What the New Whole Foods Markets Concept Means for Shareholders

Retail

Published: June 11, 2015 1:25 pm

On June 10, organic grocer Whole Foods Market Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) unveiled the official name of its new value grocery initiative on its blog, calling it “365 by Whole Foods Market.” This concept will involve a smaller, hi-tech oriented, valued and store brand focused approach. This may leave some investors puzzled and wondering about the company’s focus on its core competency — organic groceries.

In the most recent quarter, Whole Foods Market saw its sales and earnings per share increase 10% and 14%, respectively, year over year. Moreover, its same stores sales increased a respectable 3.6% on a currency adjusted basis. Why fix what’s not broken?

This move represents a Whole Foods Market’s response to the success of Trader’s Joe and publicly traded competitor Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (NASDAQ: SFM), which utilizes a similar format, according to the Associated Press. Whole Foods Market experienced slowing growth momentum in recent years as new organic grocery chains sprung up and mainstream grocery chains, such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), began offering organic offerings of their own.

Whole Foods Market, ever the capitalist company, understands that it needs to adapt or fail. Whole Foods Market, with the understanding that the customer pays the bills, came to the realization that the millennial demographic watch what they spend on food. In addition, millennials watch whether the food comes from natural and environmentally sustainable sources.

Moreover, this move does not represent a deviation from Whole Foods Market’s core competency. It actually represents an attempt to offer consumers a better bang for their buck, while staying true to its value set of quality and natural foods. This came at the assurance of Jeff Turnas, the president of 365 by Whole Foods Market.

ALSO READ: 10 Stocks to Own for the Next Decade

Whole Foods Market’s stock was up slightly in Thursday morning trading, representing a somewhat enthusiastic response by Wall Street to the news. Overall, Wall Street believes Whole Foods Market possesses some potential. Thomson/First Call has the mean target price pegged at $48.42 per share. This represents an 18% gain from its current stock price.

Note: William Bias owns shares in Whole Foods Market and Wal-Mart.

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.