AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market started off the year with a boost insales, beating the street and setting a record for its first quarter of fiscal 2016.

As we previously reported, CEO John Mackey called 2015 a challenging year and that he couldn’t recall another year where the retailer had received so much negative media coverage. But in looking for a comeback, the chain certainly looks to be off to a good start.

“We delivered record sales of $4.8 billion this quarter and are pleased with the progress we have made on our nine-point plan outlined in November,” Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market, said, according to the company’s financial report. “We improved our cost structure, stepped up our value efforts, and are excited to announce today the national launch of digital coupons within our mobile app.”

According to CNBC, Whole Foods shares saw a 6 percent boost after-hours.

Highlights for the 16-week first quarter, ended January 17, 2016, included:

• EBITDA were $399 million, or 8.3% of sales
• Diluted earnings per share were $0.46
• Adjusted return on invested capital was 14%
• Produced $232 million in cash flow from operations
• Invested $179 million in capital expenditures
• Returned $45 million in quarterly dividends to shareholders

The company also repurchased $634 million or 21.2 million shares of common stock, and completed its previously announced offering of $1 billion of 5.2% senior notes due 2025 on December 3, 2015.

In looking to the future, Robb said, “We believe we will deliver strong returns to shareholders over the long-term as we improve our price perception, better communicate our higher quality standards and differentiation, and continue to fundamentally evolve our business.”

Ending the quarter with $1.1 billion in total debt and $1.4 billion in total available capital, Whole Foods appears optimistic for what 2016 has to bring.

Whole Foods Market