Analysis if financial perfomance of Wholefoods Market Essay

Analysis if financial perfomance of Wholefoods Market - Essay Example A critical analysis of the financial performance of this organisation shows that despite market forces such as competition, this organisation is performing relatively well given that it has managed to record a steady increase in its profits over a five year period from 2006 to 2010. Against this background, it has been recommended that it is safe for investors to invest in this company given that there are positive indications of positive growth which lowers the chances of risk in the event of unprecedented forces impacting negatively on the economy. 1.0 Introduction According to the World Book Encyclopaedia (2008), a stock is a right to ownership in a corporation. The stakeholders buy shares and they can sell them for a profit in market places called stock exchanges. The financial performance of a listed company is influenced by various factors. As such, this report seeks to critically analyse the financial performance of Whole Foods Market which is a listed on the New York Stock Ex change. The report starts by outlining the historical background of the company as well as the factors that can affect its operations. This section is followed by a critical analysis of the organisation’s financial performance during the 2006 to 2010 fiscal years. Recommendations are given at the end of the report in order to establish if it is feasible for the investors to buy shares in this particular Company. 2.0 Historical background of Whole Foods Market According to its official website, Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas as a natural foods industry. It specifically focused in offering organic foods in a bid to promote health among the consumers. It was established in 1980 and grew through acquisitions to become a force to reckon with in the organic food segment of the market. This company is regarded as the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket in America as well as other parts in the globe. The company completed its initial public o ffering in January 1992 and it trades its common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol WFMI. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its mission is â€Å"to promote the vitality and well being of all the individuals by supplying the highest quality, most wholesome foods available.† The mission of the company is primarily concerned with developing organic foods, food safety concerns as well as sustainability of the entire ecosystem. There is growing concern to preserve the environment against the backdrop of rising cases of global warming and other issues related to health of the human beings. This company has managed to lead the organic food industry in the US since its inception about 30 years ago as a result of the fact that it has remained uniquely mission driven. 3.0 Market analysis Like any other industry, this company operates in an e competitive market where there are different players as well. The competitors for this company inclu de local, regional as well as international