(Source: Business Wire)Ruddick Corporation (NYSE:RDK) (the "Company") today reported that consolidated sales for the fiscal third quarter ended June 28, 2009 increased by 1.1% to $1.02 billion, from $1.01 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, consolidated sales of $3.03 billion were 2.2% above the $2.97 billion for the comparable period of fiscal 2008. The increase in consolidated sales for the quarter and 39-week period was attributable to sales increases at Harris Teeter, the Company's supermarket subsidiary, that were partially offset by sales declines at American & Efird ("A&E"), the Company's sewing thread and technical textiles subsidiary.

The Company reported that consolidated net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $16.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, as compared to $24.5 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in the prior year third quarter. For the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, consolidated net income was $62.3 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, as compared to $71.9 million, or $1.49 per diluted share in the same period of fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2009 results include non-cash charges totaling $9.9 million ($6.1 million after tax benefits, or $0.13 per diluted share) related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments recognized by A&E. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, A&E recorded non-cash impairment charges related to its U.S. operations. The impairment charges consisted of $7.7 million for the write-off of all of the goodwill associated with A&E's U.S. acquisitions made in 1995 and 1996 and $2.2 million for the write-down of long-lived assets.

Net income for the third quarter and 39-week period of fiscal 2009 decreased from the prior year periods as a result of the non-cash charges discussed above, operating losses at A&E and a slight decrease in operating profit at Harris Teeter from the prior year periods. The decrease in net income for the 39-week period was partially offset by the previously disclosed adjustment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 that reduced income taxes by approximately $1.6 million for the reversal of valuation allowances associated with foreign tax credits.

Harris Teeter sales increased by 4.1% to $964.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to sales of $926.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, sales rose 4.7% to $2.84 billion from $2.72 billion in the same period of fiscal 2008. The increase in sales for both the quarter and 39-week period was attributable to incremental new stores and was partially offset by comparable store sales declines of 1.42% for the quarter and 1.15% for the 39-week period. As previously disclosed, comparable store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were impacted by the shift of the Easter holiday from second quarter in fiscal 2008 to third quarter in fiscal 2009. This shift in the Easter holiday had a 32 basis points impact on third quarter comparable store sales. Comparable store sales continue to be negatively impacted by changes in consumer buying habits created by the current economic environment and, to some extent, the cannibalization created by opening additional stores in certain key major markets that have a close proximity to existing stores. In addition, Harris Teeter realized a higher percentage of sales of its lower priced store branded products and sales declines in more discretionary categories such as floral, health and beauty, and certain general merchandise during the first three quarters of fiscal 2009.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2009, Harris Teeter opened 11 new stores, closed 1 existing store (which was replaced by a new store) and completed the major remodeling of 2 stores. Since the third quarter of fiscal 2008, Harris Teeter has opened 14 new stores while closing 2 stores for a net addition of 12 stores. Harris Teeter operated 186 stores at June 28, 2009.

Operating profit at Harris Teeter was $42.8 million (4.44% of sales) for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to $44.5 million (4.81% of sales) in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, operating profit was $132.1 million (4.65% of sales), as compared to $135.1 million (4.98% of sales) in the prior year period. Operating profit was impacted by new store pre-opening costs of $4.1 million (0.42% of sales) and $3.7 million (0.40% of sales) in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. Pre-opening costs for the 39-week periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 were $11.5 million (0.40% of sales) and $11.6 million (0.43% of sales), respectively. New store pre-opening costs fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule and market location.

The decrease in Harris Teeter's operating profit resulted primarily from additional promotional activity designed to provide more value to our customers. The sales increases, along with a continued emphasis on operational efficiencies and cost controls, have provided the leverage to partially offset the additional costs associated with Harris Teeter's increased promotional activity and new store program (pre-opening costs and incremental start-up costs), increased associate benefit costs, credit and debit card fees, and other occupancy costs.

Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruddick Corporation commented that, "We continue to experience changes in our customers' spending habits and shopping demands during this time of economic uncertainty. Our customers continue to look for value and we remain focused on enhancing the overall value we deliver to our customers while maintaining or increasing our customer base. We continue to make investments in promotional activity, as well as price, to drive customer shopping visits and loyalty. Accordingly, our customer loyalty data indicates that the number of active households increased by 1.77% per comparable store during the quarter, while store brand penetration continued to increase from the prior quarter. Store brand penetration for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was 27.10%, an increase of 230 basis points over the prior quarter. A significant portion of our promotional activity investment was offset by operational efficiencies and cost saving initiatives throughout the organization. As a result, selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of sales decreased to 25.95% for the quarter, as compared to 26.33% for the same period last year. We remain focused on the customer and meeting their needs, while delivering the quality, value and customer service they have come to expect from us."

A&E sales were $60.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to $87.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and were $187.3 million for the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, as compared to $249.9 million in the prior year 39-week period. Foreign sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 accounted for approximately 55% of A&E's sales, as compared to foreign sales of approximately 57% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the 39-week period, foreign sales accounted for approximately 55% of A&E's fiscal 2009 sales as compared to approximately 56% in fiscal 2008.

A&E recorded an operating loss of $10.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to an operating profit of $2.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009, A&E's operating loss was $15.9 million, as compared to an operating profit of $1.8 million for the same period of fiscal 2008. As discussed above, the operating loss for the quarter and 39-week period included non-cash impairment charges of $9.9 million. Management continues to rationalize A&E's operations in the Americas and focus on providing best-in-class service to its customers.

Dickson said, "A&E continues to experience significant sales declines as a result of the serious economic conditions facing A&E's customers in the apparel and non-apparel markets, including the automotive segment. All geographic areas of A&E's operations, including Asia, experienced weak business conditions as a result of poor retail sales on a global basis. As a result of the poor economic conditions and its impact on A&E's future expectations, A&E was required to perform tests for goodwill and long-lived asset impairment and, accordingly, wrote off all of the goodwill associated with its U.S. operations and impaired other long-lived assets. The reduction in expenses that A&E has realized through its plant consolidation and rationalization process has not been enough to offset the rapid decline in sales and reduced operating schedules. However, the accomplishments made in expense reduction enabled A&E to realize improved operating results in the latter part of the third quarter of fiscal 2009. A&E's management intends to continue to reduce expenses to more closely match sales volumes during these difficult economic times. In addition, we will continue to evaluate A&E's structure to best position A&E to take advantage of opportunities available through its enhanced international operations."

For the first three quarters of fiscal 2009, depreciation and amortization for the consolidated Ruddick Corporation totaled $92.8 million and capital expenditures totaled $164.3 million. Total capital expenditures during the 39 weeks ended June 28, 2009 were comprised of $162.4 million for Harris Teeter and $1.9 million for A&E. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2009, Harris Teeter made an additional net investment of $3.0 million ($7.1 million additional investments less $4.1 million received from property investment sales and partnership returns) in connection with the development of certain of its new stores. As previously disclosed, A&E invested another $8.7 million for an additional 14% ownership interest in Vardhman Yarns and Threads Limited located in India and an additional $0.7 million in its joint venture in Brazil during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Harris Teeter's strong operating performance and financial position provides the flexibility to continue with its store development program for new and replacement stores along with the remodeling and expansion of existing stores. Harris Teeter plans to open an additional four new stores (one of which will replace an existing store) and complete a major remodeling on one additional store, which will be expanded in size, during the remainder of fiscal 2009. The new store development program for fiscal 2009 is expected to result in an 8.7% increase in retail square footage as compared to an 8.5% increase in fiscal 2008. The Company routinely evaluates its existing store operations in regards to its overall business strategy and from time to time will close or divest underperforming stores.

