Whole Foods Markets (WFM)

[MiamiGent]

WFM Whole Foods Market 1Q EPS 65c >WFM
PROVIDED BY Dow Jones & Company, Inc. - 4:03 PM 02/08/2012

Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results

Comparable Store Sales Increase 8.7%; Company Produces 5.6% Operating Margin, a 28% Increase in Earnings Per Share to $0.65, and Raises Operating Margin and EPS Outlook for Fiscal Year 2012

WFM AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whole Foods Market, Inc. (WFM) today reported results for the 16-week first quarter ended January 15, 2012. Sales for the quarter increased 13% to $3.4 billion. Comparable store sales increased 8.7%, or 17.7% on a two-year stacked basis. Identical store sales, excluding six relocations and two expansions, increased 8.2%, or 17.3% on a two-year stacked basis. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") increased 21% from the prior year to $283.0 million, net income increased 33% to $118.3 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 28% to $0.65.

"We continue to execute at a high level, delivering a great shopping experience for our customers while delivering great returns to our shareholders, " said Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods Market (WFM). "This quarter we produced a 28% increase in earnings on a 13% increase in sales. We are pleased with our sales momentum and are confident we will continue to leverage our sales to the bottom line as reflected in our increased operating margin and earnings outlook for the year."