Schiff Nutrition fiscal 1Q profit jumps 35 percent

Schiff says profit grew due to better sales of brand name vitamins and more profitable items

• On 8:15 am EDT, Thursday September 17, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Vitamin maker Schiff Nutrition International Inc. said Thursday its profit climbed 35 percent in the fiscal first quarter, as sales of brand name vitamins were strong and the company sold more profitable products.

For the quarter ended Aug. 31, Schiff said its profit rose to $4.4 million, or 15 cents per share, from $3.2 million, or 11 cents per share. Revenue grew 2 percent, to $48.6 million from $47.8 million.

Analysts expected a smaller profit of 9 cents per share and $48.6 million in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters.

The company said the improved brand name sales canceled out weaker sales of its private label vitamins.