AUSTIN, Texas—Whole Foods Market, Inc. reported results for the 12-week second quarter ended April 12, 2009. Sales for the quarter were $1.9 billion, in line with the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 4.8 percent versus a 6.7-percent increase the prior year. Identical store sales, excluding seven relocations and two major expansions, decreased 5.8 percent versus a 5.1-percent increase the prior year. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation, comparable store sales decreased 4.1 percent; identical store sales decreased 5.1 percent.
“We are very pleased with our second quarter results, including free cash flow of $98 million. Despite flat sales year over year, we exhibited strong expense control leading to a 10-percent increase in income from operations excluding non-cash asset impairment charges,” said John Mackey, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Whole Foods Market.
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