Topic: How To Invest

Q: Hey, Pat. Thanks for all the good advice! It has kept me out of a couple of bad stocks. What do you think about Sprouts Farmers Market? Thanks again.

Article Excerpt

A: Sprouts Farmers Market Inc., $96.02, symbol SFM on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 100.5 million; Market cap: $8.5 billion; www.sprouts.com), is one of the largest specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the U.S. The company’s grocery stores feature an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Products are made with organic, plant-based and gluten-free ingredients. The company operates 414 stores in 23 states. Sprouts focuses its attention on customers it targets as “health enthusiasts”’ and “selective shoppers.” It aims to attract them with a unique assortment of “better-for-you” quality products. In addition to its stores, the company provides delivery or pickup services through its website or its app. Sprouts reported that its revenue rose 14.8%, from $5.63 billion in 2019 to $6.47 billion in 2020, thanks to customer stockpiling in the wake of the onset of the pandemic. In 2021, revenue declined 5.7% to $6.10 billion as stockpiling decreased and COVID restrictions eased. Revenue then recovered…