AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market has posted its fourth quarter financial results.  In the report, the retailer announced that it recently signed 12 new leases, including one relocation.

According to the report, the leases include three new markets and are located in Hoover, AL; Tempe, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; Denver, CO; Destin, FL; Towson, MD; Woodbury, MN; Lancaster, PA; Newtown Square, PA; El Paso, TX; Las Colinas, TX and Seattle, WA. 

This comes after the company opened a record 13 new stores and expanded into seven new markets in Q4.  So far this quarter (Q1), it has kept that momentum going by opening three new stores, including one relocation, with 6 additional stores expected.

“The last few months have been an incredibly exciting and rewarding time for our company as we opened a record number of new stores and launched several strategic initiatives, expanding choices for our customers and reinforcing our values as America’s Healthiest Grocery stores,” said John Mackey, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods.  “Collectively, our efforts have led to extremely high team member morale, heightened brand visibility and positive sales momentum.”

As for the Q4 financials, Whole Foods saw record total sales of $3.3 billion, a 9% increase over last year.  The retailer also saw EBITDA of $296 million, or 9.1% of sales.

“We are pleased with our quarterly and fiscal year results which reflect continued market share gains, record EBIDA, and healthy returns on invested capital,” said Mackey 

In after-hours trading, Whole Foods' stock was trading at $43.25, up $3.26, representing an increase of 8.15%. 

Other highlights from the quarter include:

• Comparable store sales growth of 3.1% on top of 5.9% in the prior year
• Operating income of $205 million, or 6.3% of sales
• Diluted earnings per share of $0.35, a 9% increase over the prior year
• Return on invested capital of 14%

Currently, Whole Foods has 401 stores and expects to cross the 500 store mark in fiscal year 2017.  The financial report also noted that the company sees demand for 1,200 Whole Foods Market stores in the United States.

Congratulations on the strong quarter, Whole Foods!

Whole Foods Market