AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market here yesterday said comparable-store sales for the fiscal second quarter fell 4.8%, marking the second quarter in a row of declining sales at the natural and organic specialist.

Identical-store sales, including expansions and relocations, were down 5.8%. Net income for the 12-week quarter, which ended April 12, was down 11.8%, to $35.3 million, compared with year-ago results, while sales were down slightly at $1.86 billion.

John Mackey, chairman and chief executive officer, said the company was “very pleased” with the results, given that tight expense controls drove a 10% increase in income for operations, excluding impairment charges, to $82.7 million.

Through the 28-week first half, net income fell 14.6%, to $67.6 million, on flat sales of $4.32 billion. Comps fell 4.4%, and identical-store sales were down 5.3%. For the first four weeks of the third quarter, comps were down 3.9%, and identical-store sales decreased 5%.

The company maintained its sales and operating income guidance for the year.

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