Safeway quarterly results in line with expectations

PLEASANTON, Calif. Safeway reported net income of $141.3 million (37 cents per diluted share) for the second quarter of 2010 compared with $238.6 million (57 cents per diluted share) for the second quarter of 2009. The second quarter of 2009 included a $57.8 million tax benefit (14 cents per diluted share) from the resolution of a tax matter.

“Our second quarter results were in line with our expectations, and we are encouraged by our volume trends in the quarter,” said Steve Burd, chairman, president and CEO. “However, deflation continues in price per item and is not expected to significantly improve until the fourth quarter. As a result, we have lowered our expectations for the balance of the year.”

Total sales were $9.5 billion in the second quarter of 2010, essentially flat compared with $9.5 billion in the second quarter of 2009. A higher Canadian exchange rate and higher fuel sales were largely offset by a 2.5% decline in identical-store sales, excluding fuel, the company reported.

Safeway is updating guidance for the year to $1.50 to $1.70 earnings per diluted share and non-fuel ID sales of -1% to -1.5%. The company said it continues to expect cash capital expenditures of approximately $0.9 to $1.0 billion and free cash flow of $0.9 to $1.1 billion.