Whole Foods Market Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue Over Last Quarter

Whole Foods Market WFM unveils its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Wednesday's third quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 47 cents per share and revenues of $2.42 billion. Whole Foods Market's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a positive EPS of 38 cents per share on revenues of $2.16 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Whole Foods Market falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$0.46	$0.45	$0.28	$0.38
EPS Actual	$0.51	$0.51	$0.33	$0.38

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Whole Foods Market were trading at $65.43. Since January 1st, shares of Whole Foods Market have given investors a return of 30%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 80.9%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Whole Foods Market is a Hold. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Whole Foods Market's peers.

• Kroger KR: Hold with a $0.70 recent quarter EPS
• Ruddick RDK: Moderate Buy with a $0.61 recent quarter EPS
• Arden Group ARDNA: $1.39 recent quarter EPS
• Ingles Markets IMKTA: $0.32 recent quarter EPS

Whole Foods Market is in the retail-supermarket industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Whole Foods Market owns and operates the chain of natural and organic foods supermarkets. Its products include seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, prepared foods and catering, specialty, coffee and tea and educational products.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Whole Foods Market's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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