** Shares of Japanese restaurant chain Kura Sushi USA KRUS.O down 11.9% before the bell on Weds to $46.60 after reducing annual outlook

** Irvine, California-based KRUS late Tues lowered full-year sales forecast to $330.5-$331.5 mln from previous outlook of $333-$335 mln

** Co posted fiscal Q3 sales of $85.9 mln, slightly below LSEG estimate of $86.46 mln, as comparable restaurant sales decreased 0.4% amid 5.1% decline in customer traffic partially offset by 4.7% increase in price mix

** CEO Hajime Uba said co was able to make progress towards its goal of sustainable margin improvement and returning to its 20% restaurant-level operating profit margins regardless of tariff relief

** TD Cowen cut its PT to $51 from $58, while Piper Sandler slashed its PT to $48 from $70 following the report

** Avg rating of 11 brokers is "buy"; median PT of $67.50 down from $80.50 a month ago - LSEG

** Through Tues close, stock up 1% YTD