US grocer and distributor Spartan Stores has posted a rise in second-quarter sales and profits.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA increased 3.8% to US$31.1m for the three months ending 10 September. Net sales for the quarter increased 2.9% to $619.6m.

Dennis Eidson, Spartan’s president and CEO, said improving “overall consumer satisfaction” and a chain-wide loyalty card were a major factor in the rise in sales and profits.

The retail arm posted net sales of $363.4m, up from $353.5m in the same period last year. Operating earnings for the quarter decreased 1.3% to $11.2m.

The distribution segment had net sales of $256.2m for the quarter, a rise of 3.1% on the same period last year. Thanks to new customer growth, improvement in pharmacy-related sales and increased sales to existing customers, the company said.

Operating earnings for the segment were an adjusted $10m compared to $10.7m in the same period last year.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We continue to remain cautiously optimistic about our operating outlook and the continued improvement of our key financial metrics in fiscal 2012,” Eidson added.

The company expects to report earnings per share in the range of $0.20 to $0.23 for the third quarter.

Shares in Spartan Stores rose 1.32% to 16.88 as of 14.54 BST.