Safeway reports fiscal results

Safeway Inc has reported a loss from continuing operations of $344.8 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 28, 2002.

During fourth-quarter 2002, Safeway performed its annual review of goodwill for impairment in accordance with SFAS #142. Excluding the effect of a non-cash $704.2-million goodwill impairment charge for Randall's, fourth-quarter 2002 income from continuing operations was $359.4 million. Income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2001 was $363.7 million.

Results for the fourth quarter of 2001 include goodwill amortization of $31.4 million.