AUSTIN, TX. January 7, 2008 – Whole Foods Market invites shoppers to check out The Whole Deal, available now in stores and at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholedeal.
The latest quarterly value guide shares tried-and-true ways to cut costs but not corners when shopping for natural and organic groceries. It also delivers healthy ideas to help ensure New Year’s resolutions become long-term solutions. The Whole Deal recommends to those who are watching their wallets, waistlines and overall wellness to:
Look for store coupons and “Sure Deals!” The winter issue of The Whole Deal value guide has more than $30 in coupons and lots of “Sure Deals!” — high-quality, popular pantry items with great prices all year long — such as 365 Everyday Value® Whey Protein Powder for $11.99 (just 75 cents per serving), or 32 ounces of 365 Everyday Value organic yogurt for only $2.99.
Learn to cook and learn to save. Cooking is one of the easiest ways to enjoy delicious, healthy food on a budget. The Whole Deal offers step-by-step instructions for preparing meals for one, two or four, as well as how to add a few prepared foods when time is tight.
Make a weekly meal plan. Create a week’s worth of meals based on what is already in the pantry and in-store product specials. Each issue of The Whole Deal value guides offers 7-day meal plans. With Whole Foods Market’s volume discounts, customers can save money and stock the freezer for future meals. The bulk section is ideal for spices or snacks needed for the week. Frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as value-sized lean meats, offer no waste and high nutrient content.
Make the most of your good cents for healthy good sense. Select nutrient-dense and affordable winter foods such as whole grains and greens for delicious, filling and healthy meals. Whole Foods Market takes the guesswork out of how to prepare grains and greens, offering serving and cooking suggestions for these healthy and very affordable foods.
Take a Value Tour. The start of a new year is time for new beginnings, so get reacquainted with your Whole Foods Market. Local “value gurus” show customers how to shop the store on a budget without sacrificing quality. “The Whole Deal is focused on helping customers meet their wellness goals while watching their wallets and waistlines,” says Whole Foods Market Value Guru, Barry Hirsch. “This latest edition includes more than a dozen great-tasting recipes with cost per serving and nutritional information including some gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options.” Featured recipes include roasted salmon with lemon relish from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine, and sweet potato and black bean enchiladas, which is Karina’s Kitchen’s winning recipe from Whole Food Market’s first-ever “Food Blogger Budget Recipe Challenge.” Shoppers can get more cooking tips from “The Martha Stewart Show” (check local listings) and budget-conscious recipes with customer ratings at http://wholefoodsmarket.com/wholedeal and can sign up online for The Whole Deal e-newsletter to be notified of the best store specials.
Showing posts with label whole foods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whole foods. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
Whole Foods Given A Thumbs Up By Greenpeace
Farmed Seafood Standards Help Whole Foods Market to Stay on Top
AUSTIN, TX (December 10, 2008) – Whole Foods Market has again been named the nation’s number one retailer in seafood sustainability by Greenpeace. The newest Greenpeace report scoring retailers on the environmental responsibility of their seafood selections calls out Whole Foods Market’s new quality standards for aquaculture, (farmed seafood), which have made the Company a leader in the industry, as one of the factors in their higher score. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts as we go to great lengths to ensure these products meet our high standards for quality, safety, environmental responsibility and culinary excellence,” said Margaret Wittenberg, Whole Foods Market’s global vice president of quality standards and public affairs. “We have done more than any other retailer when it comes to sourcing and promoting environmentally responsible, quality seafood, and we will continue to evaluate all species of seafood we sell to ensure we are doing our part to care for our planet and its tenants.” Whole Foods Market is now embarking on a process for further enhancing its quality standards for wild-caught species similar to its quality standards project for aquaculture, and will include creating sourcing guidelines for wild-capture fisheries not already certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. The Greenpeace report closed by saying, “Whole Foods Market is making significant strides in improving its seafood sustainability, and Greenpeace expects Whole Foods wild-caught Quality Standards will be as thorough as its Aquaculture Standards.”
Monday, November 24, 2008
Whole Foods Update
From Barrons -
Shares in the nation's largest organic grocer, with more than 275 stores, have plunged by a sickening 80% since, to a new 52-week low of $8.38 a share. We first wrote positively about Whole Foods (ticker: WFMI) in March 2003, and the stock subsequently ran up 210% to $79, before beginning its long descent.
