<p> In its latest earnings release, Sprouts Farmers Market reported fourth quarter net sales of $608.2 million, a 27% increase from the same period in 2012. Sales were driven by improved same-store sales and strong performance in 19 newly opened stores in 2013. Thanks to these outstanding sales, the company has finally crossed the <B>$2 billion sales</b> milestone.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “Driven by our best-in-class people, products, and prices, Sprouts reported its 27th consecutive quarter of positive same store comps, and an impressive 27% increase in net sales for the quarter,” said Doug Sanders, President and CEO.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> For the full year, Sprouts reported net sales of $2.44 billion, a 36% increase compared to reported net sales and a 22% increase compared to pro forma net sales in 2012.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “This record performance, in our first year as a public company, demonstrates Sprouts’ ability to create value, build trust, and deliver on our strategy to successfully grow our company,” continued Sanders.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> In the company’s earnings call, Sanders noted, “Our new stores continue to perform above expectations, grow niche customers each week as the Sprouts brand continues to gain recognition.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> As of 1:13 pm EST, Sprouts’ shares rose $2.11, or 5.63%, to $39.57.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Congratulations on your successful year, Sprouts!</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://investor.sprouts.com" target="_new"> Sprouts Farmers Market </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
