MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 23, 2009-- SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE: SVU):

• Previously announced predominantly non-cash charges reduced fourth quarter GAAP results
• Fourth quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share at high end of guidance
• Transformational strategic initiatives remain on track

_{(1) Comparison of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Non-GAAP financial measurements in this release are provided to assist in understanding the impact of the Charges and one-time acquisition-related costs on actual results and fiscal 2010 guidance. We believe that adjusting for the Charges and one-time acquisition-related costs will assist investors in making an evaluation of our performance. This information should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results, which have been determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.}

SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE: SVU) today reported fourth quarter fiscal 2009 net sales of $10.8 billion and a net loss of $201 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, including predominantly non-cash charges of $498 million pre-tax or $386 million after-tax, or $1.82 per diluted share. These charges included the finalization of the third quarter non-cash impairment charges required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” ($274 million pre-tax or $250 million after-tax, or $1.17 per diluted share), costs related primarily to closure of non-strategic stores ($200 million pre-tax or $121 million after-tax, or $0.58 per diluted share), and settlement costs related to a pre-acquisition Albertsons litigation matter ($24 million pre-tax or $15 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share)(collectively referred to as the “Charges”). When adjusted for the Charges, fourth quarter fiscal 2009 net earnings were $185 million or $0.87 per diluted share, which included an approximate $0.06 per diluted share benefit related to the 53^rd week. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the company reported net sales of $10.4 billion and net earnings of $156 million, or $0.73 per diluted share and included charges for one-time acquisition-related costs of $9 million after-tax or $0.04 per diluted share. When adjusted for the Charges, one-time acquisition-related costs and the benefit of the 53^rd week, fourth quarter diluted earnings per share increased 5 percent to $0.81 in fiscal 2009 compared to $0.77 last year.

Jeff Noddle, SUPERVALU chairman and chief executive officer, said, “It’s good to wrap up fiscal 2009 with fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share on a comparable basis exceeding last year by 5 percent. As we enter fiscal 2010, we anticipate a challenging economic environment, but remain focused on executing the strategic initiatives that will drive sustainable long-term sales and earnings growth. Our center-led merchandising and customer-centric marketing initiatives are on-track, and our substantial remodel program has freshened our store base. Combined with improved customer service scores and our revamped and energized own brands program, we are better positioned to deliver an enhanced value message to consumers.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Fourth quarter retail net sales were $8.5 billion and included an approximate $0.6 billion benefit from the 53-week year, compared to $8.1 billion last year. When adjusted for the 53^rd week, fiscal 2009 fourth quarter retail net sales were $7.9 billion, primarily reflecting the impact of store closures and negative identical store (“ID”) sales of 2.0 percent. Fourth quarter ID sales included a negative 80 basis point impact from the Thanksgiving calendar shift that benefited the third quarter by a like amount. Adjusted for the impact of the calendar shift, ID sales declined 1.2 percent, as a result of a soft sales environment and higher levels of competitive activity, and remained at a level consistent with past quarters. Total retail square footage at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was approximately 69.3 million, a 2.8 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Total retail square footage, excluding store closures, increased 1.4 percent over the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Fourth quarter supply chain services net sales were $2.3 billion and included an approximate $0.2 billion benefit from the 53-week year, compared to $2.3 billion last year. When adjusted for the 53^rd week, fiscal 2009 fourth quarter supply chain services net sales were $2.1 billion, primarily reflecting the on-going transition of Target Corporation volume to self-distribution, offset in part by the pass through of inflation.

Retail food net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 represented 78.5 percent of total net sales compared to 77.8 percent last year. Supply chain services net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 represented 21.5 percent of total net sales compared to 22.2 percent last year.

Gross profit margin in the fourth quarter was $2.5 billion, or 22.9 percent of net sales, compared to $2.4 billion, or 23.3 percent of net sales last year. The decrease in gross margin as a percent of net sales primarily reflects the impact of investments in price and promotional spending, inventory-related charges and LIFO charges, partially offset by favorable shrink.

Selling and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter were $2.3 billion, or 21.0 percent of net sales, compared to $2.0 billion, or 19.3 percent last year. The increase in selling and administrative expenses primarily reflects the impact of store closure charges and settlement costs related to a pre-acquisition Albertsons litigation matter.

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $0.3 billion pre-tax were recorded in the fourth quarter as part of the finalization of the SFAS No. 142 goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded in the third quarter, which are reflected in the retail segment operating earnings.

Fourth quarter retail food operating loss was $57 million. When adjusted for pre-tax charges impacting the retail segment of $274 million in impairment charges required by SFAS No. 142 and $162 million in costs related primarily to closure of non-strategic stores, the company had retail food operating earnings of $379 million, or 4.5 percent of net sales compared to operating earnings of $374 million, or 4.6 percent of net sales last year.

Supply chain services operating earnings were $76 million, or 3.3 percent of net sales, compared to $75 million, or 3.3 percent of net sales last year.

Net interest expense for the fourth quarter was $149 million compared to $157 million last year reflecting lower borrowing levels and interest rates. The company remains in compliance with all debt covenants.

SUPERVALU’s income tax benefit was $11 million, or 5.2 percent of pre-tax loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to income tax expense of $104 million, or 40.0 percent of pre-tax income in the fourth quarter last year. The tax rate for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 reflected the impact of the impairment charges, the majority of which is not deductible for tax purposes.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, diluted loss per share is computed using the 211 million basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding and excludes all outstanding stock options and restricted stock as their effect is anti-dilutive when applied to losses. For purposes of calculating fourth quarter Non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share, diluted weighted-average shares were increased by approximately 1 million weighted-average shares from stock options and restricted stock that would have been dilutive when applied to earnings. As a result, diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the fourth quarter would have been approximately 212 million shares, compared to 213 million shares last year.

