Whole Foods is known as “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store.” They are known for this due to their commitment to seek out the finest natural and organic foods available while maintaining the strictest quality standards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. (Whole Foods)
In 2012, Whole Foods was the industry leader with having over 30% of the Organic Market sales. Whole Foods has continued to have increasing sales and profit growth every year. Their net income gain has quadrupled since 2008, going from $114 million to $456 million. (Market Watch) They have been able to sustain a higher gross margin and to increase sales while maintaining costs of expenses, which is currently at …show more content…
John Mackey is still the Chief Executive Officer at Whole Foods. Dr. John B. Elstrott has been the chairman of the Board since 1995 and serves as the director of the company. Walter Robb is the Co-CEO since 1991 and is an avid organic advocate. (Whole Foods)
Whole Foods Market has one operating segment, natural and organic foods supermarkets. (10-k, page 1) “Whole Foods is the industry leader in this segment.” (Wikinvest) Whole Foods is now the largest retailer of natural and organic foods in the U.S. and the 11th largest food retailer. (10-k, page 1) Whole Foods Market currently operates 367 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and employs 78,000 team members. (Whole foods page)
Whole Foods Market 's initial public offering was on January 23, 1992 at a price of $2.13 per share (split).(Whole Foods) “In fiscal year 2012, the closing market price per share of Whole Foods Market common stock ranged from $62.44 to $100.08.” (10-K, page 12) Whole Foods has had an increasing value in their stock price for the past 5 years and plans to continue that …show more content…
Please refer to excel spreadsheet #5, Figure 1-9. Through all the debt utilization ratios, it shows that Whole Foods has remained stable. Their debt ratio, debt-equity ratio, debt-tangible worth ratio, times interest earned ratio and fixed charged ratio have indicated a positive trend.
Compared to their main two competitors, Safeway and Kroger, Whole Foods has shown stronger debt-equity ratio numbers. Whole Foods seems to be improving their long-term debt-paying ability when looking at their current ratios. This improvement is due to their debt control compared to their increases sales.
Whole Foods Market is continuing to show why they are a great investment through their debt utilization ratios Whole Foods Market should have no problem paying back their short term and long term liabilities. To improve their debt utilization ratios even more, Whole Foods can continue to increase their sales and shareholder’s equity compared to their liabilities.