United Natural Foods Misses Q3 Expectations, Shares Tumble

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Shares of
United Natural Foods, Inc.
UNFI
dropped more than 7 percent in after-hours trading after the company reported weaker-than-expected earnings for its fiscal third quarter and issued a weak forecast for the full year. The Providence, Rhode Island-based company posted a quarterly profit of $41.8 million, or $0.83 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $36.4 million, or $0.73 per share. Its revenue climbed 18.7 percent year-over-year to $2.11 billion from $1.78 billion. However, analysts were projecting a profit of $0.85 per share on revenue of $2.14 billion. The average estimate among 8 Estimize users was for earnings of $0.85 per share and revenue of $2.13 billion. Its operating income jumped 10.2 percent to $69.0 million from $62.6 million, while operating expenses rose 9.1 percent to $256.9 million. Gross margin for the third quarter shrank 132 basis points to 15.4 percent from 16.7 percent. "While comparable sales growth moderated in the quarter, we believe that this is a short term trend," said Steven Spinner, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Demand for organic, gourmet and ethnic products continues to increase, and we have seen sales growth accelerate modestly in the first few weeks of our fourth quarter." The company now expects FY15 earnings of $2.84 to $2.88 per share on sales of $8.15 billion to $8.19 billion. Analysts had projected earnings of $2.92 per share on revenue of $8.27 billion. United Natural Foods shares slipped 7.32 percent to $59.00 in the after-hours trading session.
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Posted In: EarningsNewsGuidanceprofit
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