Reports Record Sales of $393 Million in the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2004
United Natural Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) today reported net income of $7.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, ended January 31, 2004, or $0.35 per share on a diluted basis, including special items. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, excluding special items was $7.1 million, or $0.35 per share on a diluted basis.
Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were $393.2 million, an increase of $54.8 million, or 16.2%, from the $338.4 million recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2003.
This increase included growth in the independent, conventional mass market and supernatural channels of 17%, 17% and 15%, respectively. These increases include a full quarter of sales in fiscal 2004 and 2003 from Blooming Prairie, which was acquired on October 11, 2002, and a full quarter of sales in fiscal 2004 and one month of sales in fiscal 2003 from Northeast Cooperative, which was acquired on December 31, 2002.
Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, excluding the effect of special items, increased 31.8% to $7.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to $5.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, excluding special items, for the quarter ended January 31, 2003. The special items for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 consisted of a non-cash income item related to the change in fair value of interest rate swaps and the related option agreements. As previously reported, these interest rate swaps, which are "ineffective" swaps, have been assigned and will no longer be included as a special item. In addition, certain equipment rental and labor costs were recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 for start-up and transition costs associated with implementing the Company's primary distribution relationship with Wild Oats Market, Inc. In the second quarter of 2003, a special non-cash income was recorded related to the non cash change in fair value of interest rate swaps and the related option agreements and certain costs relating to the expansion of the Chesterfield facility. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, including the effect of special items, increased 27.9% to $7.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to $5.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the quarter ended January 31, 2003.
Comments from Management
Commenting on the second quarter results, Steven Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We achieved another strong quarterly performance, driven by successful implementation of strategies focused on meeting the growing consumer demand for natural and organic foods. During the quarter we realized solid increases in net sales, net income and earnings per share, all indications that our sales and marketing strategies are on target. We remain focused on serving a broad customer base and are pleased to achieve strong year over year sales growth rates to independents, conventional mass market and supernaturals of 17%, 17% and 15% respectively. Looking ahead, we remain committed to meeting the needs of our customers and consistently providing high service levels across our entire distribution network."
Mr. Townsend added, "Further validating our business model, we were pleased to re-establish our primary distribution relationship with Wild Oats Market, Inc. We remain on target to assume primary distribution to Wild Oats Market, Inc. natural food stores by April 1, 2004."
Management will conduct a conference call and audio webcast at 11:00 a.m. ET on March 2, 2004 to review the Company's quarterly results, market trends and future outlook. The conference call dial-in number is 303-262-2130 or 800-218-0204. The audio webcast will be available, on a listen only basis, via the Internet at www.fulldisclosure.com or at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.unfi.com . Please allow extra time to the webcast to visit the site and download any software required to listen to the Internet broadcast. The online archive of the webcast will be available for 30 days.
About United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods, Inc. carries and distributes over 32,000 products to more than 14,000 customers nationwide. The Company serves a wide variety of retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel.
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