VOLUME AT STATER BROS. UP IN YEAR, OFF IN FOURTH QUARTER

COLTON, Calif. -- Stater Bros. Holdings here, parent company of Stater Bros. Markets, said sales increased for the year ended Sept. 28 despite an extra week in the prior year.

ering to fund new-store expansion. Net income for the prior year included a nonrecurring aftertax reduction to expense of $2.2 million.

Sales for the 111-store chain rose 0.7% to $1.72 billion for the 52-week year, compared with $1.705 billion in the prior 53-week year. Sales for the 13-week fourth quarter fell 7.7% to $425.7 million from last year's 14-week fourth quarter, while same-store sales rose 2.6% for the comparable 52-week year and decreased 1.1% for the comparable 13-week quarter.

4TH-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 9/28/97 9/29/96*

Sales $425.7 million $461.0 million

Change - 7.7%

Same-store - 1.1%

Net Income $840,000 $3.6 million

Change - 76.7%

Inc/Share N/A N/A

52 Weeks19971996

Sales $1.72 billion $1.705 billion

Change 0.7%

Same-store 2.6%

Net Income $13.5 million $16.0 million

Change - 15.6%

Inc/Share N/A N/A

Fiscal 1997 had 52 weeks, including a 13-week fourth quarter, while fiscal 1996 had 53 weeks, including a 14-week fourth quarter. However, same-store sales figures represent results for comparable 52- and 13-week periods.