US food distributor United Natural Foods has reported a 24% rise in third-quarter net income.


The company posted net income of US$10.7m, or 26 cents per share, for the third quarter to 30 April 2005, including special items, compared to $8.6m, or 21 cents per share, for the year-ago quarter. Net income for the third quarter excluding the effect of special items, increased 16.7% to $10.8m, or 26 cents per share, compared to $9.2m, or 22 cents per share, for the year-ago period.


Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 were $534.3m, an increase of 19.0%, from the $448.9m recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.