Source: LOHAS Weekly Newsletter
Published: Sunday, October 01, 2000

Yudi Bahl

U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray

Hain Celestial Group (HAIN): The strong performance of its rocket brands, sales and distribution opportunities from Heinz (HNZ), an optimistic outlook for Celestial, and cost savings should provide for sales and earnings momentum. We are also glad that the sloppy fourth quarter is now a rear-view-mirror issue.

Whole Foods Market (WFMI): Solid comparable sales trends in the 7% to 8% range and execution at the store level, coupled with strong new-store performance, bodes well for the stock. Additionally, investors can now focus on the core retail operations as the risks associated with the company’s e-commerce strategy have been reduced.

Carole Buyers

Tucker Anthony Cleary Gull

United Natural Foods (UNFI): United has demonstrated that it can remedy its recent consolidation problems. While the company has only recently returned to profitability, we expect its strategic initiatives to result in a continuation of rising profitability.

HAIN: With the recent merger closed, we expect the company to begin to recognize substantial synergies with Celestial. In addition, we believe the top line should begin to accelerate, as Hain should begin to recognize the benefits of its recently announced marketing alliance with Heinz.

Matt Patsky

Adams, Harkness & Hill

WFMI: Continued same-store sales strength.

NBTY (NBTY): I think it’ll rebound because of its relatively low valuation. People will see this as a very good value on the market.