Safeway reports slight 4Q earnings drop

PLEASANTON, Calif. Safeway today reported that net income for its 2007 fourth quarter fell to 301.1 million from $307.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Diluted earnings per share were 68 cents in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to 69 cents in the fourth quarter of 2006. The company noted that diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2006 was increased by 8 cents due to various favorable tax items.

The company reported that total sales increased 6.8% to $13.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to $12.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2006. Safeway said that contributions from Lifestyle stores, increased fuel sales and an increase in the Canadian dollar exchange rate drove this increase. Identical-store sales increased 4.4% in the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding fuel, identical-store sales increased 2.7%.

“We are pleased with our performance in the fourth quarter of 2007,” said Steve Burd, chairman, president, and ceo. “Excluding the 8 cents tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2006, our diluted earnings per share increased by 11.5%.”

Net income for the year 2007 was $888.4 million ($1.99 per diluted share) compared to $870.6 million ($1.94 per diluted share) in 2006. Sales increased 5.2% to $42.3 billion in 2007 from $40.2 billion in 2006 primarily because of Safeway’s marketing strategy, Lifestyle store execution, increased fuel sales and an increase in the Canadian dollar exchange rate. Identical-store sales, excluding fuel, increased 3.4%.

For the fiscal year 2008, Safeway expects diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.25 to $2.35 per share. Identical-store sales, excluding fuel, are expected to grow 3% to 3.2%.