Whole Foods Market (WFM) PT Cut to $29 at Jefferies

Whole Foods Market Announces New $1 Billion Share Repurchase Program, Dividend Increase and New Capital Structure Plan

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) today announced a new capital allocation strategy that reflects confidence in the Company's future growth and cash flow generation, while expanding its commitment to return capital to shareholders.

As part of this strategy, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program, bringing the Company's total share repurchase authorization to $1.3 billion. In addition, the Board declared a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.135 per share from $0.13 per share, the Company's fifth consecutive dividend increase since reinstating the... More

Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) today reported results for the 12-week fourth quarter ended September 27, 2015. For the quarter, total sales increased 6% to a record $3.4 billion. Comparable store sales on a constant currency basis decreased 0.2%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") were $196 million, or 5.7% of sales, and diluted earnings per share were $0.16. Results included a non-cash asset impairment charge of $46 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, and a restructuring charge of $34 million, or $0.06 per diluted share. Excluding these charges, EBITDA margin was 8.0%, and return on invested capital... More