Forbes 'Small Companies' List Includes Three NaturalProducts Members

Forbes 'Small Companies' List Includes Three NaturalProducts Members

NEW YORK--In its listing of the "200 BestSmall Companies," Forbes (www.forbes.com)included three from the natural products industry. The listing is based on arange of growth indicators, including a minimum of 5 percent net margin over thelast 12 months, and a five-year average return on equity of 5 percent orgreater.

Gaiam ranked 55 in its second year on the list, down from its2001 rank of 42. The Broomfield, Colo.-based retailer's highest ranking in theevaluation categories was 15 according to 12-month sales growth.

In its first appearance, Nutraceutical International ranked 102,with its highest ranking at 24 by 12 month EPS growth. "We believe thisselection is the result of a number of factors, including an ongoing emphasis onoperating efficiencies and a continued focus on our health and natural foodstore customers," said Bill Gay, chairman and chief executive officer ofthe Park City, Utah-based supplement manufacturer.

Coming in at 175 was the Hain Celestial Group, also making itsfirst appearance on the Forbes list. It ranked 16 by five-year salesgrowth, and was 47 by sales. In its first quarter 2003 report, the Melville,N.Y.-based company noted it was proud to have been included on the Forbeslist, particularly noting its sales growth strength.