RDK Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.

Ruddick Corporation (NYSE: RDK) (the “Company”) today reported results for the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2011. As previously disclosed, the Company reported on October 27, 2011 that it entered into a definitive agreement with two newly formed affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) to sell all of its ownership interest in its wholly-owned subsidiary, American & Efird, Inc. (“A&E). As such, the results related to A&E are reported as discontinued operations and A&E’s assets have been reclassified as assets held for sale.

Sales for the 52 weeks of fiscal 2011 increased by 4.5% to $4.29 billion from $4.10 billion in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2010. Sales for the 13-week fiscal fourth quarter ended October 2, 2011 decreased slightly to $1.10 billion from $1.11 billion in the 14-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. On a comparable week basis (reducing fiscal 2010 sales for the first week of the annual or quarterly period), sales increased by 6.40% for the year and 7.77% for the quarter over the respective periods. The increase in sales was attributable to new store activity and comparable store sales increases. Comparable store sales increased by 3.27% for the year and 5.00% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

During fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter opened seven new stores (one of which replaced an existing store) and closed two stores, for a net addition of five stores. Harris Teeter operated 204 stores at the end of fiscal 2011. Retail square footage increased by 3.2% in fiscal 2011, as compared to an increase of 6.4% in fiscal 2010.

The Company reported fiscal 2011 consolidated net income of $91.2 million, comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $111.5 million, earnings from discontinued operations of $16.2 million and impairment charges of $36.5 million (net of tax benefits of $12.3 million). For the fiscal fourth quarter ended October 2, 2011, the Company reported a net loss of $8.9 million, comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $24.6 million, earnings on discontinued operations of $3.0 million and net impairment charges of $36.5 million. Fiscal 2011 earnings from continuing operations amounted to $111.5 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, as compared to $98.4 million, or $2.02 per diluted share in fiscal 2010. Earnings from continuing operations for the 13-weeks ended October 2, 2011 amounted to $24.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, as compared to $27.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the 14-week period ended October 3, 2010. Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 included a pre-tax gain of $19.5 million ($10.3 million after tax or $0.21 per diluted share) from the sale of the Company’s interest in a foreign investment that was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2010 included pre-tax gains totaling $3.9 million ($2.4 million after tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) recorded in connection with the exchange of the Company’s corporate aircraft, of which $1.8 million ($1.1 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) was realized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

Operating profit for fiscal 2011 increased to $180.7 million from $176.9 million in fiscal 2010, while operating profit for the 13-week period ended October 3, 2011 declined to $43.1 million from $49.0 million in the prior year period. The decline in operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by the extra week of operations included in fiscal 2010 and the pre-tax gains recorded in fiscal 2010 as discussed above.

Operating profit at Harris Teeter for fiscal 2011 increased 5.2% to $191.1 million (4.46% of sales) from $181.6 million (4.43% of sales) in fiscal 2010. Operating profit for the 13 weeks ended October 2, 2011 decreased to $45.0 million (4.09% of sales) from $49.1 million (4.43% of sales) for the 14 weeks ended October 3, 2010. The decline in operating profit for the quarter was mostly attributable to the fourteen-week quarter last year versus the normal thirteen-week quarter in fiscal 2011. Our goal for the quarter and the year was to drive units and transactions. Therefore, we invested in additional promotional activities which included two promotional coupon events that were well received by our customers and were redeemed at higher than historical trends. The cost of these programs were mitigated by a higher level of sales and greater vendor participation but resulted in a decline in gross margin of 59 basis points for the quarter and 30 basis points for the year. The LIFO adjustment in fiscal 2011 amounted to $11.1 million (0.26% of sales), as compared to a credit of $1.6 million (0.04% of sales) in fiscal 2010. The LIFO adjustment for the 13 weeks ended October 2, 2011 amounted to a credit of $0.2 million (0.02% of sales), as compared to a credit of $1.6 million (0.14% of sales) for the 14 weeks ended October 3, 2010.

Operating profit at Harris Teeter for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2011 benefited from reductions in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses as a percentage of sales of 25 basis points and 34 basis points, respectively. Harris Teeter has successfully mitigated the impact of pressures on gross profit margins through continued emphasis on cost controls.

Operating profit was impacted by new store pre-opening costs of $7.0 million (0.16% of sales) and $8.4 million (0.20% of sales) in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Pre-opening costs for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010 were $1.7 million (0.15% of sales) and $1.8 million (0.16% of sales), respectively. New store pre-opening costs fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule and market location.

Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruddick Corporation stated, “We are very pleased with our results for the quarter and the year. When viewed on a comparable week basis, we experienced positive comparable store sales as well as an increase in transactions, basket size and households in the quarter and for the year. We believe these positive results are the product of our continuing investment in price and promotion while, at the same time, offering outstanding customer service, thereby delivering superior value to our customers. We are also pleased that our customers recognize the value and quality of our store brands resulting in a higher growth rate in sales for these items than our growth rate in total sales for the quarter.

