Rahodeb says... - Boston.com

The chief executive of Whole Foods Market Inc., John Mackey, wrote anonymous online attacks against a smaller rival, Wild Oats, and questioned why anyone would buy its stock, before Whole Foods announced an offer to buy the other company this year.

Here are some of the postings Mackey made on Yahoo's financial forums under the name "rahodeb" from 1999 to 2006.

On hair, tattoos, piercings, and interesting haircuts

rahodeb writes:
I like Mackey's haircut. I think he looks cute! If his hair bothers you now you should have seen what it looked like 10 years ago! The guy was/is clearly into alternative lifestyles and is one of Paul Ray's Cultural Creatives I outlined in my 2 posts to Hedge.
You must not patronize any of WFMI's stores. Tatoos, piercings, unusual dress, and interesting haircuts are everywhere in the stores. In comparison, Mackey looks like a model for Brooks Brothers!
April 2000

'Tactless'

rahodeb writes:
What has OATS done wrong? Although not asked, here is my opinion:
1. Poor real estate. OATS chose many "B" locations because they were cheap and available.
2. Poor retail execution, especially in their perishables.
3. Too many acquisitions too quickly. They couldn't integrate them.
4. Too short term focused.
(...) It would have been foolish and tactless for the CEO of Whole Foods to criticize OATS on a conference call. My guess is that Mackey probably understands why OATS failed better than OATS themselves do!

February 2002

'I admit to my bias'

rahodeb writes:
I've never pretended to be anything but enthusiastic about WFMI. I admit to my bias--I love the company and I'm in for the long haul. I shop at Whole Foods. I own a great deal of its stock. I'm aligned with the mission and values of the company. I'm a Whole Foods advocate. Is there something wrong with this? Am I not within my rights to do so? Do I have to play by Hedge rules?
(...)
July 2000

Mackey = Keynes

hubris12000 writes:
While many analysts think the country could sustain up to 500 stores, even Mackey isn't sure at what point Whole Foods' high-end model will start to tap out. "I used to think 100 stores would saturate the market," he says.
Changed his mind?

rahodeb writes:
hubris, I think Mackey is in the John Maynard Keynes school of logic:
When the facts change madame, I change my opinions. What do you do?
What school of logic do you belong to hubris? Do you never change your opinions? What do you do when the facts change?
November 2005

Goodbye

rahodeb writes:
This will be my final message on this bulletin board as I have lost my bet with hubris12000. Congratulations hubris! You win. I lose. I will honor the terms of our bet.
The learning from this bet is to never underestimate the manic/depressive nature of Mr. Market. Whole Foods had a very strong quarter with same store sales up 9.9% on top of a 15.2% increase last year--phenomenal results. In addition EPS were up 27% over last year and the company beat earnings estimates by 3 cents. However, Mr. Market hit the panic button and the stock has crashed, down almost 40% from its high of just a few months ago. Whole Foods itself has a very bright future and I will continue to hold my stock for a very long time--until the growth begins to significantly slow.
I've enjoyed my 8 years on this Board, but all things must come to an end. I wish everyone the very best. Hog152--keep the faith. liberfar--good luck with your market timing game. hubris12000--take your profits while you can, Whole Foods remains very strong and the stock will show continued strong growth over the long-term. Surgeon General and Boston Cowboy--you were both right about my true identity all along. Congratulations on your cleverness.
Take care everyone. Goodbye.
August 2006

Rahodeb says...
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