Fiscal 2009 Results

The company reported full year net sales of $44.6 billion and a net loss of $2.9 billion or $13.51 per diluted share, including predominantly non-cash charges of $3.8 billion pre-tax or $3.5 billion after-tax, or $16.40 per diluted share. These charges included impairment charges required by SFAS No. 142 ($3.5 billion pre-tax or $3.3 billion after-tax, or $15.71 per diluted share), costs related primarily to closure of non-strategic stores ($200 million pre-tax or $121 million after-tax, or $0.58 per diluted share), settlement costs related to a pre-acquisition Albertsons litigation matter ($24 million pre-tax or $15 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share) and one-time acquisition-related costs ($14 million pre-tax or $8 million after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share). When adjusted for the Charges and one-time acquisition-related costs, fiscal 2009 net earnings were $615 million or $2.89 per diluted share, which included an approximate $0.06 per diluted share benefit related to the 53^rd week. In fiscal 2008, the company reported net sales of $44.0 billion and net earnings of $593 million, or $2.76 per diluted share, which included charges for one-time acquisition-related costs of $45 million after-tax, or $0.21 per diluted share.

Year-to-date net cash flows from operating activities were $1.5 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the prior year, primarily reflecting the timing of tax payments. Year-to-date net cash flows used in investing activities were $1.0 billion compared to $1.0 billion last year. Year-to-date capital spending was $1.2 billion, including approximately $26 million in capital leases, compared to $1.2 billion last year, including approximately $36 million in capital leases. Year-to-date capital spending reflected store remodeling activity, new retail stores and technology expenditures. In fiscal 2009, the company completed 161 major remodels, 17 minor remodels, 14 new traditional stores and 25 new limited assortment corporate stores.

Fiscal 2010 Guidance

The Company expects to generate fiscal 2010 earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis within a range of $2.44 to $2.59 per diluted share, including charges related to timing of store closure activities of $20 million pre-tax, or $0.06 per share, which are part of the previously announced store closure and cost mitigation efforts. On an adjusted basis, fiscal 2010 earnings are expected to be in a range of $2.50 to $2.65 per diluted share.

The Company has increased its fiscal 2010 debt reduction guidance by $100 million to approximately $700 million, reflecting updated fiscal 2010 capital spending guidance of approximately $750 million.

In addressing guidance, Noddle added, “Fiscal 2010 will be a year of further investment at SUPERVALU. We know that consumers are placing a greater emphasis on price, and we are taking the actions necessary to strengthen our overall competitive position. While these actions will have a short-term impact on profitability, they build a better value proposition for consumers in this economic environment and provide a foundation for future robust sales growth.”

SUPERVALU’s fiscal 2010 guidance includes the following assumptions:

• Net sales for the 52-week fiscal year are estimated to be approximately $43 billion;
• Identical store sales growth, excluding fuel, is projected to be in the range of negative 1 percent to plus 1 percent;
• Sales in the traditional food distribution business are expected to decline approximately 5 percent, primarily reflecting the final transition of the Target Corporation volume to self distribution;
• Consumer spending will continue to be pressured by inflation and the economy;
• Fiscal 2010 will include approximately $20 million pre-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share related to previously announced store closure and cost mitigation activities, which when combined with fiscal 2009 related charges are estimated to be approximately $220 million pre-tax;
• The effective tax rate is estimated to be approximately 38.7 percent;
• Weighted-average diluted shares are estimated to be approximately 213 million;
• Capital spending is projected to be approximately $750 million, which will include 75 to 80 major store remodels, 30 to 40 minor remodels, 3 new traditional supermarkets and 50 to 60 new limited assortment stores, including 35 licensed stores; and
• Debt reduction is estimated to be approximately $700 million.

A conference call to review the fourth quarter and year results is scheduled for today at 9:00 a.m. (CDT). A live Web cast of the call will be available at http://investor.supervalu.com. An archive of the call is accessible via telephone by dialing (706) 645-9291 with passcode 93188952 and through the company’s Web site at www.supervalu.com. The conference call archive will be available through May 10, 2009.

About SUPERVALU INC.

SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States grocery channel with estimated annual sales of $43 billion. SUPERVALU holds leading market share positions across the U.S. with its 2,421 retail grocery locations, including 862 licensed locations. Through SUPERVALU’s nationwide supply chain network, the company provides distribution and related logistics support services to more than 5,000 grocery endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU currently has approximately 180,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, particularly those pertaining to SUPERVALU’s expectations or future operating results, statements as to the progress and expected benefits of the combination of the operations of Albertson’s, Inc. that were acquired in June 2006 with those of SUPERVALU, such as efficiencies, cost savings, synergies, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "estimates," "expects," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the impact of economic and industry conditions, competition, food and drug safety issues, the integration of Albertsons operations, store expansion and remodeling, liquidity, labor relations issues, escalating costs of providing employee benefits, regulatory matters, self insurance, legal and administrative proceedings, information technology, security, severe weather, natural disasters and adverse climate changes and accounting matters and other risk factors relating to our business or industry as detailed from time to time in SUPERVALU's reports filed with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, SUPERVALU undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: SUPERVALU INC.

SUPERVALU INC.
Investors and Financial Media:
David Oliver, 952-828-4540
david.m.oliver@supervalu.com
Steve Bloomquist, 952-828-4144
steven.j.bloomquist@supervalu.com