CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here said third-quarter earnings per share before an extraordinary charge were a record 36 cents per share, compared with 27 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.
33% over $72.3 million in the previous third quarter.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 12.6% to $358.5 million, compared with $318.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Total sales rose 4.7%, Kroger said, to $7.69 billion, compared with $7.34 billion in the year-ago quarter.
Identical food store sales decreased 0.7% in the quarter, due to food-cost deflation as well as the effect of Kroger store openings on nearby existing Kroger units, the company said. Comparable-store sales, which include results from expanded and relocated stores, increased 2.5%.
The company opened or expanded 26 food stores in the third quarter.
3RD-QUARTER RESULTS
Qtr Ended 10/4/97 10/5/96
Sales $7.69 billion $7.34 billion
Change + 4.7%
Same-store - 0.7%
Net Income $95.7 million $71.4 million
Change + 34%
Inc/Share 36 cents 27 cents
40 Weeks 1997 1996
Sales $20.06 billion $18.97 billion
Change + 5.7%
Same-store N/A
Net Income $287.9 million $224.4 million
Change + 28.3%
Inc/Share $1.08 85 cents
Figures in the chart include an extraordinary charge of $801,951 in the third quarter for the early retirement of debt.
Last year's earnings per share were reduced approximately one cent from the effect of work stoppages in Colorado.
