Micros Systems 3rd-quarter profit grows 29 percent

COLUMBIA, Md.—Micros Systems Inc., which makes information systems for the hospitality industry, said Wednesday its third-quarter profit grew 29 percent on higher revenue.

For the quarter ended March 31, net income rose to $25.1 million, or 30 cents per share, from $19.5 million, or 23 cents per share, in the prior-year quarter.

Excluding stock option expenses, the company said it earned 34 cents per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 33 cents per share.

Revenue rose 18 percent to $237.2 million from $200.6 million in the third quarter of 2007. Analysts predicted revenue of $231.3 million.

Revenue grew in every category, rising 24 percent in the company's service division, its largest unit.

The company added that demand for its products and services remained strong in the quarter.

Shares fell $2.05, or 5.8 percent, to $33.60 in electronic after-hours trading. During regular trading, the shares rose 12 cents to close at $35.65. The stock has traded between $25.12 and $37.49 over the past year.