for a charge related to the early elimination of debt and 3 cents per share in costs related to the activation of some facilities. Analysts, who typically exclude items from their estimates, predict a profit of 38 cents per share.

The company expects quarterly revenue of $313 million to $318 million, which would be at least 22 percent higher than last year's $256 million.

GEO Group slightly increased its 2009 profit guidance, to between $1.40 per share and $1.41 per share. It previously had expected earnings $1.37 per share to $1.39 per share. The company said its outlook is based on its contracts at projected occupancy levels and the start of announced projects being developed.

GEO anticipates full-year revenue of $1.14 billion to $1.15 billion, compared with $1.04 billion in 2008.

Shares of GEO gained 38 cents to $21.53 in afternoon trading.