Article: American Drug Stores sales rise, profits decline. (American Drug Stores Inc. ) (Business)

SALT LAKE CITY - Gross margin erosion overpowered a respectable sales gain, causing American Drug Stores Inc. to realize a single-digit decline in fiscal 1993 profits.

Operating profits at the American Stores Co. unit dropped 4.1% to $197 million over the 52 weeks ended January 29, 1994, from $205 million in fiscal 1992. Full-year sales improved 8% to $4.32 billion from $4 billion, as same-store volume at the Osco Sav-on units rose 2%. Operating margins declined 0.6 points over the year to 4.6%.

In the fourth quarter American Drug Stores' contribution to its parent's coffers improved slightly, growing 0.4% to $68 million from $67.7 million a year ...

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