Whole Foods’ Profit Falls 68% in Quarter

Whole Foods Market Inc., the largest U.S. natural-foods grocer, said profit fell 68% after Hurricane Katrina damaged stores and the company had stock option costs. Whole Foods also said it would raise its dividend and split its stock.

Its fiscal fourth-quarter net income fell to $9.1 million, or 13 cents a share, from $28.2 million, or 43 cents, a year earlier. Sales increased 20% to $1.12 billion.