Kroger Reports Q4 EPS of $0.46 vs. $0.44

The Kroger Co. KR today reported total sales, which include fuel, increased 7.4% to $19.9 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with $18.6 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel sales, total sales increased 4.2% over the same period last year. Identical supermarket sales, without fuel, increased 3.8% in the fourth quarter over the same period last year. Net earnings for the fourth quarter, which ended on January 29, 2011, totaled $278.8 million, or $0.44 per diluted share. These results include a non-cash charge resulting from a goodwill write-down related to a small group of stores. Excluding this goodwill impairment charge, net earnings for the quarter would have been $290.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted share. Net earnings in the same period last year were $255.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share.