Schiff Nutrition Beats Q1 Consensus, Upbeat Outlook

Shares of Schiff Nutrition

are anticipated to open higher in the after-hours following the release of the company's Q1 earnings results. Shares ended the regular session higher by 5.15%, at $9.60. Schiff Nutrition reported Q1 EPS of $0.16 on revenues of $58.2 million; the Street was looking for $0.13 per share on revenues of $54.6 million. Revenues increased 13.2% year over year. The company continues to expect fiscal year 2012 net sales percentage growth of high single-digit to low double-digit. Gross profit percentage is expected to be in the range of 42.0% to 44.0%, reflecting a higher mix of branded sales volume and the launch of new products, together with a significant reduction in the private label business. Tarang Amin, president and chief executive officer, stated: "Our results for the first quarter were strong with revenue increasing 13% over the first quarter of last year. Our branded business increased 25% and reflects growth across all key brands and the contribution from the recently acquired probiotics business. We continue to focus on five key growth strategies: building premium brands; leading innovation; expanding the channel and geographic footprint of the company; pursuing acquisitions; and driving world-class operations." Schiff Nutrition International, Inc. develops, manufactures, markets and distributes branded and private label vitamins, nutritional supplements and nutrition bars in the United States and throughout the world.