If you're still in the stock, it's probably best just to swallow hard and hold on. Admittedly, the current economic environment works more to the advantage of Wal-Mart-Stores (WMT) and Costco (COST) groceries, but longer-term shifts in consumer appetites should restore Whole Foods to better health.
The company's $700 million cash-and- debt acquisition of rival Wild Oats, with 109 stores, which we applauded at the time ("Oats: A Natural Fit for Whole Foods," March 5, 2007), has given the company indigestion. As John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods, said of the Oats purchase on a recent earnings conference call: "If I could get my money back, I'd take it back" -- wishful thinking not only for him but for his shareholders.
Beyond the difficulty the company has had in integrating Oats' smaller stores, only 55 of which remain, Whole Foods has had to wage intermittent antitrust fights with the government. The company estimates these skirmishes will cost it six to eight cents a share in fiscal 2009, which began Sept. 29.
Nevertheless, the $1.2 billion-market-cap company has started to include Wild Oats' stores in its comparable-store-sales numbers. For the last four weeks of its fiscal fourth quarter, Oats' comparable-store sales rose 4.6%, versus 0.4% for its total comparable-store tally.
Whole Foods expects sales to grow sales 4.4% this fiscal year to about $8.3 billion, and recently said it was raising $425 million by selling preferred shares to Green Equity Investors. These are convertible into a 17% stake in the company at $14.50 a share, a hefty premium to current levels.
Jackson Robinson, manager of the Winslow Green Growth Fund (WGGFX) and an early bull on the stock, said he sold almost all of his position in Whole Foods when the shares were in the high teens. But Robinson still believes that Whole Foods is "a stock that belongs on one's shopping list."
He cites the growing popularity of natural and organic foods, consumers' rising interest in buying locally grown food -- something Whole Foods has long championed -- and the company's renewed focus on cost containment, decentralized management and value-oriented, private- label products. Besides, the shares now trade at a nearly 30% discount to book value per share.
"If the market were anywhere near normal I believe we'd be beyond the bottom" for Whole Foods, says Robinson. Value shoppers, take note.
Shares in the nation's largest organic grocer, with more than 275 stores, have plunged by a sickening 80% since, to a new 52-week low of $8.38 a share. We first wrote positively about Whole Foods (ticker: WFMI) in March 2003, and the stock subsequently ran up 210% to $79, before beginning its long descent.
If you're still in the stock, it's probably best just to swallow hard and hold on. Admittedly, the current economic environment works more to the advantage of Wal-Mart-Stores (WMT) and Costco (COST) groceries, but longer-term shifts in consumer appetites should restore Whole Foods to better health.
The company's $700 million cash-and- debt acquisition of rival Wild Oats, with 109 stores, which we applauded at the time ("Oats: A Natural Fit for Whole Foods," March 5, 2007), has given the company indigestion. As John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods, said of the Oats purchase on a recent earnings conference call: "If I could get my money back, I'd take it back" -- wishful thinking not only for him but for his shareholders.
Beyond the difficulty the company has had in integrating Oats' smaller stores, only 55 of which remain, Whole Foods has had to wage intermittent antitrust fights with the government. The company estimates these skirmishes will cost it six to eight cents a share in fiscal 2009, which began Sept. 29.
Nevertheless, the $1.2 billion-market-cap company has started to include Wild Oats' stores in its comparable-store-sales numbers. For the last four weeks of its fiscal fourth quarter, Oats' comparable-store sales rose 4.6%, versus 0.4% for its total comparable-store tally.
Whole Foods expects sales to grow sales 4.4% this fiscal year to about $8.3 billion, and recently said it was raising $425 million by selling preferred shares to Green Equity Investors. These are convertible into a 17% stake in the company at $14.50 a share, a hefty premium to current levels.
Jackson Robinson, manager of the Winslow Green Growth Fund (WGGFX) and an early bull on the stock, said he sold almost all of his position in Whole Foods when the shares were in the high teens. But Robinson still believes that Whole Foods is "a stock that belongs on one's shopping list."
He cites the growing popularity of natural and organic foods, consumers' rising interest in buying locally grown food -- something Whole Foods has long championed -- and the company's renewed focus on cost containment, decentralized management and value-oriented, private- label products. Besides, the shares now trade at a nearly 30% discount to book value per share.
