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Sprouts' net sales rose 4% year over year to $2.3 billion in its fiscal first quarter, which ended on March 29. The organic grocer opened 6 new locations during the quarter, bringing its total to 483 stores across 25 states. However, sales at established locations fell. Comparable sales at stores open for at least 15 months declined by 1.7%. Sprouts is reducing prices to make its offerings more affordable for budget-strained consumers facing higher energy and other costs. The prior-year quarter's sales benefited from a strike at a rival's stores. All told, Sprouts generated $137 million in free cash flow. That, combined with its more than $250 million in cash reserves, enabled Sprouts to return $140 million to shareholders via stock buybacks. Sprouts expects full-year net sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5% in 2026, driven by at least 40 store openings. The company also projects operating income of $675 million to $695 million and earnings per share of $5.32 to $5.48. Looking further ahead, management sees the opportunity to more than double Sprouts' store count to over 1,000 locations. "We remain confident in our long-term potential and expect sequential improvement in the business throughout 2026 as we reaccelerate growth," CEO Jack Sinclair said.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