Harris Teeter's capital expenditure plans entail the continued expansion of its existing markets, including the Washington, D.C. metro market area which incorporates northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, southern Maryland and coastal Delaware. As previously disclosed, Harris Teeter has reduced or delayed the number of new store openings originally planned for the current year, as well as for fiscal 2010 and beyond due to the current economic environment. Real estate development by its nature is both unpredictable and subject to external factors including weather, construction schedules and costs. Any change in the amount and timing of new store development would impact the expected capital expenditures, sales and operating results.

Consolidated capital expenditures for the Company during fiscal 2009 are planned to total approximately $216 million, consisting of $212 million for Harris Teeter and $4 million for A&E. Such capital investment is expected to be financed by internally generated funds, liquid assets and borrowings under the Company's revolving line of credit. Management believes that the Company's revolving line of credit provides sufficient liquidity for what management expects the Company will require through the expiration of the line of credit in December 2012.

As previously disclosed, the Company identified a site for a new distribution center outside of Fredericksburg, VA. Harris Teeter originally estimated the cost for the new facility and equipment at approximately $100 million and an opening sometime in fiscal 2012. While the Company continues with its due diligence procedures, it is also exploring other alternatives. If the new distribution center is pursued, its anticipated construction timeframe is expected to be deferred beyond the original contemplated timeframe of fiscal 2011 and 2012.

The Company's management remains cautious in its expectations for the remainder of fiscal 2009 due to the current economic environment and its impact on the Company's customers. The Company will continue to refine its merchandising strategies to respond to the changing shopping demands as a result of the challenging economic environment. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive and the textile and apparel environment faces additional challenges during this recessionary period. Any operating improvement will be dependent on the Company's ability to continue to increase Harris Teeter's market share, rationalize A&E's operations, offset increased operating costs with additional operating efficiencies, and to effectively execute the Company's strategic expansion plans.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve uncertainties. A discussion of various important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements is shown in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include: generally adverse economic and industry conditions; changes in the competitive environment; economic or political changes in countries where the Company operates; changes in federal, state or local regulations affecting the Company; the passage of future tax legislation, or any negative regulatory or judicial position which prevails; management's ability to predict the adequacy of the Company's liquidity to meet future requirements; volatility of financial and credit markets which would affect access to capital for the Company; changes in the Company's expansion plans and their effect on store openings, closings and other investments; the ability to predict the required contributions to the Company's pension and other retirement plans; the Company's requirement to impair recorded goodwill and long-lived assets; the cost and availability of energy and raw materials; the continued solvency of third parties on leases the Company guarantees; the Company's ability to recruit, train and retain effective employees; changes in labor and employer benefits costs, such as increased health care and other insurance costs; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired businesses; the extent and speed of successful execution of strategic initiatives; and, unexpected outcomes of any legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Other factors not identified above could cause actual results to differ materially from those included, contemplated or implied by the forward-looking statements made in this news release.

Ruddick Corporation is a holding company with two primary operating subsidiaries: Harris Teeter, Inc., a leading regional supermarket chain with operations in eight states along the eastern seaboard and the District of Columbia, and American & Efird, Inc., one of the world's largest global manufacturers and distributors of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles.

Selected information regarding Ruddick Corporation and its subsidiaries follows. For more information on Ruddick Corporation, visit our web site at: www.ruddickcorp.com.

