Apr 21, 2006 9:00 AM, from staff and wire reports

Smart & Final Inc reported sales of $446.8 million for its 12-week first quarter ended March 26, 2006, an increase of $19.2 million, or 4.5%, over first quarter 2005 sales of $427.6 million. Income from continuing operations was $2.5 million for first quarter 2006, compared with $3.5 million for first quarter 2005. Comparable store sales growth for the first quarter was 1.8%, unadjusted for cannibalization of existing store sales by new stores.

Founded in 1871 in downtown Los Angeles CA, Smart & Final operates 250 non-membership warehouse stores for food and foodservice supplies in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and northern Mexico.