Wild Oats Reports Positive 1Q Profits

Wild Oats Reports Positive 1Q Profits

BOULDER,Colo.--A 32-percent increase in sales coupled helped Wild Oats Markets (NASDAQ:OATS) postpositive profits for its first quarter ended April, 1. Revenues jumped to $211.2 millionfrom $159.6 million sold in the equivalent period last year. According to the company, thesales increase reflects the opening or relocation of six stores as well as the acquisitionof 17 stores during the quarter. Gross margin rose one percent and operating expenses fellalmost seven points as a percentage of sales. In the same period last year, the companyincurred a $10.9 million extraordinary charge. Net income soared to $5.3 million or $.23per share from a net loss of $1.4 million or $.06 per share posted the year prior.

"Wild Oats delivered record sales in the first quarter while continuing to growour business by more than 30 percent," said Mike Gilliland, chief executive officer."In the first quarter, we relocated two stores in Hartford, Conn. and Salt Lake Cityand opened four new stores in Kansas City, Kan., Reno, Nev., St. Louis and San Diego--onemore than originally planned." He added that Wild Oats has secured 16 new sites for12 new stores and four relocations. For more information, contact Mary Beth Lewis at (303)440-5220.