  RUDDICK CORPORATION                                                                                                                       CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                                                                                           (in thousands, except per share data)                                                                                                     (unaudited)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          13 WEEKS ENDED                       39 WEEKS ENDED                                                                                       June 28,          June 29,           June 28,          June 29,                                                                              2009              2008               2009              2008           NET SALES                                                                                                                                 Harris Teeter                                                    $  964,190        $  926,347         $  2,842,544      $  2,716,015      American & Efird                                                    60,700            87,227             187,335           249,874        Total                                                               1,024,890         1,013,574          3,029,879         2,965,889                                                                                                                                                COST OF SALES                                                                                                                             Harris Teeter                                                       671,140           637,894            1,966,139         1,870,180      American & Efird                                                    48,539            68,290             152,808           195,915        Total                                                               719,679           706,184            2,118,947         2,066,095                                                                                                                                                GROSS PROFIT                                                                                                                              Harris Teeter                                                       293,050           288,453            876,405           845,835        American & Efird                                                    12,161            18,937             34,527            53,959         Total                                                               305,211           307,390            910,932           899,794                                                                                                                                                  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES                                                                                              Harris Teeter                                                       250,260           243,930            744,264           710,713        American & Efird                                                    12,506            16,610             40,543            52,112         Corporate                                                           1,577             1,652              4,435             4,809          Total                                                               264,343           262,192            789,242           767,634                                                                                                                                                  IMPAIRMENT CHARGES - A&E                                                                                                                  Goodwill Impairment                                                 7,654             -                  7,654             -              Long-Lived Asset Impairments                                        2,237             -                  2,237             -              Total                                                               9,891             -                  9,891             -                                                                                                                                                        OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)                                                                                                                   Harris Teeter                                                       42,790            44,523             132,141           135,122        American & Efird                                                    (10,236    )      2,327              (15,907    )      1,847          Corporate                                                           (1,577     )      (1,652     )       (4,435     )      (4,809     )   Total                                                               30,977            45,198             111,799           132,160                                                                                                                                                  OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)                                                                                                                    Interest expense                                                    4,272             5,220              13,296            15,131         Interest income                                                     (317       )      (62        )       (437       )      (259       )   Net investment loss (gains)                                         (619       )      (73        )       (654       )      22             Minority interest                                                   222               206                398               404            Total                                                               3,558             5,291              12,603            15,298                                                                                                                                                   INCOME BEFORE TAXES                                                 27,419            39,907             99,196            116,862        INCOME TAXES                                                        10,928            15,398             36,881            44,943         NET INCOME                                                       $  16,491         $  24,509          $  62,315         $  71,919                                                                                                                                                   NET INCOME PER SHARE:                                                                                                                     Basic                                                            $  0.34           $  0.51            $  1.30           $  1.50           Diluted                                                          $  0.34           $  0.51            $  1.29           $  1.49                                                                                                                                                     WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Basic                                                               47,986            47,814             47,950            47,827         Diluted                                                             48,358            48,285             48,311            48,306                                                                                                                                                   DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE - Common                            $  0.12           $  0.12            $  0.36           $  0.36            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

  RUDDICK CORPORATION                                                                                                       CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS                                                                                     (in thousands)                                                                                                            (unaudited)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           June 28,           September 28,      June 29,                                                                               2009               2008               2008           ASSETS                                                                                                                    CURRENT ASSETS:                                                                                                           Cash and Cash Equivalents                                         $  33,647          $  29,759          $  34,746         Accounts Receivable, Net                                             83,582             91,528             106,760        Refundable Income Taxes                                              5,172              8,607              6,314          Inventories                                                          302,537            312,589            309,097        Deferred Income Taxes                                                7,025              6,477              9,505          Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets                            25,376             28,196             24,784         Total Current Assets                                                 457,339            477,156            491,206                                                                                                                                  PROPERTY, NET                                                        1,066,708          967,331            944,948        INVESTMENTS                                                          157,737            143,902            138,188        DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                954                361                6,820          GOODWILL                                                             515                8,169              8,169          INTANGIBLE ASSETS                                                    24,364             26,355             27,014         OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS                                               76,948             73,133             72,603                                                                                                                                   Total Assets                                                      $  1,784,565       $  1,696,407       $  1,688,948                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                                                                                                                                                CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                                                                      Notes Payable                                                     $  7,070           $  11,150          $  11,729         Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations      10,747             9,625              9,544          Accounts Payable                                                     217,226            236,649            228,743        Dividends Payable                                                    5,823              -                  -              Deferred Income Taxes                                                46                 347                415            Accrued Compensation                                                 48,751             63,826             48,603         Other Current Liabilities                                            89,727             89,206             84,001         Total Current Liabilities                                            379,390            410,803            383,035                                                                                                                                  LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS                         382,585            310,953            349,022        DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                14,467             10,877             832            PENSION LIABILITIES                                                  38,424             44,306             60,446         OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                                          92,300             89,685             94,597         MINORITY INTEREST                                                    6,345              5,948              6,113                                                                                                                                    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                                                                     Common Stock                                                         88,147             83,252             82,686         Retained Earnings                                                    812,412            767,562            748,521        Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                        (29,505    )       (26,979    )       (36,304    )   Total Shareholders' Equity                                           871,054            823,835            794,903                                                                                                                                  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                        $  1,784,565       $  1,696,407       $  1,688,948       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

