PHOENIX, AZ – Shares in Sprouts Farmers Market jumped more than 9 percent in midday trading on Thursday following an encouraging quarterly financial report.

For the fourth quarter of 2015, ended January 3, 2016, the natural and organic grocer reported net sales of $930.3 million, a 27% increase from the same period in 2014, beating Wall Street expectations. Seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $912 million.

Similarly, the company beat estimates on net income, which was reported at $28.2 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.18. The average estimate of twelve analysts surveyed by Zacks was for earnings of 16 cents per share, according to Yahoo Finance.

This is now the 35^th consecutive quarter of positive comparable store sales growth, which increased 7.4% for the period.

Sprouts’ CEO Amin Maredia, who was also recently appointed to the company’s board of directors to replace resigning board member Andrew Jhawar, was pleased by the results.

“As more and more Americans embraced our ‘Healthy Living for Less’ model, Sprouts’ position of strength in the industry continued to grow in 2015,” said Maredia. “Our unique combination of health, value, and customer engagement resulted in industry leading comps of 5.8% and strong earnings growth in the high teens. This momentum enables us to focus on our strategic priorities, including product and category innovation, in and out-of-store customer experience and developing team members who can lead our new stores as we continue to grow.”

During the fourth quarter of 2015, Sprouts opened one new store in Texas. A total of 27 new stores were opened during fiscal 2015.

In terms of its outlook for 2016, Sprouts expects comparable store sales growth of 4.5 percent to 6 percent.

The company also appointed Brad Lukow, a retail executive with 25 years of financial executive experience, as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 4, 2016.

“I am extremely excited to join Sprouts at this stage in the company’s development,” said Lukow. “This company is dynamic and its competitive position is compelling. I feel privileged to begin working with the team to continue growing the brand, enhancing long-term shareholder value, and having a positive impact on the communities Sprouts serves.”

While reporting directly to Maredia, Lukow will be responsible for leading the company’s financial, accounting, investor relations, and treasury functions, according to a press release.

“We are looking forward to Brad joining Sprouts as our new CFO,” said Maredia. “Brad brings a wealth of retail business and financial experience. I look forward to working with Brad to continue to drive our business and deliver on our mission of ‘Healthy Living for Less.’”

Other highlights from the fourth quarter include:

• Adjusted net income of $28.4 million; a 57% increase from the same period in 2014
• Adjusted EBITDA of $66.7 million; a 25% increase from the same period in 2014

Highlights from the fiscal year 2015 include:

• Net sales of $3.59 billion; a 21% increase compared to reported net sales in 2014
• Comparable store sales growth of 5.8% and two-year combined comparable store sales growth of 15.7%; both on a 52-week basis
• Net income increased to $129.0 million; diluted earnings per share of $0.83
• Adjusted net income increased to $134.7 million; a 21% increase from 2014
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.86; a 19% increase from 2014
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.84; a 17% increase from 2014 on a 52-week basis
• Adjusted EBITDA of $302.1 million; a 14% increase from 2014

For more on Sprouts’ financial performance as it hits Q1 2016, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Sprouts Farmers Market