Adjusted Earnings Increase

Despite these pressures, the retailer posted adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.09, a 5 % rise from the prior year. Adjusted FIFO operating profit and EPS guidance for the full year were maintained, though the identical sales without fuel guidance was tightened to 0.2 %‑0.8 % from the previous 1 %‑2 % range. The company reiterated its commitment to cost‑saving initiatives, projecting continued earnings growth in the third and fourth quarters from pharmacy margins, e‑commerce profitability, and media expansion.