  RUDDICK CORPORATION                                                                            CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                                                (in thousands)                                                                                 (unaudited)                                                                                                                                                 39 WEEKS ENDED                                                                                 June 28,         June 29,                                                                         2009             2008          CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                            Net Income                                                   $  62,315        $  71,919        Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income                                                          Depreciation and Amortization                                   92,822           84,373        Deferred Income Taxes                                           1,830            1,240         Net Gain on Sale of Property                                    (298      )      (1,474    )   Impairment Losses                                               9,891            -             Share-Based Compensation                                        4,275            4,319         Other, Net                                                      (930      )      148           Changes in Operating Accounts Utilizing Cash                    (17,573   )      (31,581   )   Dividends Received from Non-Consolidated Subsidiaries           940              500           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                       153,272          129,444                                                                                                      INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                                           Capital Expenditures                                            (164,276  )      (145,277  )   Purchase of Other Investments                                   (16,563   )      (38,655   )   Acquired Favorable Leases                                       -                (1,150    )   Proceeds from Sale of Property                                  4,567            16,713        Return of Partnership Investments                               595              129           Investments in Company-Owned Life Insurance                     (656      )      (1,352    )   Other, Net                                                      (612      )      (1,563    )   NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                           (176,945  )      (171,155  )                                                                                                  FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                                           Net (Payments on) Proceeds from Short-Term Debt Borrowings      (3,563    )      1,482         Net Proceeds from (Payments on) Revolver Borrowings             50,700           (20,600   )   Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Borrowings                         1,652            100,751       Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations        (9,702    )      (11,511   )   Dividends Paid                                                  (11,642   )      (17,390   )   Proceeds from Stock Issued                                      1,367            2,609         Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits                           417              1,726         Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock                         -                (6,601    )   Other, Net                                                      (1,101    )      (1,184    )   NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                       28,128           49,282                                                                                                       INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                           4,455            7,571         EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ON CASH                 (567      )      428           CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                29,759           26,747                                                                                                       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                   $  33,647        $  34,746                                                                                                       SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION                                              Cash Paid During the Period for:                                                               Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized                         $  13,062        $  14,221        Income Taxes                                                    30,654           44,002        Non-Cash Activity:                                                                             Assets Acquired Under Capital Leases                            29,397           22,942         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

  RUDDICK CORPORATION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              OTHER STATISTICS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 June 28, 2009                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (dollars in millions)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Consolidated                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Harris     American                  Ruddick                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Teeter     & Efird       Corporate   Corporation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Depreciation and Amortization:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Third Fiscal Quarter                    $  27.5    $  4.0        $  -        $  31.5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Fiscal Year to Date                        80.9       11.9          -           92.8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Capital Expenditures:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Third Fiscal Quarter                    $  53.7    $  0.6        $  -        $  54.3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Fiscal Year to Date                        162.4      1.9           -           164.3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Purchase of Other Investment Assets:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Third Fiscal Quarter                    $  3.8     $  -          $  -        $  3.8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Fiscal Year to Date                        7.1        9.4           -           16.5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Harris Teeter Store Count:                         Quarter                   Year to Date                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Beginning number of stores                            179                       176                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Opened during the period                              7                         11                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Closed during the period                              -                         (1     )                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Stores in operation at end of period                  186                       186                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Quarter                   Year to Date                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Harris Teeter Comparable Store Sales                  -1.42  %                  -1.15  %                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Definition of Comparable Store Sales:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
A service of YellowBrix, Inc.