We are also pleased to have reached an agreement with KPS regarding their acquisition of A&E. This transaction allows the management team and their associates at A&E to continue to pursue their strategic plan of transforming A&E into a more Asian-centric enterprise, which has been years in the making. As A&E’s business has grown substantially in Asia it has become less of a domestic company and more of a complex international manufacturing company and its strategic fit with Harris Teeter has become less evident to our shareholders. This transaction enhances the strategic plan for Ruddick and Harris Teeter as the cash proceeds from the sale can be utilized for numerous purposes, including the acceleration of new store growth and the repayment of debt.”

Capital expenditures during fiscal 2011 totaled $153.9 million and depreciation and amortization totaled $140.7 million. Harris Teeter accounted for $147.9 million of the total fiscal 2011 capital expenditures. During fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter received $22.6 million of cash in connection with the sale of its ownership position in five investment properties along with one owned property. In addition, Harris Teeter invested an additional $19.4 million and received an additional $19.8 million in connection with the development of certain of its new stores.

Harris Teeter’s operating performance and the Company’s strong financial position provides the flexibility to continue with Harris Teeter’s store development program for new and replacement stores along with the remodeling and expansion of existing stores. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 are planned to total approximately $215 million. During fiscal 2012, Harris Teeter plans to open seven new stores (one of which will replace an existing store) and complete major remodels on twelve stores (six of which will be expanded in size). The fiscal 2012 new store openings are currently scheduled for three in the first quarter, three in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter. The anticipated increase in Harris Teeter’s capital expenditures from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 is caused by increased remodeling costs in fiscal 2012 for additional expansions and a plan that calls for fiscal 2013 new stores to open earlier in the fiscal year. The new store development program for fiscal 2012 is expected to result in a 3.7% increase in retail square footage, as compared to a 3.2% increase in fiscal 2011. 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.

In connection with the sale of A&E, the Company expects to incur additional expenses, primarily related to the settlement of the pension liability and other employee benefit plans that will be determined at closing and are expected to be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The amount of these losses will include adjustments for the recognition of a pro-rata share of the pension plan’s accumulated unrecognized net actuarial losses currently included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and the impact from allocating existing plan assets under pension regulations. These non-cash charges are currently estimated to be approximately $66 million before tax and $40 million after tax, or $0.81 per diluted share. Additionally, adjustments for changes in the plan’s funded status from the Company’s fiscal year end until closing will be made and cannot presently be estimated.

The Company’s management remains cautious in its expectations for fiscal 2012 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. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive. Any operating improvement will be dependent on the Company’s ability to increase Harris Teeter’s market share and to effectively execute the Company’s strategic expansion plans.

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; 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 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, and 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 (as previously announced, the Company has agreed to sell A&E).

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 Earnings (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)         13 Weeks 14 Weeks 52 Weeks 53 Weeks October 2, October 3, October 2, October 3, 2011 2010 2011 2010   Sales $ 1,101,488 $ 1,107,249 $ 4,285,565 $ 4,099,353 Cost of Sales   780,997     778,453     3,015,517     2,871,907   Gross Profit   320,491     328,796     1,270,048     1,227,446     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Harris Teeter 275,448 279,728 1,078,978 1,045,860 Corporate   1,991     81     10,364     4,730   Total   277,439     279,809     1,089,342     1,050,590     Operating Profit   43,052     48,987     180,706     176,856     Other Expense (Income): Interest expense 4,754 5,004 19,116 19,708 Interest income (47 ) (71 ) (133 ) (187 ) Net investment gain   -     -     (19,392 )   (310 ) Total   4,707     4,933     (409 )   19,211     Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes 38,345 44,054 181,115 157,645 Income Tax Expense   13,716     16,467     69,633     59,287   Earnings from Continuing Operations   24,629     27,587     111,482     98,358     Earnings from Discontinued Operations 5,903 6,616 26,078 19,693 Income Tax Expense 2,949 2,242 9,840 6,010 Impairment Charges, Net of $12,277 of Tax Benefits   (36,473 )   -     (36,473 )   -   Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations   (33,519 )   4,374     (20,235 )   13,683     Net Earnings (Loss) $ (8,890 ) $ 31,961   $ 91,247   $ 112,041     Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic: Continuing Operations $ 0.51 $ 0.57 $ 2.30 $ 2.04 Discontinued Operations $ (0.69 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.42 ) $ 0.28   Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted: Continuing Operations $ 0.50 $ 0.57 $ 2.28 $ 2.02 Discontinued Operations $ (0.69 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.41 ) $ 0.28   Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding: Basic 48,496 48,314 48,469 48,215 Diluted 48,916 48,703 48,852 48,600   Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.13 $ 0.12 $ 0.52 $ 0.48     Ruddick Corporation     Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) (unaudited)   October 2, October 3, 2011 2010

