Stater Bros. releases Q4, full-year results

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 both proved positive for Stater Bros., the regional supermarket chain announced Tuesday.

For the fourth quarter ended Sept. 25, the retailer saw a 5% increase in sales to $941.9 million, compared with the year-ago period. For the 52-week fiscal year, sales rose 2.4% to $3.7 billion, the company said. Same-store sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year experienced a 5% and 2.5% jump in same-store sales, respectively.

Net income for the fourth quarter rose to $6.5 million from $5.9 million in the year-ago period, while fiscal year 2011 net income rose to $26.3 million from $24.6 million in the 2010 fiscal year.

"The economy in our marketing area remains challenging, and we continue to focus on the value we can pass on to our 'valued customers' to assist them and their families during these difficult times, so they can get the most out of their shopping dollars," Stater Bros. chairman, president and CEO Jack Brown said. "Our 'valued customers' deserve a friendly and satisfying experience on each and every one of their visits to our supermarkets. It is our mission to control costs where we are able as we weather the effect of these tough economic times."