Ruddick Corporation (NYSE:RDK) (the ?Company?) today reported that consolidated sales for the fiscal third quarter ended June 27, 2010 increased by 7.2% to $1.10 billion, from $1.02 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, consolidated sales increased by 6.0% to $3.21 billion from $3.03 billion for the comparable period of fiscal 2009. The increase in consolidated sales for the quarter and 39-week period was attributable to sales increases at both of the Company's operating subsidiaries - Harris Teeter, the Company's supermarket subsidiary, and 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 2010 increased by 75.1% to $28.9 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, from $16.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the prior year third quarter. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, consolidated net income increased by 28.5% to $80.1 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, from $62.3 million, or $1.29 per diluted share in the same period of fiscal 2009. Net earnings for both the fiscal quarter and 39-week period were favorably impacted by significant operating profit improvements at A&E when compared to the prior year periods, operating profit improvements at Harris Teeter and a pre-tax gain of $2.1 million ($1.3 million after tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) realized in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 in connection with the exchange of one of the Company's corporate aircraft. As previously disclosed, fiscal 2009 results included 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.

Harris Teeter sales increased by 5.7% to $1.02 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to sales of $964.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, sales rose 5.3% to $2.99 billion from $2.84 billion in the same period of fiscal 2009. The increase in sales for both the quarter and 39-week period was attributable to incremental new store sales and was partially offset by comparable store sales declines during the respective periods. Comparable store sales declined 0.68% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 and declined 1.45% for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2010. Comparable store sales for the quarter and 39-week period continue to be negatively impacted by retail price deflation driven by increased promotional activity and changes in consumer purchasing habits, reflective of the current economic environment.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2010, Harris Teeter opened 13 new stores and closed 3 existing stores, 2 of which were replaced by new stores. Since the third quarter of fiscal 2009, Harris Teeter has opened 17 new stores while closing 4 stores for a net addition of 13 stores. Harris Teeter operated 199 stores at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Operating profit at Harris Teeter increased by 0.8% to $43.1 million (4.23% of sales) for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, from $42.8 million (4.44% of sales) in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, operating profit increased by 0.3% to $132.5 million (4.43% of sales), from $132.1 million (4.65% of sales) in the prior year period. Operating profit was impacted by new store pre-opening costs of $1.8 million (0.18% of sales) and $4.1 million (0.42% of sales) in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively. Pre-opening costs for the 39-week periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009 were $6.6 million (0.22% of sales) and $11.5 million (0.40% of sales), respectively. New store pre-opening costs fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule and location.

The increase in Harris Teeter's operating profit resulted primarily from Harris Teeter's increased sales and a continued emphasis on operational efficiencies and cost controls. Savings realized through these efforts have been utilized to fund increased promotional activity designed to provide additional value to our customers and offset increased occupancy costs, pension expense and increased debit and credit card fees.

Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruddick Corporation commented that, ?We continued to drive customer shopping visits and loyalty through the investments we have made in our in-store promotional activity and lower everyday prices. This has resulted in an increased number of customers, increased number of items sold and greater number of customer shopping visits in fiscal 2010. In addition, our customer loyalty data indicates that the number of active households increased by 1.73 % per comparable store in our fiscal third quarter. Our store brand penetration also remained strong at 24.52% for the quarter and 24.58% for the year. A portion of our investment in pricing has been offset by additional vendor funding, improved operational efficiencies and cost saving initiatives across all areas of the business. Our cost savings initiatives resulted in a reduction of 30 basis points in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales. For the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the SG&A margin was 25.65%, as compared to 25.95% in the same period last year.?

A&E sales increased by 30.9% to $79.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, from sales of $60.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, sales rose 16.6% to $218.4 million from sales of $187.3 in the prior year 39-week period. Foreign sales accounted for approximately 55% of A&E's third quarter sales in both fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009. For the 39-week periods, foreign sales accounted for approximately 54% of A&E's sales in fiscal 2010, as compared to 55% in fiscal 2009.

A&E recorded operating profit of $5.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, as compared to an operating loss of $10.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010, A&E's operating profit was $12.9 million, as compared to an operating loss of $15.9 million for the same period of fiscal 2009. As previously disclosed, the operating loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 included non-cash impairment charges of $9.9 million. Operating profit improvements were realized in A&E's U.S. operations and the majority of its foreign operations. The increase in sales, along with inventories being in line with sales volumes, contributed to improved operating schedules at most of A&E's manufacturing facilities. Improved operating results were also realized through cost reduction measures taken in fiscal 2009.

