ALBERTSON'S ACQUISITIONS CITED FOR NET, SALES HIKE

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's here said the addition of 73 acquired stores and a stronger emphasis on meeting customers' needs helped boost sales and earnings for the third quarter and 39 weeks ended Oct. 29.

39 weeks.

The company said net income increased 11.6% for the quarter to $137.7 million and 10.1% to $376.8 million for the 39 weeks.

Craig Olson, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, said Albertson's concentrated "on growing our sales through solutions to customers' needs. As a result, our programs continue to produce healthy sales and earnings results.

3RD-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 10/29/98 10/30/97

Sales $4.0 billion $3.6 billion

Change 10.5%

Comp-store 1.7%

Net Income $137.7 million $123.4 million

Change 11.6%

Inc/Share 56 cents 50 cents

39 Weeks 1998 1997

Sales $11.8 billion $10.9 billion

Change 8.6%

Comp-store 0.7%

Net Income $376.8 million $342.1 million

Change 10.1%

Inc/Share $1.53 $1.38