Saturday, April 26, 2008

Whole Foods 1st Qtr Earnings


Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results

Sales Increase 31%; Comparable Store Sales Increase 9.3%;
Company Reports Net income of $39.1 Million, Including an Estimated
$11.9 Million in Dilution from Wild Oats, and Diluted EPS of $0.28;
Company Reaffirms Comp Sales Growth Guidance of 7.5% to 9.5% for Fiscal Year 2008

February 19, 2008. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today reported results for the 16-week first quarter ended January 20, 2008. Sales increased 31.4% to approximately $2.5 billion. Comparable store sales increased 9.3% on top of a 7.0% increase in the prior year. Identical store sales, excluding five relocated stores and three major expansions, increased 7.1% on top of a 6.2% increase in the prior year. Store contribution was approximately $182.2 million, and G&A expenses totaled approximately $87.4 million. Preopening and relocation costs were approximately $20.2 million, and interest expense, net of investment and other income, was approximately $8.8 million. Net income was approximately $39.1 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.28. The Company estimates the negative impact on net income from Wild Oats was approximately $11.9 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the quarter.

Earnings before interest, taxes and non-cash expenses were approximately $167.5 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, compared to approximately $147.9 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, in the prior year. “We realize there are a lot of questions out there about how a slowing economy might impact our sales. Historically, our sales have been highly resilient during economic downturns. We attribute our strong sales to many factors, including our loyal core customers and their dedication to a natural and organic lifestyle, our high percentage of perishable product
sales, and our extensive selection of high-quality prepared foods that attracts customers trading down from restaurants,” said John Mackey, chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. “In addition, we sell a high percentage of relatively small-ticket items, and we are better positioned today than we ever have been from a value perspective. Given our prior experience, strong year-to-date comps, easier year-over-year comparisons, and the increased number of new stores entering the comp base, we are confident in reaffirming our comp guidance of 7.5% to 9.5% for the fiscal year.”

The Company produced approximately $70 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $7 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Capital expenditures were approximately $162 million of which $102 million related to new stores and approximately $6 million related to Wild Oats.

In addition, the Company paid approximately $25 million in cash dividends to shareholders. At the end of the quarter, the Company had total debt of approximately $773 million, including $30 million drawn on its $250 million credit line. Currently, the Company has $50 million drawn on its line, leaving approximately $114 million available net of outstanding letters of credit. In addition, the credit agreement contains an accordion feature under which the Company can increase its credit line up to $350 million.

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