Shares of United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI, Financial), the leading national distributor of natural and organic foods, declined 8% in the quarter. Growth moderated for some of the company's customers and industry players, off the torrid pace of the year before, and stock multiples contracted across the industry. While organic growth at UNFI is accelerating, the business is mixing towards lower margin accounts – Whole Foods and conventional supermarkets. We contend growth opportunities abound and margins will increase with scale, so we used the downdraft in the stock to increase our position.
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 commentary.
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 commentary.
