Shares of Boulder-based Wild Oats Markets Inc. rose more than 17 percent Thursday after the natural grocer reported fourth-quarter and full-year profits for 2005.
The company also issued a forecast saying that 2006 earnings will be higher than previously expected.
Wild Oats shares gained $2.57 to close at $17.21 on the Nasdaq on Thursday.
The company reported a fourth-quarter profit of $3.3 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with a loss of $34.7 million, or $1.22 a share, in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the year, the company reported a profit of $3.2 million, or 11 cents a share. For 2004, Wild Oats reported a loss of $40 million, or $1.32 per share. Wild Oats officials estimated that 2006 earnings would be 34 to 40 cents a share.
Company officials attributed the gains to higher comparable-store sales, new stores and improved gross margins. Comparable-store sales rose 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter.
The company said it will close three stores, including one in Portland, Ore., and one in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Wild Oats operates 113 stores in 24 states under the names Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry’s Farmers Markets, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets.
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-820-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