"If the market were anywhere near normal I believe we'd be beyond the bottom" for Whole Foods, says Robinson. Value shoppers, take note.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Whole Foods 3rd Qtr 2008 Earnings Misses, Lowers Guidance
Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results;
Company Announces Conservative Growth and Fiscal Strategy Over the Short Term,
Remains Bullish on Long-Term Growth Prospects
Company Announces Conservative Growth and Fiscal Strategy Over the Short Term,
Remains Bullish on Long-Term Growth Prospects
August 5, 2008. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today reported results for the 12-week third quarter ended July 6, 2008. Sales increased 21.6% to approximately $1.8 billion. Comparable store sales increased 2.6%, and identical store sales, excluding two relocated stores and two major expansions, increased 1.9%. Net income was approximately $33.9 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.24. The Company estimates the negative impact on
net income from Wild Oats was approximately $4.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) were approximately $122 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and other non-cash expenses (“EBITANCE”) were approximately $135 million. Approximately $71
million relating to depreciation and amortization, share-based payments, LIFO and deferred rent was expensed for accounting purposes but was non-cash.
“Our business model has been highly successful, and we remain very bullish on our growth prospects as the market for natural and organic products continues to grow and as our company continues to evolve; however, the challenging economic environment appears to be negatively impacting our sales,” said John Mackey, chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. “This, combined with our commitment to maintaining financial flexibility and investing prudently in our long-term growth, has led us to take a more conservative approach to our growth and business strategy over the short term.”
The key components of this strategy are as follows:
The Company is reducing the number of stores expected to open in fiscal year 2009 to approximately 15 and has cut all discretionary capital expenditure budgets not related to new stores by 50%. The Company is committed to actively managing its capital expenditures and does not intend to access the capital markets for additional funding in the
foreseeable future;
the Company has already implemented certain cost containment measures for the remainder of this fiscal year and expects G&A expenses of approximately 3.2% of sales in fiscal year 2009; and
the Company is suspending its quarterly cash dividend for the foreseeable future.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Digesting Whole Foods
Whole Foods shares slide in premarket after 1st-quarter earnings decline
NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of Whole Foods Market Inc. dropped in premarket trading Wednesday after the organic and natural foods retailer said its first-quarter profit fell 13 percent, missing Wall Street estimates.
The stock lost $3.24, or 9.6 percent, at $30.40.
Goldman Sachs analyst Simeon Gutman cut his price target on Whole Foods to $39 from $45 in a note to investors, calling its results "indicative of a business in transition."
He also lowered his full-year outlook and reiterated his "Neutral" rating, saying the company's acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. is still in its "early, more expensive stages." The resulting higher costs, coupled with uncertainty over the broader U.S. economy, make Whole Foods shares unattractive at the moment, Gutman said.
On Tuesday, Whole Foods said its first-quarter earnings sank to 29 cents per share, weighed down by costs from last year's acquisition of Wild Oats.
PiperJaffray analyst Mark D. Churchill cut his target price $3 to $33 and lowered his profit estimates in a note.
Earnings will likely continue declining through the rest of the year, Churchill said, due to weaker consumer spending, acquisition costs and the company's aggressive guidance for 25 to 30 new stores in 2009.
On Tuesday, shares of Whole Foods lost 11 cents to close at $33.64.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of Whole Foods Market Inc. dropped in premarket trading Wednesday after the organic and natural foods retailer said its first-quarter profit fell 13 percent, missing Wall Street estimates.
The stock lost $3.24, or 9.6 percent, at $30.40.
Goldman Sachs analyst Simeon Gutman cut his price target on Whole Foods to $39 from $45 in a note to investors, calling its results "indicative of a business in transition."
He also lowered his full-year outlook and reiterated his "Neutral" rating, saying the company's acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. is still in its "early, more expensive stages." The resulting higher costs, coupled with uncertainty over the broader U.S. economy, make Whole Foods shares unattractive at the moment, Gutman said.
On Tuesday, Whole Foods said its first-quarter earnings sank to 29 cents per share, weighed down by costs from last year's acquisition of Wild Oats.
PiperJaffray analyst Mark D. Churchill cut his target price $3 to $33 and lowered his profit estimates in a note.
Earnings will likely continue declining through the rest of the year, Churchill said, due to weaker consumer spending, acquisition costs and the company's aggressive guidance for 25 to 30 new stores in 2009.
On Tuesday, shares of Whole Foods lost 11 cents to close at $33.64.