Assets

Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 164,479 $ 60,107 Accounts Receivable, Net 47,088 47,873 Refundable Income Taxes 15,055 14,421 Inventories 287,137 272,025 Deferred Income Taxes 1,321 2,395 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 24,576 28,215 Current Assets Held For Sale   119,762     121,238   Total Current Assets 659,418 546,274   Property, Net 1,019,468 997,556 Investments 112,557 116,615 Intangible Assets 13,608 13,945 Other Long-Term Assets 79,118 72,466 Long-Term Assets Held For Sale 98,749 142,383     Total Assets $ 1,982,918   $ 1,889,239      

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities: Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations $ 3,902 $ 10,776 Accounts Payable 252,859 210,875 Accrued Compensation 63,236 56,750 Other Current Liabilities 87,805 83,652 Current Liabilities Held For Sale   36,021     39,836   Total Current Liabilities 443,823 401,889   Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 283,428 295,321 Deferred Income Taxes 19,674 3,580 Pension Liabilities 113,617 160,147 Other Long-Term Liabilities 113,249 103,663 Long-Term Liabilities Held For Sale 20,804 13,746   Equity: Common Stock 104,211 98,285 Retained Earnings 984,535 918,843 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   (100,423 )   (106,235 ) Total Equity 988,323 910,893     Total Liabilities and Equity $ 1,982,918   $ 1,889,239         RUDDICK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) 52 Weeks 53 Weeks October 2, October 3, 2011 2010 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income $ 91,247 $ 112,041 Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income Depreciation and Amortization 140,717 135,338 Deferred Income Taxes 18,939 44,971 Net Gain on Sale of Property (20,712 ) (5,802 ) Impairment Losses 36,473 - Share-Based Compensation 8,072 6,104 Other, Net (7,219 ) (5,912 ) Changes in Operating Accounts Providing (Utilizing) Cash Accounts Receivable (852 ) (19,015 ) Inventories (19,971 ) (10,194 ) Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 6,311 (1,408 ) Accounts Payable 37,688 (456 ) Other Current Liabilities 19,219 (6,222 ) Other Long-Term Operating Accounts (39,097 ) (7,301 ) Dividends Received   1,431     1,553   NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   272,246     243,697     INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital Expenditures (153,916 ) (132,130 ) Purchase of Other Investments (19,435 ) (21,298 ) Proceeds from Sale of Property 67,760 25,580 Return of Partnership Investments - 3,364 Investments in COLI, net of Proceeds from Death Benefits (1,073 ) 158 Other, Net   (2,306 )   (488 ) NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES   (108,970 )   (124,814 )   FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Proceeds from (Payments on) Short-Term Debt Borrowings (2,427 ) 941 Net (Payments on) Proceeds from Revolver Borrowings - (52,900 ) Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Borrowings - 5,319 Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (32,195 ) (9,450 ) Dividends Paid (25,554 ) (29,259 ) Proceeds from Stock Issued 622 3,954 Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits 1,156 1,366 Shares Effectively Purchased and Retired for Withholding Taxes (2,485 ) (1,375 ) Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock - (1,491 ) Other, Net   (1,096 )   53   NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES   (61,979 )   (82,842 )   INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 101,297 36,041 EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ON CASH (107 ) 261 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 73,612 37,310     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 174,802   $ 73,612     Cash and Cash Equivalents of Continuing Operations $ 164,479 $ 60,107 Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations $ 10,323 $ 13,505   SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash Paid During the Year for: Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized $ 19,416 $ 19,422 Income Taxes 44,470 28,214 Non-Cash Activity: Assets Acquired Under Capital Leases 12,144 28     Ruddick Corporation Other Statistics         October 2, 2011 (dollars in millions)   Consolidated Harris Discontinued Ruddick Teeter   Operations   Corporate   Corporation   Depreciation and Amortization: 4th Fiscal Quarter $ 32.5 $ 2.9 $ 0.2 $ 35.6 Fiscal Year to Date 127.6 12.0 1.1 140.7   Capital Expenditures: 4th Fiscal Quarter $ 49.3 $ 2.0 $ 0.1 $ 51.4 Fiscal Year to Date 147.9 5.9 0.1 153.9   Purchase of Other Investment Assets: 4th Fiscal Quarter $ 0.6 $ - $ - $ 0.6 Fiscal Year to Date 19.4 - - 19.4       Harris Teeter Store Count: Quarter Year to Date   Beginning number of stores 204 199 Opened during the period 1 7 Closed during the period   (1 )   (2 ) Stores in operation at end of period   204     204       Quarter Year to Date   Harris Teeter Comparable Store Sales 5.00 % 3.27 %  

Definition of Comparable Store Sales:

Comparable store sales are computed using corresponding calendar weeks to account for the occasional extra week included in a fiscal year. A new store must be in operation for 14 months before it enters into the calculation of comparable store sales. A closed store is removed from the calculation in the month in which its closure is announced. A new store opening within an approximate two-mile radius of an existing store that is to be closed upon the new store opening is included as a replacement store in the comparable store sales measure as if it were the same store. Sales increases resulting from existing comparable stores that are expanded in size are included in the calculations of comparable store sales, if the store remains open during the construction period.