Citi Comments on SUPERVALU Following Global Conference

Citi is providing some comments on SUPERVALU Inc. SVU. “SVU management was upbeat at our conference, as they believe the company's: 1) technology initiatives; 2) hyper-local strategy; and 3) Save-A-Lot growth will help it generate momentum through F2012. SVU noted that ID sales are expected to be down (-1.5) to (-2.5)% in F2012 (improved from (-6.0)% in F2011), driving EPS of $1.20 to $1.40,” Citi writes. “We estimate ID sales at the low-end of company guidance ((-2.4)%) for the full-year and F2012 EPS of $1.28 per share. While we expect moderate food-at-home inflation, we remain cautious as inflationary pressures could increase further, depressing demand. We reiterate our Hold (2S) rating and $9 target price.” SUPERVALU closed Tuesday at $10.09.