Sprouts Farmers Market reported Oct. 28 that third-quarter net sales rose 5% to $2.3 billion while comparable store sales fell 0.9%, separating the benefit of an expanding footprint from weaker demand at comparable locations.
The results cover the 13 weeks ended Sept. 27. This Rapid News Brief advances NextNow’s earlier earnings preview with reported results and management’s updated outlook.
Expansion and comparable sales diverge
The grocer opened 15 stores during the quarter, bringing its footprint to 504 locations in 25 states. Diluted earnings per share were $1.21, compared with $1.22 a year earlier, according to the company.
Supermarket News also reported the sales figures and said management planned to increase investment in affordability and customer engagement. Those plans describe an intended response, not evidence that traffic or customer frequency has already recovered.
For retail executives, the distinction between total sales and comparable sales is consequential. A larger chain can generate more revenue even when its comparable-store measure declines. The headline growth rate alone cannot establish that existing locations are attracting more business.
The calendar matters to the outlook
Sprouts forecast a fourth-quarter comparable-sales decline of 2% to 4% on a 13-week basis. It expects full-year net sales growth of about 4.3% and comparable sales down about 1.7%, both presented on a 52-week basis.
Fiscal 2026 contains 53 weeks, with the additional week in the fourth quarter. Sprouts estimated that week would contribute about $190 million in sales. That is a company estimate, not revenue already earned or an improvement in the comparable-sales trend.
The reporting periods therefore need to stay aligned when judging performance. Comparing a longer fiscal period with a shorter one without identifying the extra week can blur the difference between calendar effects and underlying growth.
The business test now concerns execution: whether the planned affordability and engagement investment improves demand while the chain continues to expand. The published outlook remains management’s expectation, rather than a guarantee of the next quarter’s result.