Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) reported earnings of $0.20 EPS and $2.47 billion in revenue. Thomson Reuters (First Call) estimates were $0.15 EPS and $2.49 billion in revenue. These numbers might not be 100% comparable, and there are some guidance notes ahead.
There was a $0.05 impact from FTC-related charges. Its comparable store sales were also down about 4% for the quarter. The company’s identical store sales including eight closures fell 4.9%.
It is probably of little surprise in this market and how discretionary spending on the high-end is being compromised, but the company is lowering its outlook for 2009. The company is lowering its targets for the year to $0.71 to $0.76 EPS. This is down from $1.08 to $1.14 EPS given previously. This number does include FTC related charges and it appears to include $0.17 dilution from series A preferred stock. Whole Foods is also cutting cap-ex to $350 to $400 million.
What is interesting is that shares are up sharply on the news in after-hours trading, rising more than 10% t0 $10.32.
Jon C. Ogg
February 18, 2009
Travel Cards Are Getting Too Good To Ignore (sponsored)
Credit card companies are pulling out all the stops, with the issuers are offering insane travel rewards and perks.
We’re talking huge sign-up bonuses, points on every purchase, and benefits like lounge access, travel credits, and free hotel nights. For travelers, these rewards can add up to thousands of dollars in flights, upgrades, and luxury experiences every year.
It’s like getting paid to travel — and it’s available to qualified borrowers who know where to look.
We’ve rounded up some of the best travel credit cards on the market. Click here to see the list. Don’t miss these offers — they won’t be this good forever.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.