Mr. Dickson said, ?We continue to be encouraged by A&E's results for the first three quarters of fiscal 2010. The improvements in retail sales of apparel and automobiles have had a positive impact on A&E's sales throughout its global network. A&E's previous efforts to consolidate manufacturing capacities and reduce operating and overhead costs have contributed significantly to the improvement in profitability as sales and production volumes have risen. In addition, improved operating results have also been realized through the sizeable Asian operations in which A&E holds both controlling and noncontrolling interests. Today, A&E has over 60% of its total finishing production capacity located in Asia, including its joint ventures. We will continue to enhance our international operations and evaluate A&E's structure to best position A&E to take advantage of opportunities available through these operations.?

For the first three quarters of fiscal 2010, depreciation and amortization for the consolidated Company totaled $100.4 million and capital expenditures totaled $72.4 million. Total capital expenditures during the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2010 were comprised of $70.3 million for Harris Teeter and $2.1 million for A&E. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2010, Harris Teeter's net investment activity related to certain new stores was essentially flat with $10.2 million of additional investments and $10.2 million received from property investment sales and partnership returns. As previously disclosed, A&E spent $0.3 million to acquire the noncontrolling interest in its joint ventures in South Africa and now has a 100% ownership interest.

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 complete a major remodeling on one store (which will be expanded in size) during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. The new store development program for fiscal 2010 is expected to result in a 6.4% increase in retail square footage, as compared to an 8.7% increase in fiscal 2009. 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. 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.

The Company's planned consolidated capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 are approximately $126 million, consisting of $121 million for Harris Teeter and $5 million for A&E. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 are currently anticipated to be approximately $172 million, consisting of $165 million for Harris Teeter and $7 million for A&E. During fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter plans to open 9 new stores (one of which will replace an existing store) and complete major remodels on 5 stores. The fiscal 2011 new store openings are currently scheduled for 2 in the first quarter, 3 in the second quarter, 1 in the third quarter and 3 in the fourth quarter. The decrease in planned new store openings from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 reflects the Company's efforts, as previously initiated and disclosed, to delay new store openings during these unprecedented economic times.

Future capital investment is expected to be financed by internally generated funds, liquid assets and borrowings under the Company's revolving line of credit. The Company's revolving line of credit provides substantially more liquidity than what management expects the Company will require through the expiration of its line of credit in December 2012.

The Company's management remains cautious in its expectations for the remainder of fiscal 2010 due to the current economic environment and its impact on the Company's customers. Harris Teeter will continue to refine its merchandising strategies to respond to the changing shopping demands and to maintain or increase its customer base. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive and there is no assurance that the recent improvements in the textile and apparel industries will continue. Any operating improvement will be dependent on the Company's ability to increase Harris Teeter's market share, to continue to rationalize A&E's operations, to offset increased operating costs with additional operating efficiencies, and to effectively execute the Company's strategic expansion plans. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 will be positively impacted by a pre-tax gain of $1.8 million recorded in connection with the exchange of a second corporate aircraft.

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 or long-lived assets; the cost and availability of energy and raw materials; the continued solvency of third parties on leases that 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 primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, including 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 27,				June 28,				June 27,				June 28,
			2010				2009				2010				2009
Net Sales:
Harris Teeter		$	1,019,138			$	964,190			$	2,992,104			$	2,842,544
American & Efird			79,434				60,700				218,418				187,335
Total			1,098,572				1,024,890				3,210,522				3,029,879
Cost of Sales:
Harris Teeter			714,581				671,140				2,093,454				1,966,139
American & Efird			60,258				48,539				166,548				152,808
Total			774,839				719,679				2,260,002				2,118,947
Gross Profit:
Harris Teeter			304,557				293,050				898,650				876,405
American & Efird			19,176				12,161				51,870				34,527
Total			323,733				305,211				950,520				910,932
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
Harris Teeter			261,439				250,260				766,132				744,264
American & Efird			13,351				12,506				38,955				40,543
Corporate			(795	)			1,577				3,436				4,435
Total			273,995				264,343				808,523				789,242
Impairment Charges - American & Efird:
Goodwill Impairment			-				7,654				-				7,654
Long-Lived Asset Impairments			-				2,237				-				2,237
Total			-				9,891				-				9,891
Operating Profit (Loss):
Harris Teeter			43,118				42,790				132,518				132,141
American & Efird			5,825				(10,236	)			12,915				(15,907	)
Corporate			795				(1,577	)			(3,436	)			(4,435	)
Total			49,738				30,977				141,997				111,799
Other Expense (Income):
Interest expense			5,016				4,272				15,030				13,296
Interest income			(19	)			(317	)			(158	)			(437	)
Net investment gain			(309	)			(619	)			(310	)			(654	)
Total			4,688				3,336				14,562				12,205
Income Before Taxes			45,050				27,641				127,435				99,594
Income Tax Expense			15,857				10,928				46,588				36,881
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