Panera Bread Q3 Profit Rises - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Panera Bread Co. (PNRA) Tuesday reported third-quarter profit of $43 million or $1.48 per share, up from $37 million or $1.24 per share in the same period last year.

Adjusted earnings for the quarter was $1.35 per share. On average, 25 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $1.35 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Revenues improved 8 percent to $572.48 million from $529.34 million last year. Analysts expected revenues of $584.19 million.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, the company has lowered its earnings outlook to a range of $1.91 to $1.97 per share from its previous target of $2.05 to $2.11 per share. Analysts currently expect fourth-quarter earnings of $2.08 per share.

For the fiscal 2013, the company has narrowed its target range to $6.77 to $6.83 per share from its previous guidance range of $6.89 to $7.01 per share. Analysts currently expect full-year earnings of $6.81 per share.