Kroger 2Q sales rise 6.6%

CINCINNATI The Kroger Co. today reported total sales increased 6.6% to $16.1 billion for the second quarter ended Aug. 18. Identical-supermarket sales increased 5.8% with fuel and 5.1% without fuel. According to the company, this is the ninth consecutive quarter Kroger has reported identical supermarket sales, excluding fuel, in excess of 3%.

The company reported net earnings in the second quarter totaled $267.3 million, or 38 cents per diluted share. Net earnings in the same period last year were $209 million, or 29 cents per diluted share.

"We are very pleased with our second quarter results," said David Dillon, Kroger chairman and ceo. "Our associates understand the importance of placing our customers first in their daily decisions. These results show we are connecting with our diverse customer base in a variety of ways, including service, price and products."

Kroger said that for the the full year it now anticipates identical-supermarket sales growth of 4% to 5%, excluding fuel sales. The company expects to earn $1.64 to $1.67 per diluted share in fiscal 2007, up from the previous range of $1.60 to $1.65 per diluted share.