MONTRÉAL, Aug. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - METRO INC. (TSX:MRU) today announced its results for the third quarter of Fiscal 2024 ended July 6, 2024. 2024 THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS  Sales of $6,651.8 million, up 3.5%  Food same-store sales(1) up 2.4%  Pharmacy same-store sales(1) up 5.2%  Net earnings of $296.2 million, down 14.6%, and adjusted net earnings(1) of $305.0 million, down 3.1%  Fully diluted net earnings per share of $1.31, down 12.1%, and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share(1) of $1.35, unchanged versus last year Transition to the new automated Terrebonne distribution centre completed 16 weeks / Fiscal Year (Millions of dollars, except for net earnings per share) 2024 % 2023 % Change (%) Sales 6,651.8 100.0 6,427.5 100.0 3.5 Operating income before depreciation and amortization   and impairments of assets 620.2 9.3 612.3 9.5 1.3 Net earnings 296.2 4.5 346.7 5.4 (14.6) Fully diluted net earnings per share 1.31 — 1.49 — (12.1) Adjusted net earnings(1) 305.0 4.6 314.8 4.9 (3.1) Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share(1) 1.35 — 1.35 — — 40 weeks / Fiscal Year (Millions of dollars, except for net earnings per share) 2024 % 2023 % Change (%) Sales 16,281.5 100.0 15,652.9 100.0 4.0 Operating income before depreciation and amortization    and impairments of assets 1,527.4 9.4 1,521.6 9.7 0.4 Net earnings 711.8 4.4 796.6 5.1 (10.6) Fully diluted net earnings per share 3.13 — 3.39 — (7.7) Adjusted net earnings(1) 746.4 4.6 777.8 5.0 (4.0) Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share(1) 3.28 — 3.31 — (0.9) PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE "We recorded solid comparable sales growth in the third quarter, on top of a very strong quarter last year, reflecting effective merchandising and good execution in our food and pharmacy banners. Our new automated fresh and frozen facility in Terrebonne is now fully operational with productivity levels ramping up in line with our plans, and the transfer to the last phase of our automated fresh facility in Toronto has begun. While food inflation continues to decline, we know the environment remains difficult for many of our customers, and our teams are focused on offering them the best value possible", declared Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer. OPERATING RESULTS SALES Sales in the third quarter of Fiscal 2024 ended on July 6, 2024 were $6,651.8 million, up 3.5% versus the third quarter of the prior year which ended on July 1, 2023, driven by higher sales in our retail network. Our food basket inflation was slightly lower than the reported CPI for ...