Whole Foods Announces $2/Share Special Cash Dividend

Whole Foods Market WFM announced that its Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend on Whole Foods Market common stock of $2.00 per share payable December 21, 2012, to shareholders of record on the close of business on December 10, 2012. The aggregate amount of payment to be made in connection with this special dividend will be approximately $370 million. "Today's announcement of a $2.00 special dividend, payable prior to the end of the calendar year, provides us with another opportunity to return capital to our shareholders," said John Mackey, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods Market. "We believe we will continue to generate strong cash flows and are confident in our ability to maintain a healthy cash reserve, internally fund our accelerated growth plans, and continue our quarterly dividend and stock repurchase programs." The special dividend is in addition to the Company's regular quarterly cash dividend of $.20 per share that was declared on November 7, 2012. This regular quarterly dividend will be paid January 29, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2013. About Whole Foods Market Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, See full press release