Natural Grocers (NYSE: NGVC) reported Q3 EPS of $0.09, $0.06 better than the analyst estimate of $0.03. Revenue for the quarter came in at $213.1 million versus the consensus estimate of $210.12 million.

Highlights for Third Quarter Fiscal 2018 Compared to Third Quarter Fiscal 2017

• Net sales increased 9.5% to $213.1 million;
• Daily average comparable store sales increased 5.2%;
• Net income increased 233% to $2.0 million with diluted earnings per share of $0.09;
• EBITDA increased 20.7% to $11.1 million;
• Opened two new stores and relocated one store, resulting in a 5.0% new store growth rate for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2018; and
• The Company is raising its fiscal 2018 outlook for daily average comparable stores sales growth to 4.5% to 5.5% and raising the low end of its fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share outlook to $0.48 to $0.50, among other changes to guidance.

"We are pleased with our third quarter results, including continued strong sales momentum and improved operating margins that contributed to a tripling of earnings per share," said Kemper Isely, Co-President. "We continue to invest in our sales initiatives, including price and promotional investments, while seeing a moderating impact to gross margin, resulting in improved expense leverage. We remain confident with our growth and operating strategies and will continue to focus on driving sales and delivering improved profit performance."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Natural Grocers (NGVC) click here.