Panera Bread Co. (PNRA 46.46) is a high-ranked leader in the Retail-Restaurants group. The company owns 132 company-operated and 346 franchised bakery cafes in 32 states. 

After finding persistent support near its 50-day moving average (the blue line) PNRA  managed a new high (see green line) close on September 2nd, 2003.  It followed through the next day on above average volume (see green circle) and moved higher the next day, and it has since budged very little on the downside.  

A look at PNRA's sales revenue comparisons for the past eight quarterly financial reports tells an impressive fundamental growth story.  In them, the company's sales revenues have improved in the 45% to 26% range when compared with the year earlier.  Meanwhile earnings in each of those comparisons improved anywhere from 89% to 44%.  The company's earnings performance earns it IBD's highest possible rank, putting it in the top 1% of the entire spectrum of public companies tracked. 

Be watching the overall market and the retail/restaurant sector to have an influence. If the broad market slumps during the seasonally weak September-October period, the weaker action could provide another opportunity to pick up this strong performer in the lower $40 range.  This stock has earned the attention of a fair number of institutional investors.  However, be watching in the days and weeks ahead that it might retrace back towards its 50-day moving average line, a point where it is of course important for it to continue finding support.  

Shares Outstanding - 30 Million  | 50-Day Avg Vol - 556,100
Prior 4 Quarterly earnings % Change: +55%;+47%;+47%;+46%

More Info: Quote |  5-Year Chart |  Profile  |  Financials | Message Board | News | SEC | Zacks Reports

IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY SUBSCRIBED TO RECEIVE THESE BULLETINS
YOU CAN SIGN UP HERE