US grocery retailer Supervalu swung into loss during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and revised its full year guidance downwards, largely due to an impairment charge.

The company announced today (19 October) that for the quarter ended 11 September, it recorded a US$1.4bn net loss against a $74m profit in the same period last year.

The company said that when adjusted for the non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges and certain other costs, second quarter fiscal 2011 net earnings were $59m.

For the quarter, sales reached $8.7bn, against $9.5bn during the same period of last year.

The company lowered its guidance for its 2011 fiscal year to earnings of between $1.40 per share and $1.60 per share, excluding non-cash charges. Previously, it had called for full year adjusted earnings in the range of $1.75 a share to $1.95 a share.

Chief executive Craig Herkert said: “It will take longer than originally anticipated to realise the benefit of the marketing, merchandising and operational initiatives that we continue to build upon. Accordingly, we are adjusting our guidance to better reflect this outlook.”

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.

Shares were down 8.87% to $11.30 at 10:09ET

For Supervalu’s full results announcement click here.