US: Chalone reports 37% increase in operating income
The Napa-based Chalone Wine Group reported a 37% increase in operating income in the nine-month transition period to the end of December 2001. The company is changing its fiscal year-end from March 31 to December 31. Gross profit at the company, which owns and operates a large number of wineries in the Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and Washington State wine regions, reached $17.7 million for the transition period, 10% higher than the same period in 2000. Diluted earnings per share were unchanged at $0.15.