The Dog Ate Panera's Homework

Panera Bread reported earnings today, and the market was generally pleased. Fourth-quarter profits were up, and the stock was up more than 3% on the news. However, the company lowered guidance for Q1 as well as for 2014 as a whole, citing bad weather this winter as the reason behind the reduced foot traffic the company experienced. Is that explanation to be believed, or are there other factors at stake here? On the lead story of Wednesday's Investor Beat, host Chris Hill and Motley Fool analyst Bill Barker look at Panera and its predictions for the year ahead.

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The article The Dog Ate Panera's Homework originally appeared on Fool.com.

Bill Barker and Chris Hill have no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Panera Bread. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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