LOS ANGELES -- Arden Group here, parent company of Gelson's and Mayfair Markets, said sales rose and earnings declined for the year and fourth quarter ended Dec. 28.
me declined 19.5% to $1.3 million, while sales rose 6.3% to $65.6 million. Same-store sales for the quarter rose 0.5%, the company said.
The company said the earnings declines were due to the opening of a new store in January 1996, increased depreciation expense and the recognition of certain union benefit credits in 1995 that were nonrecurring last year.
4TH-QUARTER RESULTS
Qtr Ended 12/28/96 12/30/95
Sales $65.6 million $61.7 million
Change + 6.3%
Same-store + 0.5%
Net Income $1.3 million $1.6 million
Change - 19.5%
Inc/Share $1.19 $1.31
52 Weeks 1996 1995
Sales $252 million $243 million
Change + 3.7%
Same-store + 1.1%
Net Income $3.5 million $7.1 million
Change - 50.5%
Inc/Share $3.16 $5.47