Analysts at Oppenheimer state that recent positive industry data indicate that Whole Foods’ (WFM) comparable store sales trends have remained healthy through November. The consensus estimate for the high-end grocery retailer going forward is for a roughly 4% comparable store sales increase. Oppenheimer has issued an outperform rating on WFM shares and a $55 price target for the January quarter.
Active call volume suggests traders are taking positions for larger near term price movement. December 49, 50 and 50.5 call activity of 13K contracts (2K puts) is attributed to renewed takeover speculation for WFM.
A move above current resistance at $49.50 would have the stock on course for a test of overhead resistance at the $51.00 price point.