Whole Foods 2nd Qtr 2008 Earnings
Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
Sales Increase 27.6%; Comparable Store Sales Increase 6.7%;
Company Reports Net Income of $40.0 Million and Diluted EPS of $0.29,
Including an Estimated $8.6 Million in Dilution Related to Wild Oats;
Company Maintains Comp Sales Growth Guidance for Fiscal Year 2008
May 13, 2008. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today reported results for the 12-week second quarter ended April 13, 2008. Sales increased 27.6% to approximately $1.9 billion. Comparable store sales increased 6.7%, and identical store sales, excluding four relocated stores and two major expansions, increased 5.1%. Net income was approximately $40.0 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.29. The Company estimates the negative impact on
net income from Wild Oats was approximately $8.6 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the quarter.
Approximately $68.4 million relating to share-based payments, depreciation and amortization, LIFO and deferred rent was expensed for accounting purposes but was non-cash.
During the quarter, the Company produced approximately $86 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $9 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Capital expenditures were approximately $106 million of which $61 million related to new stores and approximately $10 million related to Wild Oats stores. In addition, the Company paid approximately $28 million in cash dividends to shareholders. At the end of the quarter, the Company had $61 million in cash and total debt of approximately $828 million, including $81 million drawn on its credit line. The Company has secured additional commitments totaling $100 million and expects to complete the increase of its credit line to $350 million during the third quarter. Currently, the Company has $88 million drawn on the line.
“Our business model is very successful. We are continuing to produce higher sales, comps and sales per square foot than our public competitors, and the results in our core stores are strong,” said John Mackey, chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. “We believe the investments we are making today in our new, acquired and existing stores will result in strong earnings growth in the future, and we are continuing to move forward with executing our long-term growth plans.”
For the 28-week period ended April 13, 2008, sales increased 29.7% to $4.3 billion. Comparable store sales increased 8.2%, and identical store sales, excluding five relocated stores and three major expansions, increased 6.2%. Net income was approximately $79.1 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.56. Year to date, approximately $161.3 million relating to share-based payments, depreciation and amortization, LIFO and deferred rent was expensed for accounting purposes but was non-cash. Year to date, the Company has produced approximately $157 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $16 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Capital expenditures were approximately $267 million of which $163 million related to new stores and approximately $16 million related to Wild Oats stores. In addition, the Company has paid approximately $53 million in cash dividends to shareholders.
Sales Increase 27.6%; Comparable Store Sales Increase 6.7%;
Company Reports Net Income of $40.0 Million and Diluted EPS of $0.29,
Including an Estimated $8.6 Million in Dilution Related to Wild Oats;
Company Maintains Comp Sales Growth Guidance for Fiscal Year 2008
May 13, 2008. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today reported results for the 12-week second quarter ended April 13, 2008. Sales increased 27.6% to approximately $1.9 billion. Comparable store sales increased 6.7%, and identical store sales, excluding four relocated stores and two major expansions, increased 5.1%. Net income was approximately $40.0 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.29. The Company estimates the negative impact on
net income from Wild Oats was approximately $8.6 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the quarter.
Approximately $68.4 million relating to share-based payments, depreciation and amortization, LIFO and deferred rent was expensed for accounting purposes but was non-cash.
During the quarter, the Company produced approximately $86 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $9 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Capital expenditures were approximately $106 million of which $61 million related to new stores and approximately $10 million related to Wild Oats stores. In addition, the Company paid approximately $28 million in cash dividends to shareholders. At the end of the quarter, the Company had $61 million in cash and total debt of approximately $828 million, including $81 million drawn on its credit line. The Company has secured additional commitments totaling $100 million and expects to complete the increase of its credit line to $350 million during the third quarter. Currently, the Company has $88 million drawn on the line.
“Our business model is very successful. We are continuing to produce higher sales, comps and sales per square foot than our public competitors, and the results in our core stores are strong,” said John Mackey, chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. “We believe the investments we are making today in our new, acquired and existing stores will result in strong earnings growth in the future, and we are continuing to move forward with executing our long-term growth plans.”
For the 28-week period ended April 13, 2008, sales increased 29.7% to $4.3 billion. Comparable store sales increased 8.2%, and identical store sales, excluding five relocated stores and three major expansions, increased 6.2%. Net income was approximately $79.1 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.56. Year to date, approximately $161.3 million relating to share-based payments, depreciation and amortization, LIFO and deferred rent was expensed for accounting purposes but was non-cash. Year to date, the Company has produced approximately $157 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $16 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Capital expenditures were approximately $267 million of which $163 million related to new stores and approximately $16 million related to Wild Oats stores. In addition, the Company has paid approximately $53 million in cash dividends to shareholders.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
