Safeway Q3 sales up slightly heading into merger with Albertsons

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday reported in an SEC filing sales of $8.3 billion for the third quarter ended Sept. 6, representing a lift of 2.6% as compared with the year-ago period. The increase was attributed to $216 million of higher identical-store sales, partially offset by $10 million of lower fuel sales. Same-store sales were up 2.6%. Excluding fuel, same-store sales were up 3.1%. 

 

Sales and other revenue increased to $24.7 billion in the first 36 weeks of 2014 from $24.3 billion in the first 36 weeks of 2013 primarily from $518 million of higher identical-store sales, partially offset by $106 million of lower fuel sales. Same-store sales climbed 1.7% in the period. Excluding fuel sales, comparable sales were up 2.5%. 

 

Safeway is close to completing its merger with Albertsons, which is expected to happen in the current quarter pending Federal Trade Commission approval, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal published Wednesday.