US distributor United Natural Foods has cut its full-year profit outlook, despite booking an increase in first-half profit.

The company today (26 February) booked an 18.8% increase in profit in the six months ended 26 January, to US$44.2m. Operating profit was up 18.7% to $75.5m.

Net sales totalled $2.9bn, a 14% increase over the comparable period last year.

Despite the increase, United Natural Foods cut its EPS outlook for the fiscal year ending in July to between $2.12 and $2.18 from a prior forecast of $2.14 to $2.24.