Whole Foods Falls 15%

"Whole Foods Market Inc. said Tuesday that its profit dropped 15 percent in the fourth quarter, partly because of $13 million in legal and other costs associated with its purchase of Wild Oats Markets Inc. But sales grew by 35 percent to $1.74 billion, the Austin-based organic grocer said.

Profit fell to $33.9 million, or 24 cents a share, from $39.8 million, or 28 cents a share, a year earlier, the company said.

After finalizing the purchase of its former rival in August, Whole Foods added 63 stores to its roster, selling or closing the rest of Wild Oats' 100-plus stores."

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