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Ruddick posts 5.7% sales growth in Q2 ending April 3

06 May '11

6 min read

Harris Teeter's operating profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 7.1% to $50.5 million (4.81% of sales) from the $47.1 million (4.71% of sales) reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. For the 26 weeks ended April 3, 2011, operating profit increased by 6.7% to $95.4 million (4.58% of sales), from $89.4 million (4.53% of sales) in the prior year period.

Operating profit was impacted by new store pre-opening costs of $1.9 million (0.18% of sales) and $2.2 million (0.22% of sales) in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. Pre-opening costs for the 26-week periods ended April 3, 2011 and March 28, 2010 were $3.9 million (0.18% of sales) and $4.8 million (0.24% of sales), respectively. New store pre-opening costs fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule.

The fiscal 2011 increases in Harris Teeter's operating profit described above resulted primarily from Harris Teeter's increased sales and a continued emphasis on operational efficiencies and cost controls. A portion of the savings realized from these efforts have been utilized to fund increased promotional activity designed to provide additional value to our customers and offset increased occupancy costs, healthcare expense and increased debit and credit card fees.

Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruddick Corporation commented that, "We are very pleased with our results for the first half of fiscal 2011. Our comparable store sales remain strong on a comparable holiday basis. For a number of our customers, consumer confidence appears to be more optimistic as evidenced by a trading up in categories such as premium meats and wines, specialty breads and fresh produce.

“We are also seeing an increase in purchases of other categories such as prepared dinners, bottled water, organic produce, natural bulk foods and frozen natural and organic items, all of which had declined during the recession. During the first half of fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter's operating profit has increased as a result of our focus on operating efficiencies and cost saving initiatives. So far this year we have been successful in passing along most of the cost inflation created by increased commodity prices, as evidenced by our gross profit margin percentage excluding our LIFO charge.

“Our gross margin, calculated without the LIFO charges of $4.8 million for the quarter and $5.3 million for the 26-week period of fiscal 2011, would have increased year over year by 31 basis points for the quarter and 9 basis points for the first half of fiscal 2011. We have also made further strides at increasing our overall customer base. During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, our customer loyalty data indicates that the number of active households increased by 1.74% (2.18% excluding the Easter holiday week).

“While we remain cautious in our expectations for the remainder of the year, we are encouraged by the indication of a more positive change in our customers' purchasing habits and will continue to adjust our promotional activity to continue to increase our market share. In addition, we remain focused on controlling both store operating and corporate expenses."

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